Cameron Thiessen
· 7 min read
The difference between a Subaru WRX and a Subaru WRX STI has mainly to do with performance trim levels. Until the 2021 model year, the WRX STI was the high-performance trim of the Subaru WRX, but the WRX STI was not included for the 2022 model year.
It’s also important to note that there’s rally racing history behind each of these acronyms. “STI” is the acronym that came first. Originally capitalized as “STi,” it stands for “Subaru Tecnica International.” STi was Subaru’s performance-focused division, which was started in 1988 and produced some of the best rally cars in recent history.
“WRX” on the other hand stands for “World Rally eXperimental.” This was first used to designate models based on the Subaru Impreza that was created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru Impreza WRX STi models were first available in 1994.
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The “STI” designation refers to a difference in trim. The STI version of the WRX is a performance-enhanced version of the regular Subaru WRX. It comes with a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned center differential, and an improved all-wheel drive system, to name just a few notable differences.
Let’s investigate what separates these two classic Subaru cars by comparing the 2021 models.
MORE: Every Subaru sports car you should know
Price
WRX: Approx. $27,000
WRX STI: Approx. $36,000
A regular 2021 Subaru WRX is worth about $27,000 on the used market, while a basic 2021 Subaru WRX STI is worth closer to $36,000. There were other trim upgrades available for each.
The 2021 WRX was available in three trims: Base, Premium, and Limited. The most expensive version is a Limited trim with manual transmission and all the optional extras. This fully-loaded non-STI WRX Limited will cost around $43,000 on the pre-owned market.
In contrast, a 2021 WRX STI was available in two trims: Base and Limited. A 2021 WRX STI Limited with all the extra fixings costs about $47,000 used.
MORE: Subaru rally car
Performance specs
Since the STI trim designates specifically a performance upgrade—rather than a technology or features upgrade—performance is the primary thing that separates these two models. Let’s take a look at how each one performs.
Engine and transmission
WRX: 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four with manual transmission
WRX STI: 310-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER turbo-flat-four with manual transmission
While the base WRX was only available with manual transmission, the WRX Limited and Premium trims were available with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission or the standard six-speed manual. The WRX STI is only available with manual transmission.
The WRX STI powertrain got a few upgrades that weren’t available with the regular 2021 WRX. First of all, while both engines have turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the STI’s is bigger. The 2021 WRX base engine is a 268-horsepower2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four with 258 pound-feet of torque. The STI’s Subaru BOXER turbo-flat-four is 2.5 liters, able to pump out 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
The STI also comes with an improved all-wheel-drive system that isn’t available on the regular WRX, along with an improved driver-controlled center differential (DCCD).
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WRX: 21 city/27 highway
WRX STI: 16 city/22 highway
Because of its bigger engine, the 2021 Subaru WRX STI uses more gasoline than the standard WRX. Of course, neither version is particularly concerned with saving fuel—the Subaru WRX is all about a fun drive.
The most fuel efficient version is the manual transmission WRX, which gets 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The CVT version has worse fuel economy—but not as bad as the WRX STI, which gets only 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration and handling
WRX: 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, 17” wheels
WRX STI: 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, 19” wheels
A 2021 Subaru WRX can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds, but it can’t compete with the WRX STI’s acceleration time of 4.7 seconds. There’s no question that the 2021 Subaru WRX STI is the better performer—which is exactly what you’re paying for if you buy this upgraded model.
But that doesn’t mean the WRX is a poor performer. Even when equipped with the CVT automatic transmission, the WRX’s paddle shifters give the feeling of driving a manual-transmission sports car.
Handling definitely feels different between the two. They both sit on aluminum alloy wheels, but the WRX’s are 17 inches, while the WRX STI’s are 19 inches. The WRX STI’s DCCD and firm, rally-tuned suspension make it incredibly athletic on twisting roads. The STI also gets an upgraded set of Brembo brakes, as opposed to the WRX’s usual disc brakes.
Styling
The bigger wheels definitely play a significant role in the more aggressive styling of the 2021 Subaru WRX STI versus the standard WRX. Another distinguishing feature of the STI is its giant wing spoiler. But these newer models did lose some of the classic features of earlier iconic Subaru STIs.
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While the STI upgrade for the 2021 Subaru WRX primarily featured performance upgrades, the WRX STI also came standard with an upgraded sound system. This 9-speaker Harman Kardon system is also controlled by a 7.0-inch infotainment screen—larger than the standard 6.5-inch screen. The STI was also available with a red-accented Recaro seat upgrade.
Safety features
Only the 2021 Subaru WRX models with CVT transmission have access to Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assistance safety features. The full suite wasn’t available on the STI rally car, though blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were options on the STI models.
Available upgrades
The manual-transmission base model of the 2021 Subaru WRX was not offered with any extra options—these were reserved for the two higher trims.
If you want the EyeSight driver assist package, it’s only on the CVT-equipped Premium or Limited WRX trims. Other available upgrades with these trims included a moonroof and heated front seats. The WRX Limited also had available standalone options like the Brembo brakes and Recaro seats available on the STI models, as well as an Ultrasuede upholstery upgrade option.
The regular WRX STI gets some standard upgrades that we’ve already mentioned. The STI Limited includes the Recaro leather seats, a few safety features from the EyeSight package, and the moonroof.
Lots of additional accessories were also available for both models, including floor mats, speaker upgrades, roof racks, and splash guards.
How to find cheap car insurance for your Subaru
You can expect to pay higher-than-average prices for a performance-focus sports sedan like the Subaru WRX or Subaru WRX STI. But to keep your Subaru WRX STI insurance costs in check, shop for your car insurance with the
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FAQs
Is the WRX or STI faster?
Technically, the WRX STI is a WRX, but the STI is faster than the standard WRX.
Which car is more expensive—the WRX or STI?
Since it’s an upgraded version of the WRX, the WRX STIis more expensive. That said, a higher trim of the regular WRX may be more expensive than a base-model WRX STI, depending on the specific details and options.
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