Subaru WRX vs Subaru STi

With 578 horsepower between the two of them, you can't go wrong. For under $30,000, you can drive the Subaru WRX, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance car, respected the world over. If you have approximately $10,000 more, you can buy the STi--a WRX on steroids. For the extra money, you get a bigger engine with more power, an even more sophisticated suspension, and many other upgrades.
What are the differences? | Subaru WRX | Subaru STi |
Engines and Power Both use intercooled, four cylinder, turbocharged Boxer engines with direct fuel injection and Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System. | ![]() 2.0 liter | ![]() 2.5 liter |
Transmission | Manual: Automatic: | Manual: Automatic: |
0-60 Time and Top Speed | Manual: 5.2 Seconds | Manual: 4.8 seconds |
Rear Spoiler Subaru says the park bench on STi adds 3mph to top speed and increases stability at high speeds. STi can be ordered with the WRX lip spoiler. | ![]() Subtle | ![]() Not Subtle |
Wheels STi also gets huge Brembo brakes. | ![]() | ![]() |
Driver Controlled Center Differential Rally drivers will appreciate controlling their fore/aft torque. | ![]() not available, so no switch | ![]() |
SI-DRIVE Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), a throttle management system, allows driver to choose from among three selectable modes: "Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp." | ![]() Available only on CVTversion. Switch is steering wheel mounted (not shown on this six speed). | ![]() Standard. Switch found in center console with DCCD. See close-up picture above. |
Suspension | ![]() REAR: FRONT: | ![]() REAR: FRONT: |
Pricing | WRX starts around $28,000 | STi starts at $38,000 |
Dynamic Brochures Video, glossy photos, and spec listings worthy of an eye chart. | ![]() WRX | ![]() STi |
See Exclusive WRX and STi overview page

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