Tesla Model 3 SR+ Has Better Top End Performance Than Long Range

Mountain Pass performance recently conducted a dyno test on the latest Tesla Model 3 SR+ and found some interesting results. During the dyno test run, the Tesla Model 3 SR+, also known as the Tesla Model 3 Mid-Range, defeated the long-range Model 3 in a top-end performance above 65 mph.

Tesla electric cars are notorious for struggling with top-end performance. The same was demonstrated by Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, who tested the Tesla Model 3 with a bunch of other sports cars. Needless to say, it didn’t come out on top.

Tesla Model 3 SR+ vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range

During the dyno test, the Tesla Model 3 SR+ took over the Model 3 Long Range at around 5,800 RPM. The power curve of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range peaks and flattens at around 5,000 RPM while the horsepower of the Tesla Model 3 SR+ flattens around 5,700 to 5,800 RPM.

The horsepower of the Tesla Model 3 SR+ remains higher than the Tesla Model 3 Long-range, even after it hits its peak. The power delivery in the Model 3 Long Range is low and falls off at the top end. In the Tesla Model 3 Long-range, users will notice a decrease in performance after 6,000 RPM. The overall power delivery of the SR+ remains higher than the Model 3 Long-range even in higher RPMs.

The resultant peak of both these electric cars is due to the fact that torque delivery is different in them as compared to conventional petrol cars. In electric cars, the torque is delivered instantaneously, as you can easily see in the chart. However, it falls massively after hitting the peak. This could be due to the battery management system, heavyweight of the battery packs, etc.

Compare this to something like a 2015 BMW M3 and you’ll see quite the difference. Here’s a dyno chart of the BMW M3 and you can see that the torque rises steadily, reaches the peak and comes down slowly.

The dyno tests were conducted by Mountain Pass Performance and they have published an official blog post which you can read here. However, to give you the short version of it, they tested the cars at different battery charge levels (SOC) on the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range+ and Model 3 Long Range.

The team came out with really solid research, which is a must for a Tesla owner to read. Tesla cars are notorious for losing performance when battery levels are down. However, there is no difference in the performance of Tesla Model 3 within the charge range of 100% to 75%.

After coming down to 60%, both the electric cars start losing power. At around 50% charge, the peak power comes down from 275 HP to 255 HP. The peak power in the top end goes down from 245 HP to 215 HP.

There is a 300+ pound difference between the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model 3 Mid-range which is quite significant. According to Mountain Pass performance, Tesla Model 3 can be quite a fun track car.

The Tesla Model 3 SR+ recently began shipping to Norway after a record-breaking registration of the base Tesla Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 SR+ Vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Specs

The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range+ is lighter but not faster in a 0-60 mph run when compared to Tesla Model 3 Long Range. It is, however, rear-wheel drive and super fun around the track.

Also Read: Tesla Software Update (28.3.1) Makes Model 3 Autopilot Even Better