Tesla offers a number of EV options that vary in price, including the Model S and Model 3. After eclipsing Toyota as the world's most valuable automaker, Tesla made huge announcements about its improved production efficiencies to help increase power and lower prices on all of its models. As a result, there's never been a better time to buy a Tesla, especially if someone is interested in an electric sedan. For those still unsure what model would be best for them, here's how the sleek Model S and the ever popular Model 3 compare.

Tesla's Model S is its first EV to reach full production, and is celebrating over eight years on the assembly line. With various upgrades to the powertrain and software systems since then, the Model S remains one of the best luxury sedans available period. The fact that it is also electric is just another bonus for consumers. The Model 3 on the other hand, debuted in 2017 and as of March 2020, has become the world's best-selling electric car in history. While it doesn't come with all the bells and whistles the Model S does, the Model 3 has already solidified itself as the future of Tesla moving forward.

Related: What's The Most Expensive Tesla You Can Buy Today?

Potential customers can peruse Tesla's website and compare the models, but here's an explanation on Tesla's two similar, but very different sedans. First, there's the powertrain options. The Model 3 comes in three variations. There is the basic rear-wheel drive Standard Range Plus, and two options with dual motor all-wheel drive: Long Range and Performance. As for the Model S, its two "standard" options are Long Range Plus and Performance, and both come with dual motor AWD. Furthermore, the Model S also comes in the crazy "Plaid" model, which boasts tri motor AWD, goes 0-60 in under two seconds, and can go 200 mph. More on that later, as the focus is on the more realistically affordable options of either sedan for now.

Style over Savings? Price over Performance?

Tesla Logo Black Red

These are questions one must inevitably ask before responsibly settling for the reasonable Model 3 or splurging for the sleek performance of the pricier Model S. Speaking of price, there is a clear gap between these two Teslas. The Model 3 starts at $37,990 for the stock rear-wheel drive model, and can cost up to $54,990 for the performance powertrain without any additional add-ons, like exterior color, larger wheels or full self-driving capabilities. Those customizations can add anywhere from $1,500 to $11,000 in additional fees. As for range, the Standard Model 3 can travel 263 miles, Long Range can go 353 miles, and the Performance tops out at 315 miles (although it can accelerate to 162 mph, compared to 140 mph in the Standard and 145 mph in the Long Range).

With a minimum starting price of $69,420 for the Long Range Plus, the Model S' are, at the very least, nearly double the price of a standard Model 3. That being said, the S offers more performance, size, and luxury. The Long Range Plus touts a range of 402 miles and can travel 155 mph. Its performance version begins at a price of $91,990 with zero customizations and only goes up from there, although it does go 0-60 in 2.3 seconds and can hit 163 mph at top speed. Not to mention it still has a range of 387 miles, besting the Long Range Model 3 by 34 miles. With all choices in exterior and interior color, wheels, and self-driving, this one tops out at $108,490.

The last comparison to observe is the available features. Customizations are nearly the same for both sedans and vary by price, based on the model and the powertrain. Whether its an exterior color other than the standard white, (an additional $1,500, but $2,500 for red), the trim, or the autopilot upgrade, the features are hardly an X-factor in this decision. One feature that stands out however (for a VERY select few), is the "Plaid" Model S mentioned earlier. While the Plaid option is currently the fastest sedan on the planet and can go over 520 miles on a single charge, the only other number more colossal is its price tag. It starts at $139,990 and can cost as much as $156,490 when fully loaded.

With all the specs on the table, the decision is rather simple for most potential buyers. The Model 3 will provide everything needed at the best price by far - there's a reason it's the best selling EV of all time. That being said, while the Model S is much more expensive, the performance, size, and overall upgradable features also sit upon a higher tier than Tesla's younger Model 3.

More: Tesla Reduces Used Car Warranty, Following Return Policy Change

Source: Tesla