Subaru WRX vs WRX STI: Which One Is Right For You?
From looks to power, the WRX and the STI are nearly identical, but there are a few key differences between them that every buyer should know about.
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
via Clavey’s Corner
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.