Turbocharged rivalry: subaru wrx vs. toyota gr corolla, which one rules the road?
What To Know
- In contrast, the Corolla GR adopts a more subtle and refined approach, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic body with sharp lines and a sporty rear diffuser.
- The Corolla GR, on the other hand, boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- The Corolla GR is more fuel-efficient than the WRX, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to compact performance cars, the Subaru WRX and Toyota Corolla GR stand out as two of the most formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer thrilling driving experiences, impressive performance capabilities, and a host of features that cater to enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru WRX and Corolla GR to help you determine which one is the right choice for your needs.
Design and Styling
The Subaru WRX exudes a bold and aggressive stance, with its widebody design, muscular fenders, and signature hexagonal grille. In contrast, the Corolla GR adopts a more subtle and refined approach, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic body with sharp lines and a sporty rear diffuser. Both vehicles come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the WRX offers an optional set of 19-inch wheels.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Subaru WRX boasts a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The front seats provide ample support and comfort, and the rear seats offer decent legroom for passengers. The dashboard is adorned with a large touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Corolla GR, on the other hand, has a more compact and driver-focused interior. The sport seats are designed for spirited driving, and the dashboard features a smaller touchscreen display with a simpler interface.
Performance and Handling
The Subaru WRX is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Corolla GR, meanwhile, is equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. In terms of handling, both vehicles offer precise steering and agile cornering capabilities. The WRX benefits from its standard all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction in all weather conditions.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for performance cars, and both the Subaru WRX and Corolla GR deliver respectable figures. The WRX with the manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The CVT-equipped WRX slightly improves fuel economy to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Corolla GR, on the other hand, boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Both the Subaru WRX and Corolla GR come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX also offers blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while the Corolla GR adds lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.
Price and Value
The Subaru WRX has a starting price of $30,605, while the Corolla GR starts at $35,335. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and optional packages, which can increase the price significantly. When comparing similarly equipped models, the WRX and Corolla GR are relatively close in terms of price.
Recommendations: The Right Choice for You
The Subaru WRX and Corolla GR are both exceptional performance cars that cater to different preferences and needs. The WRX offers a more aggressive and practical package, with its spacious interior, powerful engine, and all-wheel drive system. The Corolla GR, on the other hand, provides a more refined and focused driving experience, with its impressive engine, sharp handling, and exceptional fuel economy. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific priorities and driving style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car is faster, the Subaru WRX or Corolla GR?
A: The Corolla GR has a slight edge in terms of acceleration and top speed, due to its more powerful engine and lighter weight.
Q: Which car has a better interior?
A: The Subaru WRX has a more spacious interior with more comfortable seats and a larger infotainment system.
Q: Which car is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Corolla GR is more fuel-efficient than the WRX, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which car is better for winter driving?
A: The Subaru WRX has an advantage in winter driving thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system.
Q: Which car has a higher resale value?
A: Both the Subaru WRX and Corolla GR have strong resale values, but the WRX tends to hold its value slightly better.