The Subaru Impreza and Impreza WRX are often confused, leading many potential buyers to wonder about the key distinctions. While both share the same heritage and some styling cues, they cater to vastly different driving experiences and needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifics, helping you decide which Impreza best suits you.
What are the Key Differences Between a Subaru Impreza and a WRX?
The core difference lies in their performance orientation. The standard Subaru Impreza is a compact car prioritizing fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality. The Impreza WRX, on the other hand, is a performance-tuned variant focusing on power, handling, and a thrilling driving experience. This difference manifests in several key areas:
Engine Power and Performance
-
Impreza: Typically features a smaller displacement engine, often a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, prioritizing fuel economy and everyday drivability. Expect moderate horsepower and torque figures suitable for city driving and highway cruising.
-
Impreza WRX: Boasts a significantly more powerful, turbocharged engine, delivering substantially higher horsepower and torque. This translates to quicker acceleration, higher top speeds, and a much sportier driving feel. The WRX is designed for enthusiasts who crave performance.
Handling and Suspension
-
Impreza: Employs a suspension setup tuned for comfort and ride quality. While still capable of handling corners adequately, it prioritizes a smooth ride over aggressive handling characteristics.
-
Impreza WRX: Features a much more performance-oriented suspension system, with stiffer springs, upgraded shocks, and often a limited-slip differential. This results in sharper handling, better responsiveness, and a significantly more engaging driving experience, especially on winding roads.
Styling and Aesthetics
While both share a family resemblance, subtle design cues highlight their differences:
-
Impreza: Generally features a more understated and conservative design, emphasizing practicality and everyday usability.
-
Impreza WRX: Sports a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic, with larger wheels, unique body kits, and sportier badging, instantly communicating its performance credentials.
Interior and Features
-
Impreza: Offers a comfortable and practical interior, typically focusing on user-friendliness and everyday convenience features.
-
Impreza WRX: Often incorporates sportier elements into the cabin, such as performance-oriented seats, a more aggressive steering wheel, and potentially upgraded infotainment systems. The focus remains on driver engagement.
Is the Impreza WRX More Expensive than the Impreza?
Yes, the Impreza WRX consistently commands a higher price tag than the standard Impreza. This reflects the added cost of the more powerful engine, performance-tuned chassis, and upgraded features. The price difference can be substantial, reflecting the performance enhancements.
Which Subaru Impreza is Right for Me?
The choice between an Impreza and an Impreza WRX boils down to your priorities.
-
Choose the Impreza if: You prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, practicality, and a smooth, comfortable ride for everyday driving. You value a lower purchase price and lower running costs.
-
Choose the Impreza WRX if: You desire a powerful, sporty, and engaging driving experience. Performance and handling are paramount, and you're willing to pay a premium for the enhanced capabilities.
What About the Impreza STI?
While not directly compared here, it's worth noting that the Impreza STI (Subaru Tecnica International) represents an even more extreme performance variant, offering further enhancements in power, handling, and technology above the WRX. The STI is geared towards serious motorsports enthusiasts.
This detailed comparison should assist you in making an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Remember to test drive both models to experience the differences firsthand.
