VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4200
271hp @ 5600
Torque
236lb-ft @ 1450
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Audi A4 and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A4 delivers 201hp @ 4200 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the A4 returns 28 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,300 for the A4 and $32,495 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 A4Premium Plus 40 TFSI quattro 2023 - From $40,300
Subaru WRXManual 2026 - From $32,495
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4200
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
236lb-ft @ 1450
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
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.5in
183.8in
Width (in)
72.7in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.2in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
111in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3638lbs
3351lbs
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru WRX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
A4
Value
WRX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A4
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price ($32,495)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A4 or WRX?
The A4 gets 28 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A4 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 A4 or WRX?
The A4 produces 201hp @ 4200 and 236lb-ft @ 1450 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 A4 and WRX?
The A4 starts from $40,300 and the WRX from $32,495. The WRX is cheaper by $7,805 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A4 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