Dodge
Daytona
Tesla
Model S
Dodge Daytona vs Tesla Model S: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Tesla Model S comes out ahead of the Dodge Daytona on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Daytona
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a clear divide between early adopters and broader critical reception. A small number of long-term owner reports express strong satisfaction with the vehicle's fun driving dynamics, comfortable ride, unique styling, and practicality of the hatchback design. These owners frequently cite it as a very fun daily driver and comfortable for road trips.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Owner feedback is primarily centered on the R/T and Scat Pack trims.
Known issues
- ⚠Pervasive software glitches and bugs: includes ghost fault warnings, infotainment system freezes, laggy response, and general unreliability. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Problematic 12V battery failures: chronic issues with the first-generation lead-acid 12V batteries, cited as unsuitable for EV duty cycles. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Poor build quality and fit/finish: poorly fit body panels, cheap interior materials inconsistent with the price point. Frequency: very frequent.
Model S
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation. Long-term owners of older models (specifically pre-2021, with mentions of a 2015 model) report severe dissatisfaction with long-term reliability and ownership costs, describing the vehicle as poorly designed for longevity with frequent, expensive failures. In contrast, discussions of newer models (post-2021) are more focused on competitive positioning, with feedback indicating they are perceived as technologically capable but lagging in interior luxury, build quality, and overall refinement compared to newer premium electric vehicles.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Long Range vs. Plaid) as the "best" among community discussions.
Known issues
- ⚠Poor long-term reliability (older models): Multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12V battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms).
- ⚠Full Self-Driving (FSD) / Autopilot system flaws: Phantom braking, unreliable object detection due to cameras-only sensor suite, hard braking for shadows, erratic lane changes, and general inability to be trusted without constant supervisi…
- ⚠Subpar build quality and interior materials: Described as "low build quality," lacking the refinement, comfort, and quietness expected in the luxury segment.
The verdict
The Tesla Model S is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Dodge Daytona, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Dodge Daytona is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Daytona or the Tesla Model S?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Dodge Daytona and the Tesla Model S. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Daytona or the Tesla Model S?
The Tesla Model S seats more passengers than the Dodge Daytona on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Dodge Daytona is classed as a Hatchback, the Tesla Model S as a Liftback.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Daytona or the Tesla Model S?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Daytona or the Tesla Model S?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Tesla Model S than the Dodge Daytona. See the known issues comparison above.