The WRX and STI's closest competitors are the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Evolution models.
The Evolution is a sharper, edgier car than the STI, and its twin-clutch automatic is more effective around the track, too.
However, the STI is more refined and more comfortable.
The Ralliart isn't as fast or pleasant as the comparable WRX.
The MazdaSpeed 3 is front-wheel drive, as are the Volkswagen GTI and Ford Focus ST.
All three are offered only as hatchbacks, while the Subarus come as sedans as well.
The Focus ST comes with a more upscale interior than the others, though, and its 252-hp turbocharged four-cylinder makes it a real contender in the budget performance category.
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 2014 Subaru WRXBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2014 Mitsubishi LancerBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2014 Subaru WRX and STI lack an automatic transmission and decent fuel economy, but they're fun to drive in just about any weather, and they're comfortable for long commutes, too. |
Even without considering the top-performance ST, the 2014 Ford Focus is one of the best-driving small cars on the market--with the impression of being an accessible premium car, not a spruced-up econobox. |
The 2014 Mazda 3 stands out from the small-car crowd, with its sport-car-influenced proportions and sporty driving experience; but its tight, noisy cabin means that it’s not at all the best pick for pragmatists. |
Driving enthusiasts will find that the Ralliart and Evo deliver thrilling performance; but a drab interior and general lack of refinement limit the appeal of other models in the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer lineup. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $25,995 | $16,810 | $16,945 | $17,195 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Manual WRX | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Sedan Manual ES FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel | 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 | |||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2014 Subaru WRX vs. 2014 Ford Focus | 2014 Subaru WRX vs. 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2014 Subaru WRX vs. 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
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