scorecard9 reasons you should buy Tesla's new Model 3 'Performance' car instead of the standard Model 3
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9 reasons you should buy Tesla's new Model 3 'Performance' car instead of the standard Model 3

1. The standard Model 3 features a single motor. The Model 3 Performance features a dual-motor system to make acceleration feel even zippier.

9 reasons you should buy Tesla's new Model 3 'Performance' car instead of the standard Model 3

2. The range on the standard Model 3 is around 215 to 220 miles. The Model 3 Performance, like the long-range Model 3, can get up to 310 miles on a single charge.

2. The range on the standard Model 3 is around 215 to 220 miles. The Model 3 Performance, like the long-range Model 3, can get up to 310 miles on a single charge.

3. The standard Model 3 features rear-wheel drive. The Model 3 Performance features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, which makes it better for handling more extreme conditions like snowy or rough terrain.

3. The standard Model 3 features rear-wheel drive. The Model 3 Performance features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, which makes it better for handling more extreme conditions like snowy or rough terrain.

4. The standard Model 3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance gets there faster, though, and can reach that speed in just 3.5 seconds.

4. The standard Model 3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance gets there faster, though, and can reach that speed in just 3.5 seconds.

5. The standard Model 3 has a top speed of 140 miles per hour. The Model 3 Performance can reach speeds up to 155 miles per hour.

5. The standard Model 3 has a top speed of 140 miles per hour. The Model 3 Performance can reach speeds up to 155 miles per hour.

6. The standard Model 3 can only come with a premium black interior. The Model 3 Performance can also be had in a nice-looking premium white option, which you can see below.

6. The standard Model 3 can only come with a premium black interior. The Model 3 Performance can also be had in a nice-looking premium white option, which you can see below.

7. The standard Model 3 comes with 18-inch or 19-inch sport wheels from Tesla. The Model 3 Performance can be upgraded to 20-inch "performance" wheels that have better grip. Larger tires also tend to increase a car's gas mileage.

7. The standard Model 3 comes with 18-inch or 19-inch sport wheels from Tesla. The Model 3 Performance can be upgraded to 20-inch "performance" wheels that have better grip. Larger tires also tend to increase a car

8. The Tesla Model 3 Performance also gets some goodies the standard Model 3 doesn't, including lowered suspension for better handling, a carbon-fiber spoiler for better aerodynamics, and aluminum alloy pedals and brakes.

8. The Tesla Model 3 Performance also gets some goodies the standard Model 3 doesn

9. The standard Model 3 weighs anywhere between 3,552 and 3,757 pounds. The Model 3 Performance weighs a whopping 4,072 pounds, which is a good thing: Although the standard Model 3 is extremely safe, heavier cars tend to be safer than lighter ones, according to the IIHS.

9. The standard Model 3 weighs anywhere between 3,552 and 3,757 pounds. The Model 3 Performance weighs a whopping 4,072 pounds, which is a good thing: Although the standard Model 3 is <a href="https://electrek.co/2018/05/15/tesla-model-3-safety-test-results-iihs-front-crash-prevention/" target="_blank">extremely safe</a>, heavier cars tend to be safer than lighter ones, <a href="http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/vehicle-size-and-weight/qanda" target="_blank">according to the IIHS</a>.

You'll have to weigh your options if you're in the market for a Model 3.

You

A Model 3 with all of the available upgrades, including the Performance upgrades, Autopilot, and a premium white interior, costs around $78,500 before tax incentives. The standard Model 3, on the other hand, costs $49,000 before incentives.

Whether or not those upgrades are worth the money is entirely up to you. But based on my colleague Matt DeBord's experience with the Model 3 Performance, it sounds like it's worth the steeper price. I highly recommend reading his review before making your purchase decision.

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