Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 asks RM29,147 more, but brings 279 hp and 420 Nm from its rear motor against the Teana’s 134 hp and 190 Nm petrol engine, plus a 534 km claimed EV range. Its 594-litre boot, active safety kit and 170 kW DC charging make the extra outlay tangible. The Teana remains the cheaper Malaysian-assembled choice, with a 65-litre tank, 516-litre boot and a longer 100,000 km vehicle warranty. Choose based on charging access, not just the lower annual road tax.
Pick the Nissan Teana if you want the lower entry price, a 65-litre petrol tank and 100,000 km manufacturer warranty coverage.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you can charge regularly and want 279 hp, 534 km claimed range, a 594-litre boot and a far fuller driver-assistance package.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Teana RM119,853; Tesla Model 3 RM149,000.
- Power and torque: Teana 134 hp and 190 Nm; Model 3 279 hp and 420 Nm.
- Energy storage: Teana 65-litre petrol tank; Model 3 62.5 kWh battery with 534 km range.
- Charging: Teana uses petrol; Model 3 accepts 11 kW AC and 170 kW DC charging.
- Boot space: Teana 516 litres; Model 3 594 litres.
- Warranty mileage: Teana 3 years/100,000 km; Model 3 4 years/80,000 km.
Teana
- RM29,147 cheaper to buy.
- 65-litre petrol tank.
- Malaysia CKD assembly and 100,000 km warranty.
- 134 hp and 190 Nm trail the Model 3’s 279 hp and 420 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot system or lane-keeping assistance.
- 516-litre boot is 78 litres smaller.
Model 3
- 279 hp, 420 Nm and a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 534 km claimed range; up to 170 kW DC charging.
- 594-litre boot, adaptive LED headlamps and adaptive cruise control.
- RM29,147 more expensive.
- 80,000 km vehicle warranty limit is 20,000 km lower.
- China CBU rather than Malaysia CKD.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM119,853✓ | RM149,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | D-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM280✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,997 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 134 hp | — |
| Torque | 190 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 84 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 279 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 62.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 534 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 170 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | Single-ratio Transmission |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Tesla |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | —✓ | 6.2 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.4 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | — | 201 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,885 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 2,089 mm |
| Height | 1,485 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,775 mm | — |
| Weight | 1,447 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 65 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 516 litres | 594 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 255/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 255/45R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size 16" Steel | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 18" Prismata Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 18" Prismata Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars — Nissan Altima with 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km✓ | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Teana & Model 3 for sale
Teana vs Model 3 FAQ
Is the Nissan Teana or Tesla Model 3 better?
The Tesla Model 3 is the more capable car on paper, with 279 hp, 420 Nm, a 594-litre boot and active safety systems. The Nissan Teana is better suited to buyers prioritising lower purchase cost, petrol refuelling and a 100,000 km warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 costs RM149,000, which is RM29,147 more than the Nissan Teana at RM119,853.
Can the Tesla Model 3 be charged quickly?
Yes. The Model 3 supports up to 170 kW DC charging and 11 kW AC charging. Its 62.5 kWh battery has a claimed 534 km range; the Teana instead uses a 65-litre petrol tank.