Audi A3 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 A3Premium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | STI |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front 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 | 2024 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $35,800 (best) | $37,245 |
| Lowest listing price | $11,990 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $29,500 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $42,766 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 15 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 37 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 15.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 310 hp (best) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 10.9 cu ft | 12 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,329 lbs (best) | 3,450 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 4.9 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 104.3 in (best) |
| Length | 176.9 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 A3Premium | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| 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 | Subaru WRX STI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $35,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) | STI $37,245 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $39,400 MSRP | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
| 3 | — | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
Live inventory
Audi A315 for sale
See all
Used2012 Audi A3
2.0T Premium
Brilliant Black•Black86,307 mi$11,990Drive Appeal
Eden Prairie, MN
Used2025 Audi A3
40 Premium
Arkona White•Black/Rock Gray Stitching5,546 mi$33,000Plaza Auto Mall
Brooklyn, NY
Used2024 Audi A3
40 Premium
Ibis White•Black/Rock Gray Stitching58,896 mi$22,499Hacienda Ford of Alice
Alice, TX
Used2023 Audi A3
40 Premium Plus
Mythos Black Metallic•Santos Brown/Steel Gray Stitching46,024 mi$26,550Lindsay Volvo Cars of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
Used2026 Audi A3
Premium Plus
Arrow Gray Pearl Effect•Parchment Beige/Steel Gray Stitching2,013 mi$37,423Jack Hanania Audi Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
Used2025 Audi A3
40 Premium
Manhattan Gray Metallic•black3,950 mi$30,600Mazda San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Audi A3 vs Subaru WRX STI FAQ
- Which is better: 2024 Audi A3 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Audi A3 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: 2024 Audi A3 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Audi A3 starts lower at $35,800. Live Audi A3 listings start at $11,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Audi A3 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (35,800).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2024 Audi A3 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
- Which has better horsepower: 2024 Audi A3 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on horsepower in this comparison (310).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Audi A3 vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).