If you are on the market for a rally-inspired four-door saloon and are only wanting to spend around the 50,000 dollar mark, both the WRX and WRX STI are great choices. The Subaru WRX is built from Subaru's elite rally history which began in 1989. The WRX has been around since the early 1990s and has improved each year with Subaru winning multiple World Rally Championships (WRC) in 2001 and 2003 with the STI-tuned version of the WRX.
If you're a car enthusiast and enjoy driving cars specifically designed with the driver in mind, you can not go wrong with a Subaru WRX. The real question is, which WRX is right for you? The modest WRX or the rally-focused and powerful STI? Both WRX options are daily drivers and in this article, we will break down the differences between the two models and offer you insight on which is best for you.
10 Technology VS Power
The main differentiating factor between the two models is the engines equipped in each. The WRX is equipped with new-age technology offered through an FA20 motor, which is a turbocharged 2-liter flat-four engine producing 268 horsepower.
The STI, on the other hand, has the same motor and turbo paring that has been offered in previous generations and remained unchanged other than slight tuning updates over the years. The STI is powered by an EJ25 turbocharged flat-four with a 2.5-liter engine producing 310 horsepower.
9 Traditional Six-Speed Or Conventional CVT
The WRX would not be a genuine rally car if it was not offered in a six-speed transmission right? Both the WRX and STI variant is offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while the WRX can also be had with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The CVT style WRX makes it feel less like a rally car but has a more dependable linear progression of speed. The automatic CVT model WRX is equipped with more Subaru safety features than the six-speed manual such as Subaru's eyesight technology.
8 0-60 & Top Speed
Out of the box, the WRX hits 0-60 in 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 145 mph, while the STI hits 0-60 in 4.8 seconds with an electrically limited top speed of 155 mph.
These stats are the base figures as we all know that majority of Subaru WRX drivers do not leave their vehicles stock by any means.
7 The STI Comes With Cosmetic Differences
When spotted driving down the road, the STI automatically stands out with its large oversized wing. The wing, or spoiler, is actually functional in producing downforce for the vehicle which pairs well with the AWD system that is equipped standard.
The famous STI wing is not standard across all trims, however, as the limited trim level of the STI does not offer a wing, but includes a moonroof that the base STI does not. Other cosmetic differences found on the STI are bright yellow brakes calipers, larger wheels, and STI badging found on the front grille, rear bumper, and side wheel wells.
6 Driver Controlled Center Differential
Unique to the STI variation of the WRX is the driver-controlled center differential. This unique function allows the driver to send more power to the rear or front of the vehicle at their choosing. This is a great function for those who live in a colder climate and can utilize a more front-wheel-drive biased STI in winter for added traction and functionality.
For rallying or some fun at the track, the STI can be sent into a more rear-wheel-drive bias, allowing the back end to slide out on gravel or track (if you have the skill). The driver-controlled center differential also allows for a manual driver-adjusted mode which allows the driver to customize how much power each wheel is receiving at any given time.
5 SI-Drive
Exclusive to the STI is Subaru SI-Drive which offers differing driving modes. SI-drive offers an intelligent (I), sport (S), and sport sharp (S#) function to choose from while driving.
Essentially these functions control the amount of boost and liner power the STI performs at. Gas saving mode is keeping the STI in intelligent mode, while the sport sharp function is the STI at full power with no care to fuel economy.
4 Both are built for rally, so why different Suspensions?
Both WRX variants have independent suspension in all four corners while the WRX's suspension is sport-tuned leading to more comfort while driving in the city, but capable of taking some abuse off-road.
The STI's suspension, on the other hand, is a high-performance tuned suspension, built to corner as fast as possible and to take more abuse than the WRX in off-road environments. The stiffer suspension in the STI may help with performance cornering and durability, but this also means that it might be too stiff and uncomfortable for a daily driver.
3 You will pay $10,000 more for the STI
The STI has a starting price of $10,000 over the WRX but what does that extra $10,000 get you? The largest contributing factor to the price variation is found in the STI's performance. The STI comes stock with Brembo brakes, larger wheels, stiffer suspension, and of course a more powerful engine.
Other factors that contribute to the pricing difference are the driver-controlled center differential in the STI and the fact that a base trim STI comes with an all-leather and Alcantara interior.
2 The WRX's 2.0 Liter achieves better Fuel Economy than the STI
The WRX achieves better fuel economy than the STI due in part to its technologically advanced FA20 motor, but also due to smaller turbo size and automatically limited power progression and boost (lack of SI-drive).
The WRX boasts a rating of 20 mpg city and 27 highway, while the STI gets 16 mpg city and 22 highway. If you are purchasing an STI gas milage is something you overlook in pursuit of performance.
1 What Level Of Performance Will You Use?
Ultimately what the decision comes down to for most people is how much performance are you wanting from your purchase? There are many trim level options for the WRX adding additional performance, but all of these options only take you steps closer to what comes stock with the STI.
The STI is the outright performer in the space, but are you going to actively use all the benefits the STI provides? No matter what route you decide on, the WRX is a great four-door AWD driver-focused car for a great price.