0-60 head-to-head · Sourced figures
Is the Tesla Model 3 Performance faster than a BMW M3 Competition xDrive?
Yes. The 2024 Model 3 Performance is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 2.9 s vs 3.4 s for the 2025 M3 Competition xDrive (manufacturer figures).
By CarWhere Research · Figures checked 2026-11-14 · Every number links to its source · How we compare
Model 3 Performance 0-60
2.9 s
Tesla-claimed
M3 Competition xDrive 0-60
3.4 s
BMW-claimed
Model 3 Performance power
510 hp
AWD
M3 Competition xDrive power
523 hp
AWD
Model 3 Performance vs M3 Competition xDrive: specs side by side
Manufacturer figures first; a named instrumented test only where the automaker publishes none (or as context). Bracketed numbers link to the source.
| 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance | 2025 BMW M3 Competition xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years | 2024–present | 2025–present |
| Figures quoted for | 2024 model year | 2025 model year |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor electric, single-speed | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6, 8-speed M Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Horsepower | 510 hp[1]reported figure; Tesla does not list hp on its US site | 523 hp[2] |
| Torque | — | 479 lb-ft[2] |
| Curb weight | — | 3,990 lb[2] |
| Pounds per hp | — | 7.6 |
| 0-60 mph (manufacturer) | 2.9 s[1]Tesla-claimed | 3.4 s[2]BMW-claimed |
| 0-60 mph (instrumented test) | Not published | Not published |
| Quarter mile | Not published | Not published |
| Top speed | 163 mph[1]Tesla-claimed | 155 mph[2]BMW-claimed · electronically limited |
| Launch MSRP | $52,990[1]2024 base MSRP · launch MSRP; raised to $53,990 within days; excl. $1,390 destination + $250 order fee | $85,300[2]2025 base MSRP · excl. destination |
Which is quicker?
0-60 mph
The Model 3 Performance is quicker to 60 mph by 0.5 s: 2.9 s vs 3.4 s (manufacturer figures).
Quarter mile
Neither automaker publishes a quarter-mile time, and we have no named instrumented test for both, so we leave it blank rather than estimate.
Top speed
The Model 3 Performance has the higher top speed: 163 mph vs 155 mph.
Other versions
The answer can flip with the trim. Other Tesla Model 3 and BMW M3 versions in our dataset:
Price new and what buyers paid
- Tesla Model 3 Performance: launched at $52,990 (2024 base MSRP).
- BMW M3 Competition xDrive: launched at $85,300 (2025 base MSRP).
Deal medians are model-level discounts from approved, deduplicated CarWhere buyer deal sheets (snapshot 2026-11-08), shown only with 5+ deals. More on what people paid.
How we compare
We compare like with like: two automaker claims when both exist, otherwise two instrumented tests, and we say so when we have to mix them. Where a source lists several configurations, we lead with the quickest one it states (and name it). Acceleration times depend on surface, temperature, tires, fuel and launch technique, so a gap of 0.1 s is within the noise.
No figure here is simulated or estimated. Blank cells mean no automaker figure and no named instrumented test we could cite. Figures are for the model year shown; later updates can change them.
More on these cars
Tesla Model 3 Performance
BMW M3 Competition xDrive
More head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 Performance faster than a BMW M3 Competition xDrive?
Yes — the 2024 Model 3 Performance is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 2.9 s vs 3.4 s for the 2025 M3 Competition xDrive (manufacturer figures).
What is the 0-60 time of the Tesla Model 3 Performance?
2.9 seconds (Tesla-claimed) for the 2024 model year, from 510 hp.
What is the 0-60 time of the BMW M3 Competition xDrive?
3.4 seconds (BMW-claimed) for the 2025 model year, from 523 hp.
Which has the higher top speed, the Model 3 Performance or the M3 Competition xDrive?
The Model 3 Performance has the higher top speed: 163 mph vs 155 mph.
Which costs more new, the Model 3 Performance or the M3 Competition xDrive?
At launch, the 2024 Model 3 Performance started at $52,990 and the 2025 M3 Competition xDrive at $85,300 (base MSRP before destination and options).
Sources
Automaker press releases and spec sheets first; instrumented tests are credited to the publication that ran them.
- InsideEVs, “Tesla Model 3 Performance's $1,000 Price Jump Suggests Strong Demand”, 2024-04-29.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2025 BMW M3 — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2021 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.