What is the difference between Tesla FSD and AP?
3 Answers
Tesla FSD and AP differ in their driving modes: Tesla FSD refers to Full Self-Driving, while AP refers to Autopilot (Automatic Assisted Driving). FSD can be understood as an evolved version of AP in terms of hardware. Tesla's AP function stands for Autopilot Automatic Assisted Driving, and FSD driving mode is the advanced version of assisted driving. Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy company that manufactures and sells electric cars, solar panels, and energy storage devices. Tesla's vehicle lineup includes the Model 3, Model S, Model Y, and Model X. Taking the 2021 Tesla Model 3 as an example, its body dimensions are 4694 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, 1443 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2875 mm.
I've been driving a Model 3 for two years, using AP and FSD daily, and the difference is quite noticeable. AP is like intelligent cruise control, keeping the car centered in the lane and automatically following traffic in jams, which is really convenient. FSD is much more advanced—it can change lanes and overtake automatically, recognize red lights and brake to a stop, and even navigate turns and exit ramps when a destination is set. Last week during a heavy rainstorm on my way home from work, FSD accurately identified a roadblock blown over by the wind and actively avoided a pile of branches, giving me quite a scare. However, it's important to note that in urban areas with unusual road conditions, you should always be ready to take over, especially when delivery guys on electric bikes suddenly dart out. Whether the over 60,000 yuan option package is worth it depends entirely on how often you drive long distances.
Honestly, I was torn between choosing AP and FSD when picking the car. AP is the basic package that comes with the car, providing lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control on highways, which is sufficient for most needs. FSD can recognize traffic lights and stop automatically, and the steering wheel turns smoothly during turns. The biggest difference lies in parking—FSD's Smart Summon is incredibly cool. Last time I couldn't find my car in a mall parking garage, I just tapped my phone, and the car drove out with its lights on. However, it sometimes struggles to recognize curbs, and misidentification in rainy weather is quite common. If you frequently drive in the city, FSD can reduce 70% of manual operations, and the side mirrors display real-time traffic animations during lane changes, giving it a futuristic feel.
