2012 Subaru WRX vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

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.