2012 Subaru WRX vs. Its Competition

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX - STI 4-door Man Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8.2 out of 10

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Jan 24, 2012

The sole all-wheel competition for the Subaru STI is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or Evo.

It's a sharper, edgier drive than the STI, notable especially for its superb Twin Clutch automatic manual gearbox.

In most circumstances, though, the extra refinement of the STI is more than welcome--drivers won't end up feeling so ragged after longer journeys where the performance can't actually be used.

Moving down one notch, the WRX competes with the Mitsubishi Ralliart, though the WRX is both faster and much more pleasant inside.

Other competitors, like the Mazda MazdaSpeed3, have to make do with front-wheel drive--and the same applies to the Volkswagen GTI as well.

Both of those vehicles are only offered as five-door hatchbacks; the GTI wins on refinement, the MazdaSpeed3 for sheer fun.

Other, less likely alternatives include the performances versions of the Nissan Sentra (the SE-R Spec.V) and the Honda Civic (Si), all new for 2012.

They're not turbocharged, and return far better fuel economy than the rather thirsty Subarus.

2012 Subaru WRX	2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volkswagen GTI Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Volkswagen GTI Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.2 Both the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI are fun, quick, and tractable in any driving situation; they're large enough for a family, remarkably practical, and their only downsides are the lack of an automatic and lousy fuel economy.	7.8 The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer family has a little more panache than most compacts, but it's missing some of the finer details.	7.8 It isn't the fastest or flashiest sporty hatchback around, but the 2012 Volkswagen GTI may well be the most balanced, carrying forward its legacy into the 21st century.	7.8 A punchy turbo engine, crisp handling, and a dual-clutch gearbox give the 2011 Volkswagen GTI a performance profile that's anything but stodgy.
MSRP From
N/A	$15,695	$23,995	$23,695
Gas Mileage
	18 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine
N/A	Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas Turbocharged I4
EPA Class
N/A	Compact	Compact Cars	Compact
Style Name
N/A	4dr Sedan Man DE FWD	2dr HB Man	2dr HB Man
Drivetrain
N/A	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
N/A	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
N/A	4 Door Sedan	Hatchback	2 Door HB
Transmission
N/A	Manual	Manual	Manual