VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4800
271hp @ 5600
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1600
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
30 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Audi A3 and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A3 delivers 201hp @ 4800 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the A3 returns 30 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,800 for the A3 and $44,995 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A3Premium 40 TFSI quattro 2024 - From $37,800
Subaru WRXtS Manual 2026 - From $44,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4800
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1600
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.9in
183.8in
Width (in)
71.5in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.2in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3483lbs
3430lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
A3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,800)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru WRX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or WRX?
The A3 gets 30 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A3 or WRX?
The A3 produces 201hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The WRX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and WRX?
The A3 starts from $37,800 and the WRX from $44,995. The A3 is cheaper by $7,195 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A3 or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider