Top 5 Differences between Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are built on the same platform and have a ton in common, but I want to focus on the 5 top differences between the Model Y vs Model 3 that stuck out to me most after renting and driving a Model Y through New England. My personal car is a Model 3 which I daily and take to the track, and before this trip I had never driven a Model Y or spent any time in one. You can read about how they are similar but it doesn’t quite click until seeing it, so I made this video to walk through and show you all the top 5 differences I noticed.
Since I hate digging through filler text myself, I’m going to quickly appease the SEO gods and get to it. Here is a summary for you if you just need to know now. In the video I go into more detail and point out the differences so you can see. So here we go, the top 5 differences between the Tesla Model y and Tesla Model 3:
Number 1 - Ride height is greater in the Model Y by 1.3 inches so it’s easier to get in and out and the driving position is higher off the road.
Number 2 - Ride quality is stiffer on the street than the Model 3 but more comfortable on a gravel road. That said driving the Model Y it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for me, and there are plenty of aftermarket choices to smooth it out if you want.
Number 3 - More headroom and roomier in the backseat of the Model Y, which has a full 5 inches extra leg room compared to the Model 3.
Number 4 - Hatchback design and single piece glass roof in the Model Y again leads to more interior room, around three times more than the Model 3.
Number 5 - Seats fold flatter in the Model Y due to slight differences in the rear seat and the floor of the rear cargo area being lifted up slightly. If camping or interior space is your biggest concern, the Model Y is a clear winner.
Looking at these top 5 differences you might be wondering why would anyone get the Model 3 over the Model Y? For me it was simply about performance, so let’s even the score if that is what you are interested in. The Model 3 is 1.3 inches lower to the ground and about 400 pounds lighter which both make a big difference for a track car. Add to that the stock suspension is better on street out the gate, rear seat room isn’t an issue for a racecar, and neither is cargo space. While it would be nice to sleep in the back more comfortably on track weekends it isn’t worth the extra weight, and besides who wouldn’t like an excuse to get a tow rig?
Stay tuned for another video from this trip where I get into the details of how much it cost to charge and drive all around New England. In the meantime happy driving!
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