Tesla Model Y Performance Vs. Long Range

Choosing between the Tesla Model Y Performance and Long Range? Here's what you need to know:

Quick Comparison:

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The Long Range is the smart choice for most buyers, offering better efficiency and value. But if you crave speed and don't mind paying extra, the Performance model delivers thrills. Both qualify for the federal EV tax credit, potentially saving you up to $7,500.

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Specs Comparison

Let's compare the Tesla Model Y Performance and Long Range models. They might look alike, but their specs tell a different story.

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Speed vs. Distance

The main difference? Performance focuses on speed, Long Range on distance.

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The Performance model packs a punch with 490 hp, while the Long Range has 389 hp. This means the Performance zips from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, compared to 4.9 seconds for the Long Range.

But here's the twist: the Long Range goes further. It offers 533 km of range, beating the Performance's 514 km. That extra 19 km could make a difference on long trips.

Both models share some key features:

So why the higher price for the Performance? It comes with:

In short: Performance for speed, Long Range for distance. Your choice depends on what you value more.

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Performance Model Details

The Model Y Performance takes the Long Range and kicks it up a notch. Here's what makes it special:

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Speed and Handling

This thing is FAST:

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That's supercar territory. How? Dual-motor AWD with 503 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque.

It's not just quick in a straight line. At the Autozeitung track, it lapped in 1:41.60 - way faster than the Long Range's 1:45.40.

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What's Different?

The Performance model gets:

But it'll cost you. Starting price: $51,490 - about $7k more than the Long Range.

Heads up: The sportier setup means a bumpier ride.

It's also a bit thirstier:

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Still, you get 319 miles of range (WLTP).

"The Model Y Performance's rapid acceleration, high handling limits and quick steering check off the 'fun-to-drive' boxes." - Edmunds

Bottom line: If you want an electric SUV that drives like a sports car, this is it.

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Long Range Model Details

The Model Y Long Range packs a punch in efficiency and performance. Let's break it down:

Energy Use

Check out these range figures:

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At highway speeds, you're looking at 300+ miles. Road trip, anyone?

The EPA rates the 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD at 3.5 miles per kWh (288 watt-hours per mile). That's top-tier efficiency for an electric SUV.

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Speed Stats

It's not just efficient - it's quick:

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Motortrend put it to the test:

"The Model Y Dual Motor Long Range hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. That's just a tenth slower than the Jaguar I-Pace and a full second quicker than the Audi e-Tron, both of which are substantially more expensive."

V8 sports car performance with SUV practicality? Yes, please.

The Long Range hits the sweet spot for most drivers. Quick acceleration, smooth ride, and plenty of range (310 miles AWD, 320 miles RWD per EPA). It's the best of both worlds.

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Price and Value

The Tesla Model Y comes in two flavors: Performance and Long Range. Let's break down the costs and see what you're getting for your money.

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Upfront Costs

Here's the price difference:

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That's a $3,500 gap. But watch out - options can jack up the price. A fully loaded Performance model can hit nearly $89,000 with all the bells and whistles.

Long-term, you're looking at about $65,000 over 5 years. That covers things like depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and charging costs.

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What You Get

So, is the Performance worth the extra cash? Here's how they stack up:

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The Performance is faster and more powerful, but you'll sacrifice some range.

For most people, the Long Range is the smart choice.

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Driving Feel

The Model Y comes in two flavors: Performance and Long Range. Each offers a unique driving experience.

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Comfort and Daily Use

Both versions share some DNA:

But they're not twins:

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The Long Range is your comfy daily driver. It's built for smooth cruising and efficiency. Think of it as the sensible shoes of the Tesla world.

The Performance? It's the sports car of the family. It's quick, it's nimble, but it might make you spill your coffee on a bumpy road.

One Team-BHP user said about the Performance model:

"When you step on gas, the car feels like its launching and takes off with an insane rush and if you are not prepared, it feels like your brain is squished against your skull."

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Both models let you drive with one pedal most of the time, thanks to regenerative braking. The same user noted: "I drove the car for little over 250 miles and I may have touched the brake 5-6 times at the most."

For most folks, the Long Range is probably the way to go. It's comfy without being slow. The Performance is faster, sure, but it might be overkill for your grocery runs.

Just remember: The Performance model's 21-inch wheels can make for a bumpier ride on rough roads. But hey, some people like their coffee shaken, not stirred.

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Inside the Car

The Model Y's interior is all about minimalism. Both Performance and Long Range models rock the same cabin design. Let's take a look:

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Comfort and Tech Features

The star of the show? A massive 15-inch touchscreen. It's your control center for everything:

No physical buttons here. As one driver put it:

"It takes a moment to get used to a Tesla. The cabin is super simple, and those two steering wheel buttons do a TON of stuff."

But it's not all sunshine and roses:

Some owners have grumbled about build quality:

Not what you'd expect from a £50,000+ car, right?

On the tech front, the Model Y brings its A-game:

There's even a "Car Wash Mode" to prep your Tesla for a scrub-down.

Comfort-wise, the front seats sit high for a great view. Rear seats recline and fold flat, turning your Model Y into a cargo beast.

One last thing: The Performance model's stiffer suspension might make for a bumpier ride on rough roads.

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Charging and Range in Practice

The Model Y's charging and range are crucial for buyers. Let's look at how these electric SUVs perform day-to-day.

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Everyday Performance

The Long Range and Performance models have different charging speeds and ranges:

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*Range varies with wheel size and upgrades

The Performance charges faster but has less range. Your choice depends on your driving needs.

Both models support 11.5 kW home charging. Most owners charge overnight.

YouTuber Andy Cheng tested the Performance model:

"I drove 282.4 miles from Culver City to San Diego and back to Monterey Park, with one Supercharger stop. The car did well, but planning was crucial."

This shows real-world range can differ from EPA estimates. Driving style, weather, and route all matter.

Tesla's Supercharger network is a big plus. With 45,000+ chargers worldwide, you're rarely far from a fast charge. For long trips, the Long Range's extra miles might mean fewer stops.

To maximize range:

EVs often do better in city driving thanks to regenerative braking. This can stretch your range in traffic.

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Power Savings

Check out these numbers:

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That's right - the Model Y pumps out 78% less CO2 per year than a typical gas guzzler. And if you're in a place with cleaner energy (looking at you, California), it's even better.

But here's where it gets really interesting:

1. Emissions Break-Even Point

It takes about 14,800 miles (1-2 years of driving) for the Model Y to offset its higher production emissions. After that? It's all green gains.

2. Lifetime Emissions

Over its life, a Model Y produces 66-69% fewer emissions than a gas car in the US. And as our grid gets greener, so does your Model Y.

3. Charging Impact

How you juice up matters:

Charging MethodEnvironmental ImpactHome solarLowest emissionsOff-peak gridLower emissionsPeak gridHigher emissions

Want to max out your green cred? Go solar, charge off-peak, or switch to a green energy provider.

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But let's be real - both are still running circles around gas SUVs.

Tesla's not just about emissions, though. They're thinking big picture:

And here's the kicker: as the US moves towards 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, your Model Y will get even greener.

So, Long Range or Performance? Either way, you're doing the planet a solid.

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Which One to Choose

Picking between the Tesla Model Y Performance and Long Range? It's all about what matters most to you.

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Best Uses

ModelIdeal ForKey AdvantagesLong RangeDaily drivers, road trippersMore range, smoother ride, cheaperPerformanceSpeed freaks, tech geeksFaster acceleration, higher top speed

Long Range: The Smart Pick

The Long Range is perfect for everyday life:

It's the go-to for most buyers. You get Tesla's cool tech and great performance without emptying your wallet.

Performance: The Speed Demon

Want that extra kick?

At $62,190, you're paying more for speed. But for some, it's worth every penny.

The Range Trade-off

Just remember: The Performance model only goes 280 miles on a charge. That's still decent, but something to think about if you're always on the road.

Real-world Performance

Here's the surprise: The Long Range often beats its official specs in real tests. Car and Driver got it from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds – just 0.7 seconds behind the Performance.

For most people, the Long Range hits the sweet spot of speed, range, and price. But if you NEED the fastest Model Y and don't mind the extra cost, the Performance won't let you down.

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Conclusion

Most buyers should pick the Long Range. Why?

The Performance model? It's all about speed.

For everyday driving and road trips, Long Range is the way to go. It's the sweet spot between performance and efficiency. Plus, it often beats its official specs in real-world tests.

Want speed above all else? The Performance model's your ticket. It's a blast to drive, but less practical for daily use.

Here's a bonus: Both models qualify for the federal EV tax credit. That's up to $7,500 in savings.

So, what's it gonna be?

Either way, you're getting a top-selling EV packed with Tesla's latest tech.