What is STI vs WRX?
Subaru's STI and WRX models have long been icons in the world of performance vehicles, but many car enthusiasts often wonder about the key differences between these two legendary nameplates. In this article, we'll dive into the details to help you understand the unique characteristics and capabilities of the STI and WRX.
What is the STI?
The STI, or Subaru Tecnica International, is Subaru's high-performance division that has been responsible for developing the brand's most powerful and track-focused models. The STI badge is typically found on the top-of-the-line versions of Subaru's performance cars, offering enhanced power, handling, and styling compared to their standard counterparts. The STI models are designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience for enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in Subaru performance.
What is the WRX?
The WRX, or Subaru World Rally eXperimental, is a high-performance variant of the Subaru Impreza. The WRX is known for its turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive system, and rally-inspired design, making it a popular choice among performance-minded drivers who want a practical, daily-drivable sports car. While not as extreme as the STI, the WRX still offers a significant performance upgrade over the standard Impreza, providing an engaging and capable driving experience.
Key Differences Between the STI and WRX
The main differences between the STI and WRX can be summarized as follows:
- Engine Performance: The STI typically features a more powerful turbocharged engine, often with a larger displacement and higher output compared to the WRX.
- Suspension and Handling: The STI is equipped with a more sophisticated suspension system, including stiffer springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars, resulting in sharper handling and better track performance.
- Brakes: The STI usually has larger, high-performance brakes to handle the increased power and speed.
- Styling and Aerodynamics: The STI often features more aggressive exterior styling, including a larger rear wing, front splitter, and other aerodynamic enhancements to improve downforce and high-speed stability.
- Price: Due to its more advanced performance components and features, the STI typically commands a higher price tag compared to the WRX.
In summary, the STI is Subaru's top-of-the-line performance model, designed to deliver the ultimate driving experience for enthusiasts who prioritize track-focused capabilities and maximum performance. The WRX, on the other hand, offers a more balanced and daily-drivable performance package that still provides an engaging and capable driving experience.
Is an STI still a WRX?
At the launch of the current WRX in 2022, the car maker announced Subaru Technica International (STI) would not be producing a high-performance version of the WRX – with the department instead shifting its focus to electric cars. Subaru then trademarked the STe badge in 2023.
What makes STI faster than WRX?
Key Comparisons
Overall, the key difference between the Subaru WRX and WRX STI is performance. The Subaru STI is the more powerful and performance-oriented of the two. It comes with a bigger engine, stiffer springs, thicker tires, more powerful brakes, and more. By comparison, the WRX isn't something to sleep on.
Why is a Subaru STI so fast?
Aerodynamic Design: The design of Subarus often incorporates aerodynamic features that help reduce drag, contributing to higher speeds. These factors combine to make certain Subaru models, particularly those designed for performance, relatively fast and capable on both roads and racetracks.
What does STI stand for?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
What does STI stand for WRX?
Subaru Tecnica International
The STI model of the Subaru WRX was developed in 1994, for all Subaru vehicles, by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), a division of the Subaru Corporation that specializes in motorsport vehicles today, STI (or "STi" as it was labeled after 2006) exists as a trim level for other Subaru models, such as the WRX and ...
What is the difference between a WRX and an STI?
The main difference is that the WRX STI comes with STARLINK™ Safety and Security, while the WRX does not. The other safety features on both trims are listed below.
What does WRX stand for?
World Rally eXperimental
Subaru tells us that the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental." Fast forward to 2015, and the WRX lineup was split from the Impreza range along with a different body style to simply be marketed as the stand-alone WRX.
Why was STI discontinued?
During a Road and Track interview, Dominick Infante, Subaru's Director of Corporate Communications confirmed that regulations regarding both emissions and electrification were the true cause for the life of the WRX STi to end.
Why was the Subaru STI discontinued?
When Subaru made this announcement, their team outlined that "Regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ)" are the impetus for holding off on a developing a new STi right away.
What is STI horsepower?
2021 STI has 307 horsepower w/ 258 torque.
