The love for autos and sports cars is unrivaled. Many people consider keeping a collection of various cars, particularly sports cars, to be a personal interest. When a vehicle generation is set to be phased out, automakers frequently introduce special edition vehicles to entice new consumers. It’s also a great way to say goodbye to the vehicle and makes it easier to sell autos. What’s the difference between WRX vs STI?
The Subaru WRX and WRX STI have a similar story. The car was released more than five years ago, and we’ve already seen concept designs for the next-generation WRX, as well as reports that the next STI may produce 400 horsepower. Subaru offers two versions of its all-wheel-drive sports sedan, including a rally-inspired appearance. The Subaru WRX vs STI is difficult to compare.
The cars look to be similar on the surface, yet their performance and features are significantly different. Subaru designed the WRX for the Japanese market when it needed a production car for rally competition in the early 1990s. In this article, we’ll give you thorough information on both types as well as a solution to your current confusion about WRX vs STI.
- Overview of WRX?
- Feature of WRX?
- Comparison
- Interior of WRX vs STI
- Engine of WRX vs STI
- Safety Feature
- Top Speed
- Which is Better to Drive?
- What are their Costs?
What Kind Of Vehicle Is The Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX and STI are performance four-doors with basic wrappers and hot turbo stuffing. A turbo flat-4 engine sits in the heart of the standard all-wheel-drive to produce mile-long cornering abilities, as well as a stellar safety record. The WRX is a pricing competition for cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, but it’s more like a Hyundai Veloster N or a Honda Civic Type R in terms of performance.
The Subaru WRX is a sports compact car with all-wheel drive developed by Subaru and based on the Impreza created for the 1992 World Rally Championship. “World rally experimental” is abbreviated as WRX. The WRX lineup has been separated from the Impreza range since 2014, with WRX models having different body styles. The hatchback/wagon body style was, after that, discontinued. The Subaru WRX is equipped with a 268-horsepower engine.
Subaru WRX gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The Subaru WRX comes standard with a 2.0L H4 engine. The Subaru WRX’s touch screen display is 6.5 inches in size. The starting selling price of the Subaru WRX is not for everyone. Subaru WRX interiors typically include synthetic Ultrasuede.
Lineartronic transmission is standard on the WRX. It is known, however, to have an EyeSight safety package. All included pre-collision braking, sway warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The WRX Limited variant also includes high automatic lights and reverse automatic braking.
Features Of WRX
The chassis of the Subaru WRX is identical to that of the basic WRX. They do, however, have some mechanical peculiarities. Despite the fact that the STI and the WRX have the same seating capacity and bodywork, the STI outperforms the WRX substantially.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged engine powers the STI. It’s a 310-horsepower four-cylinder with direct injection. It has 290 pound-feet of torque as well. The engine in the WRX delivers 305 horsepower. The WRX gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. A 2.5L H4 engine powers the WRX.
The touchscreen display in the Subaru WRX is 7 inches long. WRX has a greater starting price than the basic retail level. The Subaru WRX’s interior is typically made of Ultrasuede, cloth, or even leather. Everything in the STI version is a higher version. It accelerates quickly, has powerful brakes, and is constructed with flat corners. It also has a fast steering system. However, if one is looking for a long-term investment, a quick, sporty car may not be the best option.
Subaru Impreza WRX vs STI
The biggest difference between the Subaru WRX vs STI is that the Subaru WRX produces 268 horsepower. STI, on the other hand, has 305 horsepower in the scenario. Subaru WRX models are less priced than Subaru STI cars. In comparison to Subaru WRX, STI cars are faster and have a sportier appearance.
The Subaru WRX produces 268 horsepower. Subaru WRX gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The Subaru WRX comes standard with a 2.0L H4 engine. A 6.5-inch touchscreen display is standard on the Subaru WRX. The Subaru WRX starts at a very low price for middle-income persons in the United States. Subaru WRX seats are frequently made of synthetic Ultrasuede.
The STI has a 305 horsepower engine. STI gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. The STI comes equipped with a 2.5L H4 engine. The touch screen display of the Subaru STI measures 7 inches. The STI has a higher initial selling price than the WRX. Ultrasuede, cloth, or even leather are commonly used on the Subaru STI.
What’s New About The Subaru WRX 2021?
Cars with the premium package get keyless entry. A new WRX is being developed.
Until then, the present car’s exhilarating handling will have to suffice, given that its four-door sedan body doesn’t see much action. It’s a solid form, with a huge rear wing and big 19-inch wheels when it debuts in STI paint.
The WRX’s interior is simple and straightforward: Its small touchscreen, large analog gauges, and cloth upholstery are nostalgic in some respects, but they don’t look the part of a $40,000 automobile.
The WRX is a mix of turbo-4 power and all-wheel-drive dexterity. The WRX’s 268-horsepower flat-4 produces sub-six-second 0-60 mph performances when equipped with a long-throw 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive with a 50:50 torque split in basic trim.
If you’re going to drive it every day, you’ll most likely opt for the continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT), which excitedly paddles through its synthetic ratios while sharing power through a more sophisticated center differential. In any case, the WRX’s flat cornering attitude and crisp steering will have you approaching old bends with renewed enthusiasm.
Then there’s the STI, which comes with a 310-hp flat-4, a different 6-speed manual, a firmer suspension, an adjustable center differential, and upgraded brakes right out of the gate. From the razor-sharp steering to the brittle, jarring ride, it’s a rally car softened slightly for the street, and it behaves like one.
The inside of all WRXs is unassuming, offering seats for four adults. Front-seat Recaro buckets can be switched out for the stock sport seats, which tighten and pinch too tightly for large persons. The back seat is very cramped, and the WRX’s trunk measures only 12.0 cubic feet.
However, the safety ratings have been outstanding. Although the manual-transmission WRX lacks automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control, the NHTSA and IIHS both award it top marks.
What Is The Price Of The Subaru WRX?
Power features and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility (if your car doesn’t come with one, you could instead learn how to install Apple CarPlay) are included in the $29,345 WRX 6-speed manual. Despite its CVT, we enjoy the $30,970 WRX Premium, which comes with a motorized driver seat, leather interior, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen, as well as Recaro front seats and Brembo brakes as options. The STI edition, which costs more than $42,000, is designed for track use but not for everyday driving.
Subaru WRX vs STI: Interior, Space, And Comfort
Both the Subaru WRX vs STI share the same interior size and configuration because they are constructed on the same base. The trunk space in all WRX and STI variants is 12.0 cubic feet, which is about average for a small car.
In comparison to the WRX, the STI has a few interior enhancements, including optional Recaro sport seats. Some people find Recaro sport seats to be too firm, so make sure you sample both before making a purchase. Except for the base WRX, all WRX and STI versions have heated front seats.
The synthetic Ultrasuede material is used on STI models, while the WRX can be furnished with fabric, Ultrasuede, or leather. Dual-zone climate control is also available on the STI. However, the interior variations between the two vehicles are minor.
WRX vs STI: Style & Technology
Both the WRX vs STI have a stylish interior. While the Premium comes standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the STI takes things a step further with 19-inch wheels. Both have trunk spoilers and performance-style front seats, which add to the dynamic vibe that elevates this sedan to new heights.
The cabin has plenty of internal space if you need to invite a few companions along on your next journey. You won’t have to sacrifice space for a sportier atmosphere with 35.4 inches of legroom for your backseat passengers to spread out.
You can’t go wrong with either the Premium or STI when it comes to the latest technologies in the WRX. The Subaru STARLINK infotainment system is accessible via a 7-inch touchscreen, ensuring that you stay connected even on the longest of journeys.
WRX vs STI: Sub-Models And Trims
Technically, the STI is a WRX trim level. Both cars, however, offer more exclusive options, making the STI more of a trim point than a sub-model. All-wheel drive is standard on the Subaru WRX and STI at all trim/model levels (AWD).
The Subaru WRX is available in three trim levels for 2021: base, premium, and limited. In terms of material and options, each one builds on the one before it. The STI and STI Limited trim options are offered for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI. The STI base trim has most of the features found on the WRX Limited, while the STI Limited includes performance improvements (rear spoiler options, Recaro front seating) that are not available on the base STI.
WRX vs STI: Powerful Engine Options
When it comes to the WRX, having trim levels options means you can choose the amount of power you desire for your daily commutes. The Premium has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the STI has a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque.
You won’t have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for power with any option. The Premium gets an amazing EPA-estimated 27/21mpg in the city and highway, while the STI gets 22/17mpg in the city and highway.
WRX vs STI: Safety Feature
Choosing a sportier sedan necessitates careful consideration of the standard safety features. Fortunately, the WRX STI and WRX Premium also stand out in this category. Standard features include Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and assistance features like a braking assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rear-vision camera in both trim levels. Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security is also standard on the STI, offering you added peace of mind on the road.
All Subaru WRX and WRX STI models do exceptionally well in crash tests. Their safety equipment is identical because they both use the same platform. Both variants have a thorough set of standard safety features. The WRX Premium and Limited grades are the outliers. The Lineartronic transmission, as well as the EyeSight safety package, are also available here.
The advanced features listed below are included:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Sway warning
- Warning for lane deviation
- Pre-collision braking
The WRX Limited model comes with automatic high beams and automatic reverse braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available as options on the WRX Limited but come standard on the STI Limited. The manual transmission STI does not have EyeSight enhanced capabilities.
The 2019 Subaru WRX was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The WRX must be equipped with the Lineartronic transmission and the EyeSight package to receive this rating. The WRX Premium and Limited trims with the Lineartronic CVT would be the vehicles to choose if improved safety features were the only factor.
WRX vs STI: Top Speed
It’s really fast to extremely fast. WRXs can reach 60 mph in under five seconds, while the STI can reduce that time by a half-second or more. The WRX’s peculiar flat-4 thrum indicates that there’s something unusual underfoot. The 2.0-liter flat-4 produces 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque when you turn it on.
The WRX’s turbo spools up and sends power to all four wheels when you engage the launch gear on the manual transmission. A viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive system shares power evenly between the front and rear axles in manual-equipped cars, and a brake-based torque-vectoring system clips the inside wheel in turns to assist the car cut through corners more rapidly.
The stick has a lengthy throw, but it’s easy to engage the clutch, and it unlocks a set of unflappable Brembo brakes, which you’ll want and need. The CVT gives the WRX the same horsepower output as the manual, but it takes a different approach to traction. It gets a center differential with an electro-hydraulic clutch to distribute power in this case.
WRX vs STI: Performance
The manual transmission’s reflexes are more passionate; the CVT’s responses are less enthusiastic. However, the WRX does come with paddle-shift controls that click through pre-selected gears to resemble an automatic transmission. It’s not a horrible answer, and it’s improved by the driver-selectable Sport and Sport Sharp modes, which hold gears longer and give the throttle a more zingy feel.
The WRX has excellent handling and traction, and it’s one of the most accessible cars to drive quickly, regardless of the driver’s level of experience. However, the current WRX has been softened in order to accommodate shifting tastes. It’s at its best when handling hairpins and esses, although there’s greater body lean than in previous generations, and the steering isn’t as tack-sharp as it once was.
Subaru preserves its STI model, which has 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to its own 6-speed manual and much stronger output, it’s substantially faster than the standard car. It also has a new all-wheel-drive system with a center differential that the driver can modify while driving to change the torque split from front to rear. The STI is a rally-car specialist, but it’s savage on roads that aren’t glass-smooth.
Usability Of WRX vs STI
Most enthusiasts are ready to give up a little comfort for improved performance, so this is more of a general approach. They do, however, like a comfortable ride. Let’s face it, you’ll be trapped in traffic 9 times out of ten rather than tearing around a racetrack. The WRX is a superior choice in these situations since it has a more compliant and forgiving ride than the STI.
The WRX isn’t the most comfortable car, but it’s a lot less punishing than the STI. Subaru has given the STI firmer springs and tighter steering to turn it into a track weapon. All of this makes sense on the track, but it’s not what you want on the road, especially if you’re having a bad day at work.
In addition, the WRX is more efficient, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the interstate. With EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, the STI, on the other hand, is poorer than most midsize SUVs. Although fuel efficiency isn’t a significant worry, it’s wise to be safe in an age where fuel costs are variable.
Which Is Better To Drive: WRX vs STI
The driving experience is the most noticeable distinction between the Subaru WRX vs STI. To put it another way, the STI has more of everything. It accelerates more quickly, corners more flatly, and stops more forcefully. The driver-controlled center differential is also included in the STI. The steering is more responsive, and the close-ratio transmission gives more power.
But, before you reject the WRX, keep in mind that the faster car is frequently less comfortable over time. This is especially true if the STI is equipped with Recaro seats. Recaro seats have less padding and greater bolstering on longer rides, and they might be uncomfortable. Furthermore, the WRX’s suspension is more compliant, making it smoother on uneven roads.
Choosing between the WRX and the WRX STI for the finest driving experience is a matter of personal preference. We like the WRX for everyday driving. The STI is a superior choice for track use.
Which Car Is More Affordable: WRX vs STI?
The 2019 Subaru WRX STI’s increased performance isn’t free. The STI, in fact, costs nearly $10,000 more than the WRX. The base WRX starts at $27,195, which is comfortably within the price range of an economy car. The WRX is quite appealing in terms of performance and features. The WRX Premium starts at $29,495, while the WRX Limited starts at $31,795. The Lineartronic CVT costs $1,900 more but comes with the EyeSight technology.
The WRX STI, which starts at $36,595, is a significant price increase. The top-of-the-line STI Limited costs $41,395, putting it in the luxury car category, where 300 horsepower is standard. Both the WRX and the STI come with the same three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Subaru’s engines are guaranteed for five years or 60,000 miles. Wiper blades (it’s a good idea to learn how to change wiper blades and how to install windshield wipers)and brake pads are likewise covered for three years or 36,000 miles by the manufacturer.
FAQs – WRX vs STI
1. What Is The Difference In Speed Between The STI And The WRX?
The STI outruns the WRX from 0-60 MPH by a half-second. The body’s exact configuration determines top speeds, which are similar.
2. Is It Possible To Make A WRX That Accelerates As Quickly As An STI?
A WRX may be made faster and closer to the performance of an STI with the right modifications. The STI, on the other hand, is a vehicle that many people modify to increase its performance.
3. Is The Extra Money Spent On A WRX vs STI Worth It?
It’s all up to you. A WRX feels very comparable to an STI in regular and even spirited on-road driving in our tests. The WRX is just as exciting at speeds that won’t get you arrested.
Final Verdict:
If you have to select between the WRX vs STI, it will come down to performance and pricing. Although the STI outperforms the WRX in terms of performance, it costs roughly $14,000 more. For a money-performance car, the base WRX is a fantastic deal. If you need a few extra convenience or comfort features, even the Limited trim or upgrading to Premium won’t break the wallet.
If people were paying their own money, they would prefer the WRX for daily driving. All Subaru WRX vs STI models do exceptionally well in crash tests. Their safety equipment is identical because they both use the same platform. The automobiles come with a full set of general safety features in both variants.
