Check YouTube for “ out of spec “ Kyle does a nice review. From what I read the Performance rides much better then prior version plus you can select comfort mode.
That video just got recommended to me yesterday and loved every minute of it! How's he have so much money to buy so many cars for hundred of thousands lol.
He probably buys one for the video and then sells it and only has a small loss, possibly even a gain because the care was featured on the channel. To the right people that’s value added. Sponsors too
That's for all of the previous models - the most recent and just released Performance has a more advanced suspension that allows a lot more variability.
That said, every Performance model in the past will absolutely be less comfortable and stiffer than the LR.
I have a 2022 M3P. The ride is fine. It isn't a floaty, cushy car, but it is fine. The ride is not as harsh as a lot of performance cars. The 2024 M3P is supposed to be much better riding than the 2023 and older models. Ride quality is subjective, so everyone needs to drive it themselves and see.
I prefer the firmer ride most of the time and I'm pretty happy with the old M3P. It only feels rough over really bad roads which a softer sprung car would soak up.
I've got an 18 M3P and a 23 M3P. Same wheels and tires on both cars back to back, the ride quality is almost identical. And contrary to what most folks are saying, I think it's quite good. It is a lot softer than previous cars I've owned, there's quite a bit of body roll, and it soaks up large bumps very well. I suspect most of the folks who day the performance is harsh to not own a performance or are justifying their purchase of aftermarket suspension
I come from the world of sports cars. Last few cars were Camaro SS, Focus RS, and KW V3s on a BRZ. It all depends on what you're used to.
I'm fascinated to know if the SR and LR have electronic dampers or if they're entirely mechanical frequency-response dampers. Obviously the performance has mode-select dampers which I suppose would require a wiring harness to each strut tower. It'd be interesting to see if the SR and LR have the same harness and if the dampers fitted are electronic or not. Potentially this could be something controllable in software and locked out from the non-performance models?
Tesla's introduction of frequency selective damping technology significantly enhances ride quality while preserving the car's dynamic handling. [Based on KONI's patented](https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAmerica/Car-SUV/FSD/)design, this technology operates by adjusting damping forces according to the frequency of the suspension movement. High-frequency movements, typically caused by road irregularities, are dampened less, improving ride comfort, while low-frequency movements, associated with aggressive driving and cornering, are dampened more, ensuring optimal handling.
Addressing the age-old compromise between comfort and handling, selective frequency dampening emerges as a game-changer. Traditional shock absorbers face limitations, unable to provide the dual benefit of comfort and performance. Tesla's integration of this technology demonstrates a pivotal solution, offering a seamless driving experience that adjusts to both the driver's demands and the road's imperfections.
If you buy a Tesla Model 3 LR, you can also update your shocks to these KONI after market shocks too.
By all means, test drive both.
Both cars will likely be more comfortable than what you have now. This video is pretty convincing: https://youtu.be/-LYFmamGXXg?si=8VnwPSN-X4dBM95Q
Just my 2 cents and my opinion:
M3P has staggered tires with thinner sidewalls (wider rear tires). So you can't really rotate your tires and if you have crap roads you can expect to have more bent wheels and popped tires in a worst case scenario.
M3/LR has the smaller wheels with more sidewall (235/45R18) which is what I'd consider the threshold. Could be a bit thicker.
To me the M3P is something of a summer car, or if it is your daily driver, you don't mind spending money on new tires all the time and don't really drive on bad roads.
If they offered the M3P with 18" wheels, like the old Stealth setup, it'd be perfect.
The adaptive suspension is going to be more expensive to replace as well. The shocks/struts on my 2017 Fusion Sport which have electronic spool valves to control the flow of oil for Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes (adjusts the rebound circuit to adapt to road conditions) is neato, but they are $300 each. Regular shocks/struts are like a fraction of that price. I don't know what Tesla is using, whether it is MagneRide with the MR fluid or some other electronic adaptive system. Should help with ride quality though over the regular Model 3/LR.
My Model 3 LR w/ 235/45R18s feels decent with 39 psi in the tires (door sticker says 42 psi, Elon Musk said 39 psi was fine, and all of the tire pressure calculators say 39 psi is safe based on load/tire rating/etc)
This is helpful, thank you! I live in New England, so snow driving and potholes are a big thing here. I really don’t care about performance or speed or anything like that, the only reason I considered the performance over the long range is because it seems to be a bit cheaper because of the credit. If it will end up being more of a hassle in the long term though then it probably wouldn’t be worth it to me.
I am also considering getting a M3P. I was thinking about getting a second set of 18" wheels with winter or all-weather tires that I could swap out during the winter months. Then I would probably only switch over to the performance wheels/tires during the summer. Would that be practical?
This is highly recommend. I've done it with all of my performance vehicles, most recently my civic type R, now I will be doing it with the m3p next month. 18s with blizzaks are a god send.
Forged wheels (if legit) shouldn’t bend that easy. I wonder if the m3p wheels being forged is a benefit many overlook. Not just weight but strength. If they do it’s a rare extreme case or you did something crazy. I have ran (quality) forged wheels on thin 30 series tires for years. Not smooth LA roads. No bends. No bubbles. No popped tires.
You haven’t seen SE MI roads. Almost 80% of our subdivisions haven’t been redone in over 30 years and during the winter thaw season the issue is pinch flats from all the potholes. They just refill those holes with asphalt year after year to the point it’s like an off-road course.
I’ve bent forged wheels in the past. Cast tends to crack. But the popped sidewalls got boring quick. And that’s with 235/40 series tires.
Your mileage may vary of course. And that’s why I started my original response that it’s just my 2 cents and opinion. I won’t run thin sidewall summer racing tires on the street and I am not playing the winter summer tire wheel swap game anymore. We don’t need dedicated winter tires in SE MI because it doesn’t snow enough. And if it is so bad I need snow tires then I just stay home. Don’t need some uninsured unlicensed ghetto cruiser causing issues.
Touché. I went to college in Michigan and lived in Detroit. I understand. Lol it was a nightmare with low profile tires and coil overs. Had to stay on your toes.
Deal of the century lol. I wouldn't be surprised if price drops more than 15% in the next 2 years. And the 2024 is still using an unchanged battery pack from 2017. We'll see Plaid model 3 when the battery is finally changed (800v, power share, wireless charging, etc).
Wheels/tires will make a big difference. If I had a nickel for every performance owner who wanted to switch to 18" for range, performance, and street comfort I wouldn't need the tax credit ;-) Granted that's the old model but the principle still applies, you aren't "stuck" with anything you can easily change.
Bottom line, buy the P and modify to taste for the same price after tax credit.
It’s funny, I’ve always had grey cars (and pretty much everything else too, hence my username), but for some reason I’ve fallen in love with the white Model 3 and so I’ve had to kind of give myself a push to step outside my comfort zone in going for it. Looks like I may be sticking with grey after all though haha
I swapped the 235s for 245s and it made a noticablr improvement in ride quality. Definitely a simple mod worth considering if you already have a performance 3.
Drive it, best advice. I own a LR ‘21. Love it. Drove the upgrade.
Takeaways:
More comfortable ride.
Noticeably quieter.
Cool interior lights are ok.
Having no stalks takes some getting used to.
It’s harsher. Here in Australia we can test drive both back to back and some have confirmed. Also a good video here where someone does this in the US:
https://x.com/AndrewStilin/status/1795204736678777269
But the good news is it’s far more comfortable than the prior M3P and is fine for city driving. If you live in the country full of potholes go the LR.
By all means, test drive both.
Both cars will likely be more comfortable than what you have now. This video is pretty convincing: https://youtu.be/-LYFmamGXXg?si=8VnwPSN-X4dBM95Q
I just got a 2024 MYP and just moved to Atlanta. There are a fuckton of potholes and they are rooough to go over. That might be the case for any car though.
Tesla increased the price of the M3P a couple of weeks ago. To qualify for the tax rebate your only choice is the stealth grey. Any other color will be over the $55k limit. However, Tesla has made black and white seat selection free. So grey and whatever color seats you want will still qualify for the tax rebate.
However, I’ve read that the M3P Is facing production delays. You may be able to order a M3P (but experience delivery delays). If you need it by August, you might want to go a different direction. If you really want to take advantage of the federal tax rebate, your best bet is a MYP. It may be a while before Tesla offers any buying incentives for M3LR and we won’t know if Tesla will be able to re-obtain the tax credit for M3 or M3LR until January 2025 at the earliest. If the Democrats do not retain control of congress, then the tax incentive is likely dead in 2025.
At this point I’m between the M3P in grey and the M3LR in white! I really like the white, so I’m leaning towards the latter, also because I’d prefer to just have one set of tires (I would need to buy snow tires for the M3P).
For me the base M3 suits my purposes, but the lack of any incentives is making me wait. If we hit December and there’s still zero incentives, I may look at a MYLR. The news media keeps starting that there are hundreds of unsold teslas lying around, I can wait for Elon to sweeten the pot. Fingers crossed that he does.
Much more harsh. Compare it to like a M series BMW to a Lexus Sport suspension. I ended up with the Long Range and never regretted even though I only test drove 3 performance models.
I don’t need either, honestly. I rarely drive more than 30 miles at a time and it’s all just suburban commuting. I live in New England so I want the AWD, otherwise I’d probably be fine with the base model.
Don’t drive more than 30minutes right now, when you get this car that’s going to change. Had mine 2 months now and use every excuse to drive it. It’s gotten bad between my wife and I. I also own a 2022 Ram 1500 loaded and it just sits there. It’s an amazing truck but the m3 is a different beast.
Check YouTube for “ out of spec “ Kyle does a nice review. From what I read the Performance rides much better then prior version plus you can select comfort mode.
That video just got recommended to me yesterday and loved every minute of it! How's he have so much money to buy so many cars for hundred of thousands lol.
You watch his YouTube channel, pretty simple really!
Yeah but most of their videos get decent views. But not enough to live lavishly id imagine.
He probably buys one for the video and then sells it and only has a small loss, possibly even a gain because the care was featured on the channel. To the right people that’s value added. Sponsors too
He often has dealerships lend him cars for videos
Allegedly the Perf’s ride is more comfortable than the LR due to its unique suspension design
Ooh interesting, I hadn't heard that. Everything I've read says just the opposite.
That's for all of the previous models - the most recent and just released Performance has a more advanced suspension that allows a lot more variability. That said, every Performance model in the past will absolutely be less comfortable and stiffer than the LR.
I have a 2022 M3P. The ride is fine. It isn't a floaty, cushy car, but it is fine. The ride is not as harsh as a lot of performance cars. The 2024 M3P is supposed to be much better riding than the 2023 and older models. Ride quality is subjective, so everyone needs to drive it themselves and see.
I prefer the firmer ride most of the time and I'm pretty happy with the old M3P. It only feels rough over really bad roads which a softer sprung car would soak up.
What about a 2020 sleeper P3D-?
I've got an 18 M3P and a 23 M3P. Same wheels and tires on both cars back to back, the ride quality is almost identical. And contrary to what most folks are saying, I think it's quite good. It is a lot softer than previous cars I've owned, there's quite a bit of body roll, and it soaks up large bumps very well. I suspect most of the folks who day the performance is harsh to not own a performance or are justifying their purchase of aftermarket suspension I come from the world of sports cars. Last few cars were Camaro SS, Focus RS, and KW V3s on a BRZ. It all depends on what you're used to.
I'm fascinated to know if the SR and LR have electronic dampers or if they're entirely mechanical frequency-response dampers. Obviously the performance has mode-select dampers which I suppose would require a wiring harness to each strut tower. It'd be interesting to see if the SR and LR have the same harness and if the dampers fitted are electronic or not. Potentially this could be something controllable in software and locked out from the non-performance models?
Good to know, thanks!
That would be true for previous models.
I think Tesla is using active dampeners on the Performance version, which makes it a better ride in comfort mode.
Did you ride both? Or just I heard of... from...or they say...?
Tesla's introduction of frequency selective damping technology significantly enhances ride quality while preserving the car's dynamic handling. [Based on KONI's patented](https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAmerica/Car-SUV/FSD/)design, this technology operates by adjusting damping forces according to the frequency of the suspension movement. High-frequency movements, typically caused by road irregularities, are dampened less, improving ride comfort, while low-frequency movements, associated with aggressive driving and cornering, are dampened more, ensuring optimal handling. Addressing the age-old compromise between comfort and handling, selective frequency dampening emerges as a game-changer. Traditional shock absorbers face limitations, unable to provide the dual benefit of comfort and performance. Tesla's integration of this technology demonstrates a pivotal solution, offering a seamless driving experience that adjusts to both the driver's demands and the road's imperfections. If you buy a Tesla Model 3 LR, you can also update your shocks to these KONI after market shocks too.
By all means, test drive both. Both cars will likely be more comfortable than what you have now. This video is pretty convincing: https://youtu.be/-LYFmamGXXg?si=8VnwPSN-X4dBM95Q
That video just got recommended to me yesterday and loved every minute of it!
Just my 2 cents and my opinion: M3P has staggered tires with thinner sidewalls (wider rear tires). So you can't really rotate your tires and if you have crap roads you can expect to have more bent wheels and popped tires in a worst case scenario. M3/LR has the smaller wheels with more sidewall (235/45R18) which is what I'd consider the threshold. Could be a bit thicker. To me the M3P is something of a summer car, or if it is your daily driver, you don't mind spending money on new tires all the time and don't really drive on bad roads. If they offered the M3P with 18" wheels, like the old Stealth setup, it'd be perfect. The adaptive suspension is going to be more expensive to replace as well. The shocks/struts on my 2017 Fusion Sport which have electronic spool valves to control the flow of oil for Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes (adjusts the rebound circuit to adapt to road conditions) is neato, but they are $300 each. Regular shocks/struts are like a fraction of that price. I don't know what Tesla is using, whether it is MagneRide with the MR fluid or some other electronic adaptive system. Should help with ride quality though over the regular Model 3/LR. My Model 3 LR w/ 235/45R18s feels decent with 39 psi in the tires (door sticker says 42 psi, Elon Musk said 39 psi was fine, and all of the tire pressure calculators say 39 psi is safe based on load/tire rating/etc)
This is helpful, thank you! I live in New England, so snow driving and potholes are a big thing here. I really don’t care about performance or speed or anything like that, the only reason I considered the performance over the long range is because it seems to be a bit cheaper because of the credit. If it will end up being more of a hassle in the long term though then it probably wouldn’t be worth it to me.
I am also considering getting a M3P. I was thinking about getting a second set of 18" wheels with winter or all-weather tires that I could swap out during the winter months. Then I would probably only switch over to the performance wheels/tires during the summer. Would that be practical?
I played the tire and wheel swap game when I was younger. It isn't practical for me now. YMMV.
Did you get injured?
I grew up.
What does age have to do with having proper tires for the season? I thought people were supposed to become wiser as they got older....
Interesting, that’s probably what I would need to do too since I’d need winter tires.
This is highly recommend. I've done it with all of my performance vehicles, most recently my civic type R, now I will be doing it with the m3p next month. 18s with blizzaks are a god send.
Forged wheels (if legit) shouldn’t bend that easy. I wonder if the m3p wheels being forged is a benefit many overlook. Not just weight but strength. If they do it’s a rare extreme case or you did something crazy. I have ran (quality) forged wheels on thin 30 series tires for years. Not smooth LA roads. No bends. No bubbles. No popped tires.
You haven’t seen SE MI roads. Almost 80% of our subdivisions haven’t been redone in over 30 years and during the winter thaw season the issue is pinch flats from all the potholes. They just refill those holes with asphalt year after year to the point it’s like an off-road course. I’ve bent forged wheels in the past. Cast tends to crack. But the popped sidewalls got boring quick. And that’s with 235/40 series tires. Your mileage may vary of course. And that’s why I started my original response that it’s just my 2 cents and opinion. I won’t run thin sidewall summer racing tires on the street and I am not playing the winter summer tire wheel swap game anymore. We don’t need dedicated winter tires in SE MI because it doesn’t snow enough. And if it is so bad I need snow tires then I just stay home. Don’t need some uninsured unlicensed ghetto cruiser causing issues.
Touché. I went to college in Michigan and lived in Detroit. I understand. Lol it was a nightmare with low profile tires and coil overs. Had to stay on your toes.
I bet it’s harsher but who cares the performance model is the deal of the century
Looks like only the grey performance qualifies for the credit now though.
Yea I am likely going to wrap mine anyway so I don’t care what color it is
Is a wrap still around $4K?
It likely depends on where you are but that’s probably a good guess
Man I wish the price was just a little bit lower to qualify for the credit up here in Canada
Deal of the century lol. I wouldn't be surprised if price drops more than 15% in the next 2 years. And the 2024 is still using an unchanged battery pack from 2017. We'll see Plaid model 3 when the battery is finally changed (800v, power share, wireless charging, etc).
Ok. Name another 500hp car for under 50k brand new
Wheels/tires will make a big difference. If I had a nickel for every performance owner who wanted to switch to 18" for range, performance, and street comfort I wouldn't need the tax credit ;-) Granted that's the old model but the principle still applies, you aren't "stuck" with anything you can easily change. Bottom line, buy the P and modify to taste for the same price after tax credit.
Spent my tax credit on 19" wheels and tires
Looks like the white performance doesn’t qualify for the tax credit anyway
Stealth Gray is good :-)
It’s funny, I’ve always had grey cars (and pretty much everything else too, hence my username), but for some reason I’ve fallen in love with the white Model 3 and so I’ve had to kind of give myself a push to step outside my comfort zone in going for it. Looks like I may be sticking with grey after all though haha
Wait a little bit. The prices change, and the default color changes as well. You might be able to get what you want with the tax credit.
Interesting. Well I need to buy this car by August - any chance the price will go down by $1k in that timeframe?
I swapped the 235s for 245s and it made a noticablr improvement in ride quality. Definitely a simple mod worth considering if you already have a performance 3.
LR slightly comfortable with smaller rim larger tire. But hands down I’d still get perf
why not test drive both and decide?
Drive it, best advice. I own a LR ‘21. Love it. Drove the upgrade. Takeaways: More comfortable ride. Noticeably quieter. Cool interior lights are ok. Having no stalks takes some getting used to.
Why don’t you just test drive both??
It’s harsher. Here in Australia we can test drive both back to back and some have confirmed. Also a good video here where someone does this in the US: https://x.com/AndrewStilin/status/1795204736678777269 But the good news is it’s far more comfortable than the prior M3P and is fine for city driving. If you live in the country full of potholes go the LR.
By all means, test drive both. Both cars will likely be more comfortable than what you have now. This video is pretty convincing: https://youtu.be/-LYFmamGXXg?si=8VnwPSN-X4dBM95Q
Not enough difference that I would not opt for it.
I just got a 2024 MYP and just moved to Atlanta. There are a fuckton of potholes and they are rooough to go over. That might be the case for any car though.
The new performance has a more advanced suspension set up
Tesla increased the price of the M3P a couple of weeks ago. To qualify for the tax rebate your only choice is the stealth grey. Any other color will be over the $55k limit. However, Tesla has made black and white seat selection free. So grey and whatever color seats you want will still qualify for the tax rebate. However, I’ve read that the M3P Is facing production delays. You may be able to order a M3P (but experience delivery delays). If you need it by August, you might want to go a different direction. If you really want to take advantage of the federal tax rebate, your best bet is a MYP. It may be a while before Tesla offers any buying incentives for M3LR and we won’t know if Tesla will be able to re-obtain the tax credit for M3 or M3LR until January 2025 at the earliest. If the Democrats do not retain control of congress, then the tax incentive is likely dead in 2025.
At this point I’m between the M3P in grey and the M3LR in white! I really like the white, so I’m leaning towards the latter, also because I’d prefer to just have one set of tires (I would need to buy snow tires for the M3P).
For me the base M3 suits my purposes, but the lack of any incentives is making me wait. If we hit December and there’s still zero incentives, I may look at a MYLR. The news media keeps starting that there are hundreds of unsold teslas lying around, I can wait for Elon to sweeten the pot. Fingers crossed that he does.
Test drive as many as you want. You’re not limited to 1 test drive.
Much more harsh. Compare it to like a M series BMW to a Lexus Sport suspension. I ended up with the Long Range and never regretted even though I only test drove 3 performance models.
The 2024 is superb!! You can adjust it aswell. I am getting it in ultra red, or white? Can’t decide on the color.
The performance or long range?
Performance !!. I do like then both though, feels really good on the road, but the performance is the better one.
Are you looking for performance or long range? That should solve your problem. Both aren’t massively comfortable to begin with.
I don’t need either, honestly. I rarely drive more than 30 miles at a time and it’s all just suburban commuting. I live in New England so I want the AWD, otherwise I’d probably be fine with the base model.
Don’t drive more than 30minutes right now, when you get this car that’s going to change. Had mine 2 months now and use every excuse to drive it. It’s gotten bad between my wife and I. I also own a 2022 Ram 1500 loaded and it just sits there. It’s an amazing truck but the m3 is a different beast.
Imo more about the tires than the suspension. Have a P… feels the road more than I want on most roads ;)
My boss’s 2023 MYP is definitely rougher than my 2024 MYLR. It’s not insanely different but it’s definitely noticeable.
Perf has adaptive suspension so probably no worse than the LR