Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Long Range vs Standard Plus, Hierarchy Established

Somehow I've never driven a Tesla yet, but as we are bombarded with information regarding the brand everywhere you go, it's not hard to grasp the fact that these are some very fast cars indeed. And today we're looking at an all Model 3 shootout, with all three versions of this vehicle being pitched against each other, to establish exactly how fast they are.

Mat Watson is behind the wheel of a previous generation Model 3 Long Range, and the other two opponents are driving the Performance version and the Standard Range Plus. If you look at Tesla's website, you get a direct comparison of what these individual versions can achieve when being pushed to their limits. The Performance can launch from a standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h).

The Long Range version will get to 60 mph (97 kph) in 4.2 seconds and will top out at 145 mph (233 kph). And the Standard Plus needs 5.3 seconds to get up to 60 mph, with a top speed of 140 mph (225 kph). So the distinction between these cars is obvious from the beginning, but is there anything better than putting the manufacturer's claims to the test on the track?

After a hilarious exhaust note test, in which effects from Star Wars are being used, followed by an unsuccessful first launch, due to Mat forgetting to shift the car into Drive, we get to see the first run of the day. The results are exactly what you would expect, but they decide on a rerun as the reaction time of the driver in the Standard Plus version wasn't on par with his competitors.

For the second run, the outcome is unchanged, and while the two dual-motor versions are somewhat evenly matched, the single-motor Tesla is left far behind. The Performance version crosses the quarter-mile (402 meters) finish line in 11.7 seconds, while the Long Range required an extra 0.5 seconds to finish the run too. The Standard Range was 2.1 seconds slower than the fastest available Model 3, but it still churned out a result worthy of a fast hot hatchback.

A rolling race is up next, and they start at 30 mph (48 kph), going all the way up to about 130 mph (209 kph). We notice that the difference between the two dual-motor cars becomes less significant with a rolling start, and this becomes even more obvious as they do another run, starting at 50 mph (80 kph). For some reason, this time the Long Range model overtakes the Performance, as both drivers are left wondering what just happened.

"I was pushing the accelerator as hard as I can, I don't know what else I could have done" is the Performance model driver's answer, as they decide on a third attempt, starting at 70 mph (112 kph). After ending up with the same result, they finally do a brake test, and to no surprise, the lighter car, which also happens to be the slowest in a straight line, wins this last round.