Research

Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive vs Long Range RWD

Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive

Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive

Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD

Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD

Verdict

The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD costs RM21,000 more than the Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive, and the money mainly buys battery range: 661 km plays 466 km, a useful 195 km buffer for interstate use. It is only 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, while both keep the same 201 km/h top speed, single-motor rear-drive layout, five seats and 854-litre boot. For most urban Malaysian use, the cheaper car is already quick and practical. But if range anxiety or frequent KL-Penang-style trips matter, the Long Range RWD makes sense.

Rear-wheel Drive

Pick the Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive if you want the lower entry price, lower RM305 yearly road tax and can live with 466 km of range.

Long Range RWD

Pick the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD if the 661 km range matters more than the RM21,000 premium and higher RM915 yearly road tax.

Key differences

  • Price: RM195,450 vs RM216,450
  • EV range: 466 km vs 661 km
  • 0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds vs 5.6 seconds
  • Road tax per year: RM305 vs RM915
  • Top speed: 201 km/h vs 201 km/h
  • Boot space: 854 litres vs 854 litres
Price & overview
PriceRM 195,450RM 216,450
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
Seats55
AssemblyCBUCBU
Powertrain
FuelElectricElectric
MotorSingle motorSingle motor
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
Driven wheelsRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance
0–100 km/h5.9 s5.6 s
Top speed201 km/h201 km/h
Efficiency
EV range466 km661 km
Dimensions
Length4,790 mm4,790 mm
Width2,129 mm2,129 mm
Height1,624 mm1,624 mm
Wheelbase2,891 mm2,891 mm
Boot space854 L854 L
Safety
Airbags77
Auto emergency brakingYesYes
Ownership
Warranty44
Road tax / yearRM 305RM 915

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.

Rear-wheel Drive

  • RM21,000 cheaper to buy
  • Lower RM305 yearly road tax
  • Same 854-litre boot and 201 km/h top speed
  • 195 km less claimed range
  • 0.3 seconds slower to 100 km/h
  • No seating or boot-space advantage

Long Range RWD

  • 661 km claimed range
  • Quicker 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time
  • Same five-seat SUV practicality
  • Costs RM21,000 more
  • Yearly road tax rises to RM915
  • Same 201 km/h top speed and 854-litre boot

Rear-wheel Drive vs Long Range RWD FAQ

Is the Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive or Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD better?

The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is better for range, with 661 km versus 466 km. The Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive is better value if daily use is mostly urban, as it keeps the same boot space, top speed and rear-drive layout.

What is the price difference?

The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is RM21,000 dearer than the Tesla Model Y Rear-wheel Drive. That gap mainly buys 195 km more claimed range and a slightly quicker 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time.

Do they differ in space or drivetrain layout?

No. Both are five-seat compact executive SUVs with a single motor, rear-wheel drive, single-ratio automatic transmission, 4,790 mm length, 2,891 mm wheelbase and 854 litres of boot space.

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