Subaru WRX vs. WRX STI: What's The Difference?

Subaru is most known for making adventurous cars, and two of their exciting speedsters include the WRX and the WRX STI. These rally beasts are powerful and performance-centric. However, they aren’t created equal. If you’re debating between an investment in the two, it’s vital to examine the distinctions in the Subaru WRX vs. WRX STI.

From the performance and handling to the space for riders inside, everything matters when choosing your next vehicle. This statement is especially true if you want to focus on a more affordable speed car like the WRX or the WRX STI. Read on to learn more about what separates them from each other to make your choice simpler. 

Subaru WRX vs. WRX STI: What’s the Difference?

Since the WRX STI is essentially another form of the WRX, it’s easy to assume they’re the same. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The biggest distinction is performance - the STI is built for more performance than the traditional WRX.

From this point on, there are several more critical separations in the following areas:

• Interior features
• Price point
• Interior space

These make the WRX and WRX STI distinct from each other. 

In some areas, the separations are apparent. In others, the creations are much closer together. Let’s continue to separate the Subaru WRX vs. WRX STI.

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Performance and Handling: Subaru WRX STI

The performance is a crucial area for the comparison between the WRX and WRX STI. After all, most invest in these vehicles as cheaper and smaller sports cars, typically because they can’t afford a Jaguar or a Maserati. 

Here are the performance specs for the Subaru WRX:

• 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine
• 271 horsepower
• 258 pound-feet of torque

There are also two model specifications to choose from.

Here are the performance specs for the Subaru WRX STI:

• 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine
• 296 horsepower
• 300 pound-feet of torque

There is more power available in the Subaru WRX STI.

In terms of handling, you’ll get excellent results from both vehicles but in contrasting ways. The Subaru WRX provides a control that’s balanced and very responsive. On the other hand, the Subaru WRX STI brings high stability when powering up and sharp control that leads to precision at faster rates. It’s the winner in the Subaru WRX vs. WRX STI.

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HOW LONG DO SUBARU WRXs LAST?

Let’s discuss the lifespan of the Subaru WRX, how many miles it can last, and whether it’s a good investment for used car buyers.

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Interior Features and Styling: Subaru WRX STI

The inside of the vehicle is where you spend most of the time, so it must be comfortable. Both the Subaru WRX and WRX STI are designed to provide a sport-oriented feel, packed with high-quality details and touches Subaru is known for.

Here are some interior details you’ll see in the Subaru WRX:

• Sport-style front seats
• Flat-bottomed steering wheel
• Red stitching and accents
• Ultrasuede trim

It feels sporty and spacious.

Here are the interior details you’ll witness in the Subaru WRX STI:

• Branding on the seats
• Sport-style seats
• Black leather seats with red stitching
• Ultrasuede trim

It exists to feel like a racecar for the excited driver. 

There are also ample infotainment and technology features inside each machine. Both the WRX and WRX STI come with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, touchscreen display, smartphone integration, available navigation, and available heated front seats. The Subaru WRX STI barely scrapes forward as the winner. 

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THE SUBARU WRX STI YEARS TO AVOID

The Subaru WRX STI is a cult classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Read on to learn more about the Subaru WRX STI years to avoid.

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Safety: Subaru WRX

Safety is a vital consideration for any driver, whether you want to go fast and race or take your drive like a typical commuter. Either way, safety will ensure you know what’s ahead and provide peace of mind for you and your passengers. 

Here are the safety details you’ll see in the Subaru WRX:

• Available forward-collision warning with automatic braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Unfortunately, most of the safety features are only available with an upgrade.

The Subaru WRX STI isn’t much better, offering the following:

• Available rear cross-traffic alert
• Available blind-spot monitoring

You’ll have to upgrade to the more advanced driver assistance features in the WRX and WRX STI.

Both cars provide excellent crash ratings from the NHTSA and are Top Safety Picks from the IIHS. However, we don’t love that many features standard with other machines are optional for these. 

Price Point: Subaru WRX

The price point is one of the most significant factors in a car purchase for many individuals. Most stick to a budget and pick cars within that budget, which is part of why the WRX and WRX STI are so popular - they can replace more expensive sports cars for people who can’t fork over the cash.

The Subaru WRX offers a solid price tag. The starting price hovers around $28,420 and the peak price point sits around $33,020. On the other hand, the Subaru WRX STI starts at $38,170 and goes up to $42,870.

There is a massive price difference between the two, almost $10,000 between the base trims. Thus, the WRX is a much better deal if you don’t want to spend too much on your machine.

Interior Space: Subaru WRX STI

Finally, let’s consider the available interior space for each vehicle. You must have solid room for people and their belongings for the complete experience, and Subaru managed to do pretty well with two of their smaller cars.

Here’s the interior breakdown for the Subaru WRX:

• Spacious trunk
• ⁶⁰⁄₄₀ folding rear seats
• Limited interior storage areas
• Decent leg space

It’s solid for those inside the WRX.

Here are the interior details for the Subaru WRX STI:

• Roomy cargo space
• ⁶⁰⁄₄₀ folding rear seats
• Relatively spacious
• More pockets for storage

There are slightly more features in this car.

The WRX STI seems better equipped to hold random odds and ends. However, both do a decent job of providing more space for the driver and passengers.

Which Vehicle Is the Winner?

Both vehicles offer an excellent presence on the road, small and speedy. They are both safe and bring excellent interior features to the table. However, there can only be one winner.

Overall, we’d crown the Subaru WRX STI as the winner. While there are some struggle points, the WRX STI excels in performance, interior space, and design features. These are enough to make it a top choice for any driver. The WRX STI emerges victorious in the Subaru WRX vs. STI.

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