Should I Buy the Model 3 with All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive?
2 Answers
Here are the differences between the rear-wheel drive Model 3 and the all-wheel drive Model 3: Different origins: The domestic version of the Model 3 is rear-wheel drive, while the imported version is all-wheel drive. Different models: The domestic version of the Model 3 is a single-motor model, while the imported version is a dual-motor model. Different power: The maximum power of the domestic version's motor is 202kW; the maximum power of the imported long-range all-wheel drive version is 147kW.
If I were to choose the Tesla Model 3, I would definitely prioritize usage scenarios. For daily commutes in the city or weekend getaways, the rear-wheel-drive version is more than sufficient. It has lower energy consumption and is several thousand dollars cheaper, with barely any difference in range. The key point is that I live in the south, where it hardly ever snows, so all-wheel drive isn’t necessary, and the ride is still smooth. Even if you frequently drive on mountain roads or in rainy conditions, while the rear-wheel drive has slightly weaker traction, controlling your speed properly shouldn’t be an issue. The money saved can be used to install a charging station or upgrade other features, making it a more cost-effective choice. Additionally, Tesla maintenance is straightforward, and the rear-wheel-drive powertrain is easier to maintain. In short, unless you have specific needs, I’d recommend the rear-wheel-drive version as an economical daily driver.