From a quick google, the fastest BMW 3-series is the 330i, at 5.3 seconds 0-60. The M240i xDrive does 4.2 seconds. For a few thousand more, the Model 3 Performance does 3.1.
Tesla's instant response is another fun advantage, and reviews have been very positive on Model 3 handling. The bottom line is, it's a fun car and people like it. It's not just virtue/status signaling and environmentalism.
The Tesla options were a pleasure, lr, awd, or performance, interior color, exterior color, size of the wheels, and fsd or not.
Saw quite a few horror stories about the "wonder 4 cylinder", plastic timing chain gears, issues with the high pressure fuel pump, and then BMW halved their CPO warranty. One of the bmw forums mentioned a just out of warranty engine check light, going to the dealer, getting the all clear, having the engine sieze the next day, and a $20k bill. Sure it's just a single story, the next day there were 20 pages of similar stories. I had done the research to buy one of the "good" BMWs (the 6 cyclinder, no HFP issues, and no plastic timing chain gears). But then the model 3P came out, drove quite nicely, nice speech recognition, nice nav, and acceleration that puts a smile on my face every damn time.
Not to nitpick, but the fastest non-M 3 series is the M340, which has been tested to 3.8s 0-60 and can probably be leased for about the same as a Model 3 Performance. Disclaimer: it's my current daily driver.
The M3 is the more interesting comparison, and Elon specifically had the older one in his crosshairs vs. the Model 3 Performance trim. Based on various Youtube videos, the pre 2021 Model 3P seems to beat or match most of its competitors in various metrics at a significantly lower price. Would be interesting how the post 2021 Model 3P compares against the new hog-nosed BMW M3 and the upcoming 4cyl+electricmotor C63 AMG.
I'm actually scheduled to test drive a Model 3 this weekend so I'm curious how it will feel vs. the M340. I've never driven an EV before.
And the Model 3 has been around for 4? years now? The fit and finish I'm guessing has improved greatly, but I really have no idea. I ordered and picked up mine without ever test driving one. I guess I put a lot of faith in it, but I love it. No regrets. Bring on the electrification of all vehicles. Can't wait for an electric pickup truck.
Unlike you, I wasn’t impressed. Acceleration was good but other than that, it doesn’t feel much better than any other cheap car. Definitely worse than a BMW. (I own a BMW and can compare) The body roll is significant. Seats are horrible. (Literally couldn’t stay in seat, no bolstering and very slippery vinyl) Brakes were about the only thing that felt comparable but had this eery feeling that they were going to fade at any moment without any notice. So, I wasn’t really confident in going full send. Some people probably know what I mean...
If all you care about is straight line acceleration then Tesla could be quite good. For me, I like curves more and Tesla has to come out with a specific sport car variant for it to compete on that front.
Oh and I’m used to sound and wind in my hair because I drive convertibles. So, there’s that too. I don’t expect anything like that anytime soon. Too niche for American market.
I'd be curious to see your impressions after your test drive.
