Impreza and WRX are two popular cars of Subaru. The Impreza and the WRX are all-wheel-drive vehicles that are popular due to their boxer engines. Both have a lot in common, but the difference between the two is the turbocharged engine.
Subaru Impreza is a car launched by a Japanese automobile brand in 1992. It was introduced as an engine replacement for Subaru Leone. Six series have been produced so far. The Subaru Impreza is the only four- and five-door car in its segment.
The WRX is only available as a sedan, but the Impreza is available as both a hatchback five-door and a sedan. Additionally, the WRX has two engine choices compared to the Impreza’s single-base engine.
In 1992, Subaru’s first front-all-wheel-drive vehicle was released, offering a four-door sedan and a five-door wagon. Following the successful 1992 Impreza, Subaru introduced another Range GT Turbo in 2000, which increased the width by 40 mm (1.6 in) over the previous model. and gained a lot of popularity in the snowy regions.
Subaru’s Model Changes
For the 1998 model, Subaru made several changes, changing the dashboard and adding panels to the center stack for the HVAC and stereo. Subaru installed a folding bench in the rear, increasing the trunk from 356 to 1275 liters (about 336.82 gals).
Apart from this, the old engine was removed for the drive train, and the Impreza was based on three engines. It won the COTY Award for Australian Car of the Year in 2000 and the Best Performance Award in 2004.
Subaru introduced its third-generation ROOF at the New York Auto Show. In this car, Subaru has done a lot of work on the design, giving the car a beautiful new look. Subaru has installed four engines with low range and high speed, which has made car enthusiasts happy.
In early 2012, Subaru introduced the fourth generation, like the previous series but claimed to be an improvement, a more fuel-efficient, lighter model. In 2013, Subaru won the AHS Top Safety Pick Award and the Business Review Sports Car of the Year award in New Zealand.
Subaru has produced eight versions of the fifth generation Impreza model, the first Subaru model based on the global platform that has since become the basis for all Subaru vehicle models. The car was introduced in 2016 and won the Car of the Year Japan award. The Japanese company has introduced the sixth generation of Subaru for the 2024 model year.
Introduction Of Impreza WRX
The first generation of the Impreza WRX was produced in 1992 by the Japanese automaker Subaru. Five popular versions of the Subaru WRX have been introduced to the market. WRX stands for “World Rally Experimental.” The car has been given this name because it developed with rally technology features.
- The first-generation WRX models were the Impreza sedan, followed by the introduction of an upgraded model in 1994, the WRX STI. A few first-generation models were introduced in the early 2000s, with little demand in the US.
- The second generation of the WRX was introduced to the United States market in 2022, and its design underwent significant changes compared to the first generation. An agreement was reached between General Motors and Fuji Heavy Industries in which SAAB sold its version of the WRX and this version was marketed as the 9-2x Saab for the 2005 and 2006 model years.
- The third-generation model has seen many changes; the car is slightly longer and more comprehensive. Until now, the WRX used a coupe body, but in the third generation, the body changed, and due to these features, it was called a separate model.
- The fourth generation was introduced in 2012. There was nothing special about this car, due to which the 5th generation Subaru Impreza replaced it. The fourth-generation WRX STI and WRX were removed from the market under the Impreza brand name.
- In 2021, the fifth-generation model was introduced. It is the first WRX model to be developed using a global platform and has been more successful than all previous models.
Distinguish Between Impreza WRX And Subaru Impreza
Subaru is one of the best compact car manufacturers. It is tough to tell the difference between the Subaru Impreza and Impreza WRX as they are two similar cars built on the same platform.
The Subaru Impreza has been successful as a touring car, it excels in track and snow rigors. While the Subaru WRX has been the most successful at rallying and is the more powerful and supercharged version of the Impreza.
| Characteristics | Impreza WRX | Subaru Impreza |
| Price | The WRX has three trim levels that make it more expensive than the Impreza, starting at $27,495 and going up to $32,010. The costliest WRX model starts at $41,495; | The Impreza comes in four trim variants, starting at $19,295 for the sedan and $26,395 for the sports car. Comparing the two, the Impreza is a better car at a lower price. |
| Performance | The WRX engine makes 268 horsepower. Due to its excellent performance, the WRX accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds. | The Impreza has 152 horsepower with its 4-cylinder engine, which makes it an excellent fuel-efficient car. But in terms of performance, WRX won the competition. |
| Technology | The WRX features a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Subaru Star Link technology; Apple and Android media systems are installed; HD system radio, SiriusXM, and satellite radio are also standard. | The Impreza also has the same technology as the WRX; the only difference is that the Impreza has these functions with premium equipment. |
| Safety | The WRX also includes valuable technology like electronic cruise control, a braking system, and a latch system that provide excellent service in terms of safety. | There is no doubt that the Impreza is better than the WRX in terms of safety; the Impreza has also won safety awards. The Impreza is equipped with Subaru’s iSight driving lens. Subaru also offers LED steering lights for night driving. Due to this, the Impreza is called the top safety pick. |
| Handling | The WX has great handling power. | The Impreza’s handling power is disappointing compared to the WRX, but that doesn’t mean the Impreza isn’t a good car. |
| Design | Both are similar in design; the WRX is finished in leather. One thing they both have in common is that both offer the same size, probably because both are built on the same platform. | The design of the Impreza is also similar, except for a few changes; both vehicles look good. |
| Fuel Efficiency | The WRX averages 19 mpg (about 15 cents per mile) in the city and 26 mpg (about 11 cents per mile) on the highway. | When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Impreza is the winner. It is the most fuel-efficient sedan, with 31 mpg (about 9 cents per mile) in the city and 31 mpg (about 9 cents per mile) on the highway. |
Which Car Is Better, Subaru Impreza Or Impreza WRX?
In terms of performance, the WRX is many times better than the Subaru, but if you are looking for a good and affordable car, the Subaru Impreza is perfect.
This car is unlikely to let you down during the changing seasons, and it has long been people’s first choice due to its excellent service.
Both also have an all-wheel drive system. The Subaru WRX is a more powerful version of the Subaru Impreza, while the Subaru Impreza is considered a luxury vehicle compared to the WRX.
Why Is The Impreza WRX So Expensive?
Subaru vehicles are well-known for being expensive on the market. The WRX is Subaru’s most expensive model, as it is a performance car that offers advanced technology, great design, and excellent performance with a flat engine and an AWD system.
Engine failure requires mechanics to pull the engine out, which will cost the car more money to repair. Furthermore, because WRX is driven at high speeds, which increases the likelihood of an accident, insurance for WRX is also expensive.
When Did Impreza And WRX Separate?
In 2014, Subaru announced that the Subaru Impreza and Subaru WRX were going their separate ways, with the new platform WRX being different from the body to the engine. The Subaru and the Impreza have been models for the past nine years.
Is Subaru Impreza A Sports Car?
Subaru Impreza is not a sports car; it is a family compact car, whereas WRX is a premium sports car that is very light in weight compared to other sports cars.
Its turbocharged engine delivers horsepower. The only difference between a sports car and a compact car is that a sports car offers two seats. The WRX sports car was introduced in 2002 and is considered the best sports car of all time.
Conclusion
- Finally, we conclude that the Subaru Impreza and the Subaru Impreza WRX have similar systems.
- Both have the same comfort zone, safety, and all-wheel drive system.
- Subaru is the only brand that gives you an all-wheel-drive car, meaning you can get power to all four wheels and turn wherever you want. Now that you might be thinking about going for Subaru’s WRX or Impreza, you should check your convenience.
- If you live in an area where climate change affects you, the Subaru Impreza is best for you; but if you want a powerful engine, the Subaru WRX is best for you.