2021 Model 3 Long Range vs. Standard Range Plus (RWD) - Is the LR Worth the Upgrade?

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Scan every Tesla forum and you'll find several threads about "Model 3 LR or SR+" with prospective owners deliberating this difficult decision. If they cost the same, the Long Range is probably a no brainer, but they don't cost the same. So, the question is: Is the Model 3 Long Range worth the upgrade? I'm here to compare the two and make the decision easier for you. FYI, both cars used in this test were 2021 model vehicles, and as we know Tesla prices and features change every week, so hopefully this video stays relevant through 2022!

Acceleration:
- Long Range does 0-60 in 4.2 seconds vs. Standard Range Plus in 5.3 seconds. And NOW all we get is the Model 3 RWD which does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, a big power gap there

Range
- SR+ is 267 miles (with 19" wheels) vs. LR at 334 miles. Again, no contest here

All-Weather Driving
- Long Range AWD for the win!

Handling
- Sure, the Long Range has AWD for better grip and driving in rain/snow, BUT that adds 400 pounds to the weight. Yes, you read that right! The extra motor plus larger battery weighs OVER 400 pounds more than the Standard Range Plus model
- Given this, I give the SR+ (RWD) model the edge in handling, it simply feels nimbler and more responsive
- Let me put it another way: The Model 3 SR+/RWD is a rear engine, RWD car. Sound familiar? (hint: Porsche 911/Carrera)

Weight (source: Tesla website)
- Standard Range Plus (RWD): 3,600 pounds
- RWD: 3,880 pounds
- Long Range, Dual Motor (AWD): 4,065 pounds

Regenerative Braking
- The Long Range model has more aggressive regen than the SR+/RWD model/ Why?
- You've got TWO motors doing the regen = more regen
- SR+/RWD model has limited regen capability, not just because there is one motor, but because the single motor can't be tuned for maximum regen, otherwise the strong decelerative forces could upset the handling balance/stability of the car

Audio
- Long Range has premium audio, which sounds much better (though not amazing)

Other stuff
- Long Range charges faster - charges up to 250 KW (SR+/RWD charges up to 175KW)
- Heated steering wheel standard on LR; not even offered on the SR+/RWD
- Heated rear seats included on LR; a $300 upgrade on the SR+/RWD
- Long Range comes with floormats (SR+/RWD does not!)
- Long Range has additional LED interior lighting
- In the Long Range model you hear more "whirring" from the electric motors, because you have one right in front of you. The SR+/RWD model, with its motor located far in the rear, you can only hear on hard acceleration. The car is otherwise totally silent

Cost
- With just a $6,000 difference between the two models (as of December 23rd, 2021), I think the choice is clear: Upgrade to the Long Range! So worth it, even though I've decided to keep my SR+ (I love the handling too much to give it up - best handling Tesla ever!)