Choosing a Base 2021 Porsche Taycan Over a 2021 Tesla Model S Is a Mistake
The 2021 Porsche Taycan is a killer instrument of speed and engineering. I know it. You know it. However, does it make sense to buy the base-model, RWD version when the AWD 2021 Tesla Model S is sitting right there and for less money? I don’t think so. The EV game is buzz heavy that it will (along with the current Porsche obsession) will have people tripping over themselves to buy the new cheaper version of the Porsche EV. But, take a look around before you make a mistake.
The 2021 Porsche Taycan base-model is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the Taycan 4S
Folks are excited that Porsche is introducing a cheaper, base-model Taycan in the Spring of 2021. While it is nearly 20-grand cheaper than the previous base, it is powered by the same rear-wheel engine as the AWD 4S’s rear engine. Accordion to Car and Driver, the price of the new Taycan is $81,250 compared to the 4S, which is $105,150 and weighs an extra 200 lbs.
What does the AWD 2021 Tesla Model S cost?
The cheapest Model S you can get is roughly $10,000 cheaper than the cheapest Taycan. Granted, that doesn’t mean much without context, so let me fill you in on the differences between them.
What is different about the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan
For one, the Tesla at that price has an AWD drivetrain. The base Taycan only comes with RWD. For many of us, this is a difference of taste and style, but objectively speaking, AWD cars tend to perform more efficiently in most metrics. Sure RWD cars can do a better burnout and are preferred in drifting, but the grip of AWD typically leads to better handling, harder cornering, and better acceleration.
For two, the Tesla Model S will likely have a higher range than the Porsche Taycan. Now, let me be clear. I’m merely speculating based on what is currently available. The current Taycan 4S (which is 200 lbs heavier) only has around 200 miles of range. According to Car and Driver, With the 93.4-kWh battery, its EPA-estimated range is 227 miles, which is the highest of any Taycan.
However, the cheapest Tesla Model S has an EPA-estimated range of 402 miles. Even though Porsche hasn’t given us any range numbers, we can assume that the loss of 200 lbs won’t double its range.
The two cars do have some things in common
Both the Model S and the Taycan have DC fast charging and regenerative braking as standard. Of course, they both have all the Apple CarPlay and over-air updates.
I assume the real question everyone wants to be answered is, “how do they compare on speed?” Porsche claims the new Taycan can make its 0-60 mph sprint in 5.1 seconds. Of course, the bigger, badder Taycan Turbo S can get it done in a dizzying 2.4 seconds, but that will run you a bit more than $80k.
The cheapest Tesla Model S (Long Range Plus) will zip from 0-60 in only 3.7 seconds. Not sure if you noticed or not, but that is much faster than the Taycan. Keep in mind that we are talking about a car over $10k cheaper than the other. Now I feel confident the Taycan is a totally different driving experience and is a joy in the corners, but facts are facts.
If you haven’t seen it already, let me show you my point; The Tesla is significantly cheaper, faster, and better equipped than the base-model Porsche Taycan. People love Porsche, and I get it, but only to a certain point. Why pay more for less?
