The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart are the closest competitors to the WRX and STI.
Compared to the STI, the Evolutioni is a sharper, edgier car to drive, and its superb Twin Clutch automatic manual gearbox helps make the most of it on the track.
On the flip side, the STI is much more refined, and more comfortable for longer journeys.
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.
In both cases, these are hatchbacks, while the Subaru offers a choice of hatch or sedan body styles.
One other strong new rival for 2013 is the Ford Focus ST; with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 252 hp, and a level of style and interior refinement that's on par with other Focus models, the ST is arguably the new champ for budget performance.
But with no all-wheel drive or automatic-transmission option, it also has some barriers.
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 2013 Subaru WRXBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2013 Mitsubishi LancerBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI are fun to drive, tractable in a wide range of conditions, and surprisingly comfortable and versatile; but the lack of an automatic transmission and poor fuel economy are factors that might limit their appeal. |
Whether or not you consider the exciting new ST performance model, the 2013 Ford Focus lineup is evidence that small cars don't have to feel so appliance-like. |
The 2013 Mazda 3 drives with a lot more sophistication and verve than you might expect for a small car this affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient. |
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer models looks sharp and handles well--and the Ralliart and Evo provide all-wheel-drive performance thrills--but there are enough flaws to limit their appeal. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $25,795 | $16,200 | $16,700 | $15,995 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Turbocharged Gas Flat 4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Small Station Wagon | Compact | Compact | Compact |
| Style Name | |||
| 5-Door Manual WRX | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Sedan Manual DE FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Wagon | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2013 Subaru WRX vs. 2013 Ford Focus | 2013 Subaru WRX vs. 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2013 Subaru WRX vs. 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
