[Weird Fishes]

Honestly, I'm so confused now. Do I go for the Karma or wait for the Model S?

The Model S has more (electric) range than the Karma. Equipped with the performance package, it's faster than the Karma, doing 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. The accelerometer built into the car will activate the brake the lights when you take your foot off the accelerator (something about that just strikes me as utterly cool). The display(s) look like they are waayyyyy better than what the Karma has on board.

But it looks like someone tried to make a 4 door version of the Jaguar XK...and missed. It's a total snore to look at, if you ask me.

And then there is the Karma. It's *gorgeous*. I honestly think it is the most beautiful car I've ever seen. But the acceleration isn't great. The command center seems universally hated. There do seem to be, uh, 'issues'. And yet...it's *gorgeous*!!

I'm completely and utterly bewildered. Do I get the Karma now? Or do I wait until the Model S and the second iteration of the Karma are both out and then decide? I'd really like to stop burning gas immediately. But I don't want to make the wrong choice either. So confusing!!!

 

[doug]

See this thread: http://fiskerbuzz.com/forums/Thread-Fisker-Karma-vs-Tesla-Model-S

 

[Sigurd]

I've got the solution: Buy them both!

 

[Weird Fishes]

Ha! Ha! Sigurd, I knew someone would come up with that solution. And it's certainly something I've considered. The only problem is that my 2 car garage is really cramped when you try to put the second car in there. :-(

And thanks for the link to the other thread, doug. I didn't know it existed, so sorry if I duplicated.

 

[Wimbledon]

To anyone considering both cars, I am also trying to build a complementing forum community of similar quality for Tesla owners here:

http://www.tesla-buzz.com/forums/

Sharing your tips and thoughts there will help the forum build some momentum. :thumbup:

 

[doug]

To anyone considering both cars, I am also trying to build a complementing forum community of similar quality for Tesla owners here:

http://www.tesla-buzz.com/forums/

Sharing your tips and thoughts there will help the forum build some momentum. :thumbup:

Well as long as we're doing plugs. We have a long and rather comprehensive thread on this topic on TMC: Karma -vs- Model S

 

[BillyO]

It looks like there are only 4 service centers for Tesla in the U.S. and some roving repair guys.

 

[doug]

Pretty sure there are more than four locations to get service. As they've moved to doing sales at boutique shops, the nearby dealership style location has moved to be primarily for service.

 

[drliu]

Weird Fishes,

I struggled with the same decision 6 months ago and I'm convinced I made the right choice for me (Karma). Then again, if my wife didn't drive a minivan I might have thought otherwise. For me the Model S is a wonderfully well thought out car, but I just don't get as excited about it as I do for the Karma. It's not just the exterior looks, which are no doubt a major advantage for the Karma, but the feel of the entire car's design and "spirit" for lack of a better word. The range anxiety issue with purely electric vehicles is also a significant, but not overriding, factor for me.

I sound uncharacteristically earthy so perhaps a simple analogy is warranted. The Model S to me is like a Swiss Army knife. The Karma is like a samurai sword. In most circumstances, the Swiss Army knife is far more practical and capable. But don't you dare take away my sword

 

[Sparky168]

Weird Fishes,

I struggled with the same decision 6 months ago and I'm convinced I made the right choice for me (Karma). Then again, if my wife didn't drive a minivan I might have thought otherwise. For me the Model S is a wonderfully well thought out car, but I just don't get as excited about it as I do for the Karma. It's not just the exterior looks, which are no doubt a major advantage for the Karma, but the feel of the entire car's design and "spirit" for lack of a better word. The range anxiety issue with purely electric vehicles is also a significant, but not overriding, factor for me.

I sound uncharacteristically earthy so perhaps a simple analogy is warranted. The Model S to me is like a Swiss Army knife. The Karma is like a samurai sword. In most circumstances, the Swiss Army knife is far more practical and capable. But don't you dare take away my sword

Like, Like, Like. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Weird Fishes]

Weird Fishes,

I struggled with the same decision 6 months ago and I'm convinced I made the right choice for me (Karma). Then again, if my wife didn't drive a minivan I might have thought otherwise. For me the Model S is a wonderfully well thought out car, but I just don't get as excited about it as I do for the Karma. It's not just the exterior looks, which are no doubt a major advantage for the Karma, but the feel of the entire car's design and "spirit" for lack of a better word. The range anxiety issue with purely electric vehicles is also a significant, but not overriding, factor for me.

I sound uncharacteristically earthy so perhaps a simple analogy is warranted. The Model S to me is like a Swiss Army knife. The Karma is like a samurai sword. In most circumstances, the Swiss Army knife is far more practical and capable. But don't you dare take away my sword

I agree with you, drliu...it's very difficult to get excited about the Model S in terms of styling. I'm not bothered by the range anxiety issue as I rarely travel more than 100 miles away from my home. And if I needed more range than that, I have an ICE automobile that I could use.

I think the technology of the Model S seems better than that of the Karma. And I have a feeling it is going to be less 'buggy'. And yet... And yet.. And yet...it's just so...Volvo-like!!! (And I've never liked Volvos.)

I've described the styling of the Model S as a Jaguar XK meets Honda Accord Crosstour. Double Yawn. (Apologies to anyone on the forum who owns either of those cars. I mean no offense.)

Every time I look at the Karma, I fall a little bit more in love. And then I read that the Model S Performance Package is going to do 0-60 in 4.4. seconds, and I have to wonder if I'll feel like I've chosen the wrong car once we start seeing those on the road.

In any case, I've put a deposit on the Model S just to reserve a place in line. Tesla has a test drive next week for reservation holders, and I have an appointment to drive the car. Once that happens, I think it will make my decision far easier.

Thanks for weighing in with your apt analogy, though.

 

[dennis]

Every time I look at the Karma, I fall a little bit more in love. And then I read that the Model S Performance Package is going to do 0-60 in 4.4. seconds, and I have to wonder if I'll feel like I've chosen the wrong car once we start seeing those on the road.

In any case, I've put a deposit on the Model S just to reserve a place in line. Tesla has a test drive next week for reservation holders, and I have an appointment to drive the car. Once that happens, I think it will make my decision far easier.

I think the Model S test drive will make your decision HARDER. You will be torn between the beautiful lines of the Karma and the awesome performance of the Model S. Too bad there isn't a car that offers both.

 

[SoCalGuy]

Dennis, when do you take delivery of your Model S?

 

[flying dutchman]

I don't think any one will try and challenge you at a trafic light in a Model S.
In the Fisker that happens to me all the time. Upto the speed limit I win....

 

[Weird Fishes]

Every time I look at the Karma, I fall a little bit more in love. And then I read that the Model S Performance Package is going to do 0-60 in 4.4. seconds, and I have to wonder if I'll feel like I've chosen the wrong car once we start seeing those on the road.

In any case, I've put a deposit on the Model S just to reserve a place in line. Tesla has a test drive next week for reservation holders, and I have an appointment to drive the car. Once that happens, I think it will make my decision far easier.

I think the Model S test drive will make your decision HARDER. You will be torn between the beautiful lines of the Karma and the awesome performance of the Model S. Too bad there isn't a car that offers both.

ARGH! I hope it doesn't get any more difficult!

Perhaps Sigurd was right, and I should just get both.

 

[dennis]

Dennis, when do you take delivery of your Model S?

We were quoted a September delivery. As this will be my wife's daily driver, it is likely I will only be driving it to the car wash.

 

[Weird Fishes]

We were quoted a September delivery. As this will be my wife's daily driver, it is likely I will only be driving it to the car wash.
[/quote]

dennis, If you don't mind my asking--what was your reservation number? I ask because I am reservation 9,3XX (can't remember the last 2 digits), and they told me to expect a wait of 11-12 months from now. That sounds awfully optimistic to me considering that I've read Tesla is expecting to produce 5 cars per day.

 

[Don A]

That sounds awfully optimistic to me considering that I've read Tesla is expecting to produce 5 cars per day.

That would be 5 cars a day this month ramping up to 80 a day over the next several months.

Looking forward our Signature Performance in August!

 

[dennis]

dennis, If you don't mind my asking--what was your reservation number? I ask because I am reservation 9,3XX (can't remember the last 2 digits), and they told me to expect a wait of 11-12 months from now. That sounds awfully optimistic to me considering that I've read Tesla is expecting to produce 5 cars per day.

Our reservation # is S672 (Signature). While Tesla is now producing 1 car/day, they plan to ramp production to 80 cars/day by the end of 2012. Elon Musk has publicly committed to shipping 5000 Model S sedans in 2012, with the capacity to produce 20,000 in 2013. So late 2Q2013 seems reasonable for your delivery if they are able to achieve the production ramp they have announced.

 

[dennis]

I think the Model S test drive will make your decision HARDER. You will be torn between the beautiful lines of the Karma and the awesome performance of the Model S. Too bad there isn't a car that offers both.

ARGH! I hope it doesn't get any more difficult!

Perhaps Sigurd was right, and I should just get both.

I spent some more time today talking to my son about his Model S test drive. I said that maybe I might prefer to drive the Model S because of its acceleration. His reply was that I would want to continue to drive the Karma because the Model S is too much like a soccer mom's car.