2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the sharp, premium feel of the 2025 Audi S3 and the raw, accessible performance of the 2025 Subaru WRX creates a classic dilemma: do you prioritize badge cachet and immediate refinement or sheer utility and savings? The Audi S3 arrives with a compelling 328 hp, making it significantly punchier than the WRX's 271 hp, though it demands a steep $48,700 starting price compared to the WRX's $37,750 MSRP—a difference of $10,950. Commuting favors the Audi slightly, offering 26 combined MPG versus the WRX’s 22 combined MPG, although both require premium fuel (required for the S3, recommended for the WRX). However, practicality tips toward Subaru, offering a substantial 12.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's tight 8.3 cu ft, making the WRX a more versatile daily driver despite its lower power output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 offers slightly better fuel economy at 26 combined MPG and a smoother automated manual transmission experience for stop-and-go traffic.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX provides significantly more utility with 12.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 delivers superior straight-line performance with 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the WRX's lower output.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is the clear value winner, saving buyers $10,950 upfront while still offering AWD performance.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prefer the immediate refinement and higher power output of 328 hp, even if it requires premium fuel.
- You value a more compact footprint (177.4 inches in length) for easier city parking.
- You prefer the modern engagement of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a traditional stick shift.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- Saving $10,950 on the initial purchase price is a major priority, as the WRX starts at $37,750.
- You need more functional storage, benefiting from the WRX's 12.5 cu ft of cargo room.
- You actively enjoy the tactile feedback and driver control provided by a 6-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 183.8" |
| Width | 71.5" | 71.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 105.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.3 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 245/40R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Subaru WRX.
How much more power does the Audi S3 actually offer over the WRX?
The 2025 Audi S3 boasts 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it a substantial 57 hp advantage over the 2025 Subaru WRX’s 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is better suited for long-term fuel savings?
While both require premium fuel, the Audi S3 is more efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the WRX's 22 combined MPG, which could offset some of the higher purchase price over many years.
Is the difference in cargo space meaningful for daily use?
Yes, the difference is significant; the WRX offers 12.5 cubic feet of storage space, while the S3 is considerably tighter at only 8.3 cubic feet, making the WRX better for groceries or luggage.
Since both are AWD, what sets their drivetrains apart?
The S3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission for quicker shifts, whereas the WRX typically appeals to driving purists by offering a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox.
How big is the initial cost gap between these two AWD sedans?
The 2025 Audi S3 starts at $48,700, creating a $10,950 price gap when compared to the 2025 Subaru WRX starting at $37,750.
Do these dimensions affect street usability?
The Audi S3 is slightly narrower and shorter in length (177.4 inches) than the WRX (183.8 inches), which might translate to marginally easier maneuverability in dense urban environments.
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