pooter03
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Andrew
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2020
- Threads
- 10
- Messages
- 65
- Reaction score
- 151
- Location
- New Jersey
- Vehicles
- 2021 Mach E Premium
- Occupation
- IT
- Thread starter
- #1
My brother-in-law/boss has a lemon of a Tesla Model S* he got back in early 2013. Since the thing is frequently in the shop, he gets loaners that he'll let me drive. So far, I've driven multiple Model S, a Model X, and most recently a Model 3. The more recent loaners had autopilot, and the Model 3 is the first one I've driven that wasn't locked into "chill" mode (severely limiting acceleration.) Figured I'd compare my experiences to my Mach E (Premium, RWD, standard battery with about 5500 miles on it so far.)
Things I liked about the Tesla (in comparison to my Mach E.)
*One of a few reasons why I bought the Mach E instead of a Tesla. I don't trust their build quality.
**Situational awareness
Things I liked about the Tesla (in comparison to my Mach E.)
- The infotainment system is buttery smooth and has been from the start. Ford has a ton of catch-up to do from that perspective.
- The autopilot works nicely on the highway and is pleasant for stop and go traffic. Although I kept my attention on the road, it is nice to have as a backup if I get distracted by something.
- Part of the autopilot system is a screen that shows vehicles, people, and obstacles around the car. It really helps improve the driver's SA**.
- The navigation is the best factory stock nav system I've used (although I still prefer car play.)
- Speaking of which, the map can take up the entire screen. I'm hoping that at some point we'll get full screen Car Play and Android Auto.
- Living in the NYC tri-state area, there are a ton of superchargers around, which is convenient.
- I do enjoy the sense of whimsy they imbued in the infotainment system. (e.g. the fart noise generator. not something I'd ever use, but I appreciate the goofiness of it.)
- Bluetooth connects almost instantly.
- I instantly fell in love with chime on green light feature. I hope we get something like that at some point or another.
- The Model X's forward view is outstanding, especially with the wind screen going all the way up and above your head.
- The acceleration in the Model Y is almost shocking. I was pleased that my Mach E's acceleration was roughly similar to my boss's old Model S, and that it can throw me back in the seat, but it doesn't compare to the Tesla. It accelerates so fast that it actually locked up the seatbelt. I also scared the living crap out of my wife despite warning her.
- The door handles on the Model 3 are so poorly designed that it almost single-handedly kills any enthusiasm I have for that model. They are surprisingly difficult to operate, especially if your hand is full.
- I hate having ALL of the controls and info on the tablet. The autopilot is almost necessary as it is very distracting to have to go through multiple menus in order to do something like change the angle of the rear-view mirrors.
- I also dislike the tablet being in landscape. It makes sense since they need the real-estate to handle of the functionality, but I like vertical screens, especially for navigation (you can see further in front of you, as long as you are not using North is up.)
- Somehow, Tesla managed to design a difficult to use turn-signal indicator. There were times where it took me a full minute to figure out how to stop it from blinking after a turn or merge. (In autopilot, it does turn off automatically after a lane change.) The cars behind me were probably somewhat bemused on my signals constantly switching from left to right as I tried to find the exact movement needed to turn them off.
- Just to make sure we are clear: I despise having all the instrumentation located in a place that forces me to take my eyes off the road for a good amount of time. (anything longer than the time it takes to glance down briefly is too long.)
*One of a few reasons why I bought the Mach E instead of a Tesla. I don't trust their build quality.
**Situational awareness
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