Follow us today…
This new Tesla Model 3 Performance owner underwent a profound personal transformation, having to reconsider every single word he ever said about electric cars.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to eat your words? It’s a common experience we all share. Check out Tim’s story. It’s one that many can relate to.
Tim Braucht on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page says,
“I just picked up a new Model 3 performance, super excited first-time Tesla owner, and so far I love it! I have to say I used to hate Teslas since I’m a car guy and would say the typical it’s a microwave has no soul or it’s boring etc., but after riding in some friends and then actually getting my own damn, I’ve been missing out!”
“My old 2003 Cobra and Porsche 911 Turbo were as fast, if not faster, in a straight line, but the power coming out of a turn is crazy! And I’ve been using the FSD a lot more than I thought I would! Now my GN still gets leaps and bounds more looks and thumbs up.”
As a Senior Torque News reporter, I’ve seen my share of automotive insights, but few are as telling as the one shared by Tim Braucht on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page. It’s a narrative that encapsulates a significant shift in the automotive landscape, particularly among those who consider themselves dyed-in-the-wool “car guys.”
Tim, a proud owner of a ’03 Cobra, a Porsche 911 Turbo, and a classic Grand National, has just taken delivery of a new Tesla Model 3 Performance, and his initial reaction is a stark admission: “I used to hate Teslas.”
This isn’t an uncommon sentiment among traditionalists. We’ve all heard the refrains: “It’s a microwave, has no soul, or it’s boring.” I’ve probably uttered a few of those myself in a moment of weakness. But Tim’s journey from skeptic to enthusiast is what makes his account so compelling. He confesses, “After riding with some friends and then actually getting my own damn, I’ve been missing out!”
Another traditional car enthusiast bites the dust.
This candid revelation highlights a crucial point in the evolution of electric vehicles: converting traditional car enthusiasts to Tesla is often a hands-on experience, a moment of direct engagement that shatters preconceived notions. It’s one thing to read about EVs, another entirely to feel the instant, relentless torque.
The heart of a “car guy’s” admiration often lies in performance, and Tim’s comparison offers fascinating insights. While acknowledging his old ’03 Cobra and Porsche 911 Turbo “were as fast, if not faster, in a straight line,” he points to a distinct advantage of the Model 3 Performance: “the power coming out of a turn is crazy!”
This observation gets to the core of electric vehicle acceleration out of corners. The Model 3 Performance, with its all-wheel drive and instantaneous power delivery, can exploit traction and deliver exhilarating thrust in ways internal combustion engines often struggle with due to turbo lag or the need to downshift.
It’s a different kind of performance, perhaps more refined and immediate, offering a new dimension of driving thrill that even a seasoned track enthusiast can appreciate. For anyone searching for Tesla Model 3 Performance owner first impressions, Tim’s account vividly conveys an unexpected delight.
Advertising
Don’t Miss the Technology Piece
Beyond the visceral thrill of acceleration, Tim found himself surprised by another aspect: the technology. He states, “And I have to say I’ve been using the FSD a lot more than I thought I would!” This is a testament to the practical utility of advanced driver-assistance systems.
Many enthusiasts, myself included, often view such features with a healthy dose of skepticism, preferring to be “fully in control.” Yet, the convenience and capability of full self-driving benefits for daily commute can be genuinely transformative, allowing drivers to offload some of the mundane tasks of highway driving and focus more on the experience or relax. It speaks volumes about the system’s effectiveness when even a self-proclaimed “car guy” finds it indispensable.
Of course, some things remain sacred.
Tim’s parting shot provides a touch of classic automotive nostalgia: “Now my GN still gets leaps and bounds more looks and thumbs up.” That’s the undeniable allure of a classic like the Buick Grand National—a rolling piece of history that commands attention wherever it goes. It’s a different kind of “soul” than the Model 3 Performance offers, one built on heritage, rarity, and a distinctive rumble. This sentiment underscores why many are still keen to explore Tesla Model 3 vs classic muscle cars drag race discussions, looking for that blend of modern tech and timeless appeal.
Tim’s experience provides valuable insights into why car enthusiasts are buying Teslas. It’s not just about raw speed anymore, but a holistic package of performance, cutting-edge technology, and a surprisingly engaging driving experience. His story is a powerful endorsement, not just of the Model 3 Performance, but of the broader EV movement’s ability to win over even its staunchest critics.
As we look towards long-term ownership experience with the Tesla Model 3, these initial impressions from deeply entrenched car enthusiasts like Tim will be pivotal in shaping public perception and adoption. It suggests that once you get behind the wheel, the arguments of “no soul” quickly fade into the rearview mirror.
Conclusion:
Tim Braucht’s journey from Tesla detractor to Model 3 Performance evangelist isn’t just a personal anecdote; it’s a bellwether for where our automotive passions are heading. It’s clear that while the roar of a V8 or the precise mechanical symphony of a flat-six will always hold a special place in our hearts, the electric future is carving out its own unique and undeniably thrilling niche.
What Tim discovered—the raw, immediate power out of a corner, the surprising utility of FSD—these are the elements that are redefining what it means to be a “car guy” in the 21st century. It’s not about abandoning our love for classics, but rather expanding our definition of what truly excites us on the open road.
It’s Your Turn
I want to hear your thoughts on Tim’s experience. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Bought A Tesla Model 3 and My Wife Isn’t Happy, the Dealer Will Take It Back, But It Will Cost Me An Arm And a Leg To Get Out Of It
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tim Braucht
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com