Audi A3 Quattro vs Subaru WRX STI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Subaru WRX STI
Overview
| Spec | Audi A3 QuattroPremium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | STI |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A3 QuattroPremium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,100 | $37,245 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A3 QuattroPremium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 24 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | 15.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A3 QuattroPremium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 310 hp (best) |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A3 QuattroPremium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 12 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,417 lbs (best) | 3,450 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 4.9 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.7 in | 104.3 in (best) |
| Length | 177.3 in | 180.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 56.2 in | 58.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A3 QuattroPremium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi A3 Quattro | Subaru WRX STI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $40,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | STI $37,245 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $43,000 MSRP | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
| 3 | — | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
Audi A3 Quattro vs Subaru WRX STI FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi A3 Quattro or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi A3 Quattro vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Audi A3 Quattro or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Subaru WRX STI starts lower at $37,245.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi A3 Quattro or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (37,245).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi A3 Quattro or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2026 Audi A3 Quattro leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi A3 Quattro or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on horsepower in this comparison (310).