Is 4.4 seconds vs 5.6 seconds alone worth $10k?

[jerry33]

According to the Features page, "Model S Performance accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. If driven the same way as Model S, both cars achieve the same efficiency thanks to the unique powertrain design."

I took that to mean that it would use the same amount of electricity to run. I don't believe it relates to battery life.

[goyogi]

If I get the Performance version I'll donate the equivalent to charity to make me feel good about this guilty pleasure.

Though I'll need to test drive it. The 300mile version was damn fast as a passenger. Kinda scary. It's a whole different feeling when you are the driver and are in control of the machine. Also, I'll have to scotch guard and clean the seats regularly from passengers crapping in their pants. Which color hides skid marks the best?

Speaking of test drives, I wonder if they'll have just the performance version and then with software controls they can tune it down to the different power levels so you can quickly feel the difference.

[onlinespending]

According to the Features page, "Model S Performance accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. If driven the same way as Model S, both cars achieve the same efficiency thanks to the unique powertrain design."

I'm sure they mean, "if driven the same way as the standard Model S ... "

haha. does that mean you'd have to literally drive it the "same way" as the standard Model S, as in not accelerate at a rate greater than 60 mph in 5.6s?

This is the rationalization you're looking for: Resale Value.

Not sure I agree with this. As a rule of thumb, luxury cars do not hold their value well at all. Outside of something like a Ferrari which has a unique cachet (and limited manufacturing runs), they depreciate in value rather significantly. This will be even more true of the higher priced Model S, as their used value with tend to compress towards the lower priced ones. Unless for some reason it's difficult to get a new Model S from Tesla (which will be the case early on, but likely not the case by the time you're ready to sell the car), the car will not have amazing resale value. So don't get the Performance edition because of resale value. Get it because you think you'll enjoy it and if the extra $10 - $15k is worth that extra joy.

[jerry33]

haha. does that mean you'd have to literally drive it the "same way" as the standard Model S, as in not accelerate at a rate greater than 60 mph in 5.6s?

That's how I read it. It only makes sense that if you accelerate faster you will use more energy. The area under the curve is much larger if the line from zero, zero to Y is over a shorter X.

[dadaleus]

Minor point, but I wonder how many non-performance Signatures they will sell relative to performance Signatures. I suspect someone who can spring for a Signature is not going to walk away from the 21% faster acceleration in order to save 10% on the car.

[ChadS]

I suspect someone who can spring for a Signature is not going to walk away from the 21% faster acceleration in order to save 10% on the car.

Good point. But then again, many of us Sig buyers already have a Roadster if we want to drive fast. I don't plan get the performance model.

Although I do think about it every now and then, just for the education value when taking people for a ride...

[dhrivnak]

Even at 5.6 seconds 0-60 the Model S will be faster than 99 out of 100 cars. I have never owned a car that was sub 8 seconds and never thought I had slow cars. Until I got the Roadster

So that said I definately think it is a want and still faster than the VAST majority of cars out there.

[dadaleus]

Totally good point re Roadster dhrivnak and ChadS. The Roadster spoiled me. I'm giving up the Roadster when I get the S (was a Sig S reservation holder very early on and Tesla talked me into the Roadster lease until the S was delivered) and I just can't in good conscience justify keeping an extra car around the house. That's beside the point, but since I'm spoiled now, getting the performance S is the closet I can come to alleviating the mourning I'm already feeling about losing the Roadster.

I will however be getting a future generation Tesla Roadster once the kids move off for college.

[bonnie1194]

Mod note: Discussion about keeping | selling Roadster to fund Model S moved here.

[de704]

I have a question I need to pose. I am considering upgrading to the performance. However, I wouldn't get either the carbon fiber interior or the performance rims - just not my color tastes. I don't really care about the exterior accents. Plus it would force me to go to the black interior from white - I can't have white alcantara with two kids, they will destroy that in a week. SO that leaves the question - is going from a 60 time of 5.6 to 4.4 really worth $10k? Is 5.6 "fast enough?"

I guess the old saying applys. If you have to ask then you can't afford it.


BTW.. I can't afford it either