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cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
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You missed efficient... The TM3 and TMY where made with efficiency as the number 1. The performance models you listed are all terrible with efficiency. The TM3 is the all-around king of EV efficiency. There is a performance model, because that is what enough Tesla buyers what to make it worth it to produce. I don't think anyone is saying EVs are the king of the tracks.

EV;s 0-60's are unmatched, which drag strips have been a big part of the racing community for ICE from day 1. All of a sudden, EV's show up and the goal posts are now that drag strips aren't important...

I am willing to bet a TM3P will outperform, on a daily basis, any car you listed. Yes, you are right, that 1% where you are on the track there are better options. But there is no better option for a DD that sees some track time...
LOL Our old BMW M2C is way, way, way better than that. Except for the 0-60 time. And costs less when we bought ours. The aforementioned VW Golf R (which I also had as a MK7) as well, price difference alone will buy a lot of fuel.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
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Yep.... exactly. Then bigger brakes need bigger wheels to clear the brakes, which adds even more weight.
Unless they have the performance versions. When you look at Polestar, the Performance Pack comes with bigger brembo brakes and bigger forged wheels, and more complex but adjustable Olin suspension. However the unsprung weight is actually less than the smalled wheel/brake version they do.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
56,906
55,843
Behind the Lens, UK
Then they need to change how they advertise these performance variants. Stop saying they are track capable, etc.

So far only the Plaid borders on unsafe given how much power it has and how much under braked it is.

Everything else is the brakes just can't stand up over time.




I am not saying EV's aren't heavier. But they need to be equipped with brakes that can handle it. The BMW M3 has much better brakes and only weighs 100 lb. less than the Model 3 Performance and the BMW's brakes can stand up to track duty.



On the street maybe, but if BMW says it is track capable, you will be using the brakes more on the track as regen creates heat for both the motor and battery. People usually turn down/turn it off when tracking their EV's to manage the temps of the motor and battery better. Thus relying on the friction brakes more.

Unless BMW have that model much beefier cooling to manage the heat that regen on the track will create.
Nobody buys an i3s thinking it’s a track day car.
 

Weaselboy

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 23, 2005
34,463
16,160
California
I am not saying EV's aren't heavier. But they need to be equipped with brakes that can handle it. The BMW M3 has much better brakes and only weighs 100 lb. less than the Model 3 Performance and the BMW's brakes can stand up to track duty.
I agree if they are advertised that way. I think for most of us, the larger brakes and added weight are more a negative than a positive in an EV though.

The BMW M3 is a bit of a different animal designed from the ground up (at great expense) to be run at the track. I doubt many Model 3 owners would want to pony up for the cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc brakes the BMW M3 runs.
 

Weaselboy

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 23, 2005
34,463
16,160
California
Unless they have the performance versions. When you look at Polestar, the Performance Pack comes with bigger brembo brakes and bigger forged wheels, and more complex but adjustable Olin suspension. However the unsprung weight is actually less than the smalled wheel/brake version they do.
I'm with you... but like the BMW M3 example I mentioned above there is a pretty steep price premium for those brake setups. I don't think the average Model 3 owner would be up for it.
 
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quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
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I agree if they are advertised that way. I think for most of us, the larger brakes and added weight are more a negative than a positive in an EV though.

The BMW M3 is a bit of a different animal designed from the ground up (at great expense) to be run at the track. I doubt many Model 3 owners would want to pony up for the cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc brakes the BMW M3 runs.
BMW M3 is designed from the normal 3 series. Just like the Model 3 Performance is designed from the normal Model 3.

It isn't a ground up car designed from scratch sitting on its own architecture.
 

JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,057
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BMW M3 is designed from the normal 3 series. Just like the Model 3 Performance is designed from the normal Model 3.

It isn't a ground up car designed from scratch sitting on its own architecture.

Yes, but a normal 3 series is designed for sport and a Model 3 is designed for efficiency...
 

Weaselboy

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 23, 2005
34,463
16,160
California
BMW M3 is designed from the normal 3 series. Just like the Model 3 Performance is designed from the normal Model 3.

It isn't a ground up car designed from scratch sitting on its own architecture.
I don't want to get off in the weeds with you over this, but although the M3 is based on the bones of the 3-series, just about every moving part related to suspension, brakes, and drive train is unique to the M3 and designed for performance/track use. The suspension, for example, is not just stiffer shocks and springs, the entire M3 front and rear suspension is unique to the M3.
 
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quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
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Yes, but a normal 3 series is designed for sport and a Model 3 is designed for efficiency...

Civic is designed for efficiency and Civic Type R for sport.....

This whole thing would be moot if EV makers were more honest, ESPECIALLY Tesla. Don't say how track capable your car is when in reality, it can't do the track.

Because there are/were tons of ICE vehicles whose underlying architecture wasn't performance, but had performance variants that could handle track work.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,057
1,386
Civic is designed for efficiency and Civic Type R for sport.....

This whole thing would be moot if EV makers were more honest, ESPECIALLY Tesla. Don't say how track capable your car is when in reality, it can't do the track.

Because there are/were tons of ICE vehicles whose underlying architecture wasn't performance, but had performance variants that could handle track work.

throttle-house-leaderboard-shows-how-poorly-the-new-z-v0-hxcq98sm6fi91.jpg


Civic is slower than the M3P. FYI, Civic Type R starts at $44k... Tesla M3P is $46k (for most buyers).

I mean, even by Throttle House's list, the TM3P isn't all that bad for track times... You are making it seem like TM3P is WAY down the list. It is an efficient family car, that comfortably will seat 5 and beat any of those cars on the list on the street, and keep up with a bunch on a track... With some aftermarket upgrades it can do better.
 
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quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
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throttle-house-leaderboard-shows-how-poorly-the-new-z-v0-hxcq98sm6fi91.jpg


Civic is slower than the M3P. FYI, Civic Type R starts at $44k... Tesla M3P is $46k (for most buyers).

How about after lap 2, lap 3, lap 4?

That's been the whole point. The Model 3 Performance is all about the hero lap, but falls flat afterward. It can't sustain that performance. The brakes overheated on turn 3 on lap 1 and became total crap by the end of the lap. The Civic can sustain it as it is equipped with the proper brakes, cooling, etc.

I am not talking about how fast one car is or the other. But if Tesla is going to say how good the Model 3 Performance is on the track, it needs to actually be up for a track day. It is not. It's done after 1 lap.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,044
2,721
UK
I don't want to get off in the weeds with you over this, but although the M3 is based on the bones of the 3-series, just about every moving part related to suspension, brakes, and drive train is unique to the M3 and designed for performance/track use. The suspension, for example, is not just stiffer shocks and springs, the entire M3 front and rear suspension is unique to the M3.
Agreed, never understood that fully until we had a proper M car. Like on paper a 240i can be faster, just as a TM3 might be, but when the whole of the car comes together the useable power and the weight, handling is just on a different level.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
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How about after lap 2, lap 3, lap 4?

That's been the whole point. The Model 3 Performance is all about the hero lap, but falls flat afterward. It can't sustain that performance. The brakes overheated on turn 3 on lap 1 and became total crap by the end of the lap. The Civic can sustain it as it is equipped with the proper brakes, cooling, etc.

I am not talking about how fast one car is or the other. But if Tesla is going to say how good the Model 3 Performance is on the track, it needs to actually be up for a track day. It is not. It's done after 1 lap.

Sorry, can you please show me where Tesla said how good the M3P is on the track? I just haven't seen a Tesla ad saying that.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,984
2,488
Sorry, can you please show me where Tesla said how good the M3P is on the track? I just haven't seen a Tesla ad saying that.

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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,057
1,386
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Thanks
 

AlaskaMoose

macrumors 68040
Apr 26, 2008
3,585
13,429
Alaska
They are about to try and kill the transition to EV’s in the UK unfortunately. The luxury car premium is now coming to EV’s over £40k. They just don’t want people relying on cars but have no idea how poor our public transport infrastructure is. I think we are in for a shock as driving any type of car here is about to get very expensive.

Agree 100% (bold text). Regardless of which type of car you drive, the cost for the consumer will be higher in years to come. You can see the same for every product you buy today, by average, compared to two or three years ago. People earn more each year, and at the same time the consumer's cost of living increases accordingly. About 20 years ago I used to buy leather boots that were made in Germany (I still have some that are 35 years old), and paid around $64.00 at Cabela's (US retailer). Then the price was $100 about 8 years ago. If I want to buy a similarly designed boot (similar materials and quality), I would have to pay from $400.00 to $600.00 US today.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,044
2,721
UK
I got an invitation yesterday from Renault Netherlands to come and join them at a launch, and test drive party for the new 5. Not sure if the Renault 5 ever made it to the US, so for my US friends it was an iconic small family hatchback, with some well-loved cool versions like the 5GT and 5 Turbo. I think they've done an excellent styling job with, to make a modern EV platform (based on using Google AAOS which I really like) in a small, light city car.

As we are pursuing a different lifestyle, moving back to the Netherlands, and into a city centre, we are seriously considering this as not only the car for our youngest daughter to start learning to drive in. It is also a general household runabout. And then keeping a larger vehicle for our international travels (got to admit the just become available to order Audi A6 e-Tron is looking very intriguing for that as well).

Due to the international nature of the forum, I've linked to the UK version for the English website, although specifications do vary a little, not least that you can't actually configure one…

So the Dutch website has additional information and interactivity https://www.renault.nl/elektrische-autos/r5-e-tech-electric.html and Alpine also a very interesting version which looks like great fun https://www.alpinecars.nl/elektrische-modellen/a290.html
 

thettareddast

macrumors 6502
Aug 29, 2016
398
535
it isn't sustainable, it's all in the low speed regime and dies over 100 MPH
What Tesla has done is make something that impresses the masses that is used to 0-60 times measured in years, but can only be done once or twice before it gives up and can't do it anymore.

Both false. The 0-60 can be repeated over and over again. And the new Model 3 improves on the high speed regime - look at its 60-120mph (100-200kph) times.

So your critique is it's not trackable, and you compare it to Civic Type R, GTI, Mustang GT, your Corvette.

The GTI is not trackable. Comparably equipped Mustang is $60k. Corvette starts at $70k...
Model 3P is $55k, $47k for most customers.

1. Upgrade pads, fluids, and shocks, and it'll perform how?
2. Between 0-60 acceleration, 100mph+ driving, and track days, which of those do people do most? And which car is best for what they do most?
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,984
2,488
Both false. The 0-60 can be repeated over and over again. And the new Model 3 improves on the high speed regime - look at its 60-120mph (100-200kph) times.

So your critique is it's not trackable, and you compare it to Civic Type R, GTI, Mustang GT, your Corvette.

The GTI is not trackable. Comparably equipped Mustang is $60k. Corvette starts at $70k...
Model 3P is $55k, $47k for most customers.

1. Upgrade pads, fluids, and shocks, and it'll perform how?
2. Between 0-60 acceleration, 100mph+ driving, and track days, which of those do people do most? And which car is best for what they do most?

Then don't state how great the Model 3 Performance is on the track. Simple.

1. Moment you modify it, the discussion is out of the window. It's all about factory equipment. Only exception is fluids as that is standard track day prep and often called by the owners manual.

2. I don't care how most people will use it. How many track their Type R's, Corvette's, 911's, Ferrari's? I am talking about getting the car enthusiast to buy in on EV's. You're trying to justify crap by a train of thought used by non-car people who only view it as a tool for Point A and B and drive Prius's or the like. If you were a car enthusiast, you would get what I am getting at.

And yes my critique has been focused on it not being trackable and you don't need to spend well above the M3P's price range to get something trackable. Don't say it has track ready brakes when it can't last even 1 lap. Don't say it has the suspension to handle driving around curves when pushing it causes it to bottom out. I am calling out Tesla for their BS claims. And I say this again as a Model 3 owner. Love the car, but don't BS me.

I am not bashing Dodge for how the Demon is a POS track car. But then again they never claimed that car to be a great track car. They always stressed its drag strip performance. So don't make claims that can't be backed up.

And I do apologize with the GTI. Looks like the Golf R is the more appropriate model for track days.
 
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cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,044
2,721
UK
Then don't state how great the Model 3 Performance is on the track. Simple.

1. Moment you modify it, the discussion is out of the window. It's all about factory equipment. Only exception is fluids as that is standard track day prep and often called by the owners manual.

2. I don't care how most people will use it. How many track their Type R's, Corvette's, 911's, Ferrari's? I am talking about getting the car enthusiast to buy in on EV's. You're trying to justify crap by a train of thought used by non-car people who only view it as a tool for Point A and B and drive Prius's or the like. If you were a car enthusiast, you would get what I am getting at.

And yes my critique has been focused on it not being trackable and you don't need to spend well above the M3P's price range to get something trackable. Don't say it has track ready brakes when it can't last even 1 lap. Don't say it has the suspension to handle driving around curves when pushing it causes it to bottom out. I am calling out Tesla for their BS claims. And I say this again as a Model 3 owner. Love the car, but don't BS me.

I am not bashing Dodge for how the Demon is a POS track car. But then again they never claimed that car to be a great track car. They always stressed its drag strip performance. So don't make claims that can't be backed up.
It is the bit that annoys me about Tesla, especially as well. And not just that, they are also about the only manufacturer that quote their 0-60s without the rollout. I mean it is fast as it is, why use silly little tricks like that to make it look better and less compatible. Similar to the old ludicrous plus mode and getting the battery at operating temperature before it finally can do that sprint. They should add that to the 0-60 time, as I'll be in a different country by then even when driving a Citroën 2CV :p
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,984
2,488
It is the bit that annoys me about Tesla, especially as well. And not just that, they are also about the only manufacturer that quote their 0-60s without the rollout. I mean it is fast as it is, why use silly little tricks like that to make it look better and less compatible. Similar to the old ludicrous plus mode and getting the battery at operating temperature before it finally can do that sprint. They should add that to the 0-60 time, as I'll be in a different country by then even when driving a Citroën 2CV :p

That's another thing.....

They use both methods for 0-60 times. Just depends on the model.

The Model 3 LR's 0-60 is without rollout subtracted.

The Model 3 Performance is with rollout subtracted.

It makes the performance gap between the two bigger, but really closer together especially if one buys acceleration boost on the LR.

But other manufacturers pull similar stunts. To bring Dodge back into it, their performance figures require a prepped surface to get close to their claims. I will grant putting that power to just the rear wheels on non-prepped surfaces is a struggle, but there are similar asterisks when it comes to a manufactures claim to performance.

The Model 3 Performance is pretty much a Civic Si situation. It's just a faster version of the regular Model 3 with sportier accents, but it's a street-only car still.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,044
2,721
UK
That's another thing.....

They use both methods for 0-60 times. Just depends on the model.

The Model 3 LR's 0-60 is without rollout subtracted.

The Model 3 Performance is with rollout subtracted.

It makes the performance gap between the two bigger, but really closer together especially if one buys acceleration boost on the LR.

But other manufacturers pull similar stunts. To bring Dodge back into it, their performance figures require a prepped surface to get close to their claims. I will grant putting that power to just the rear wheels on non-prepped surfaces is a struggle, but there are similar asterisks when it comes to a manufactures claim to performance.
I guess here in Europe the straight line 'racing' culture is not as developed, so unless buying a specifically prepped car for that kind of sport nobody really cares that much about that and you don't see those kinds of differences in reporting.
 

thettareddast

macrumors 6502
Aug 29, 2016
398
535
Then don't state how great the Model 3 Performance is on the track. Simple.

1. Moment you modify it, the discussion is out of the window. It's all about factory equipment. Only exception is fluids as that is standard track day prep and often called by the owners manual.

2. I don't care how most people will use it. How many track their Type R's, Corvette's, 911's, Ferrari's? I am talking about getting the car enthusiast to buy in on EV's. You're trying to justify crap by a train of thought used by non-car people who only view it as a tool for Point A and B and drive Prius's or the like. If you were a car enthusiast, you would get what I am getting at.

And yes my critique has been focused on it not being trackable and you don't need to spend well above the M3P's price range to get something trackable. Don't say it has track ready brakes when it can't last even 1 lap. Don't say it has the suspension to handle driving around curves when pushing it causes it to bottom out. I am calling out Tesla for their BS claims. And I say this again as a Model 3 owner. Love the car, but don't BS me.

I am not bashing Dodge for how the Demon is a POS track car. But then again they never claimed that car to be a great track car. They always stressed its drag strip performance. So don't make claims that can't be backed up.

And I do apologize with the GTI. Looks like the Golf R is the more appropriate model for track days.

Are you talking about the Model 3 Performance, or Model 3 Type R, or Model 3 Track Pack, or Model 3 RS, or Model 3 GT3?

You don't care how most people use it? Fine. 99.9% of owners -- who will never visit a track -- don't care how you think it performs on the track. Whose opinion carry more weight?

All of cars you list are road vehicles, and sold as road vehicles, and many of them drive like POS on the road. Are you angry at that too?

Don't gatekeep who is a car enthusiast and who is not. Tesla will end this year with the best selling car in America, and the best selling car in the world. Maybe trying to appeal to the self-appointed "enthusiast" police isn't necessary?
 
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