Are you in the market for a hot performance sedan that won't burn your wallet? The 2019 Subaru WRX could be just the ticket. We have a full inventory new Subaru models, including the 2018 WRX, in stock here at Belknap Subaru and ready for a road test. Stop by our showroom today in Tilton, NH and ask about our new specials. We're convenient to Concord, Manchester, Laconia and Plymouth, NH. 

The Subaru WRX vs. The Volkswagen Golf GTI

The rally-inspired Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Golf GTI are two of the hottest performing, reasonably priced compact vehicles on the market. The Golf GTI has been around longer - it's now in its seventh generation - but the Subaru WRX comes highly regarded for its standard all-wheel drive and driving dynamics. In fact, it's the only car in its class to offer standard AWD. If you live in area of the country that regularly endures rough winters - like northern New England - this can be an unbeatable advantage.

How else do the two performance compacts compare?

Performance and Handling- The Subaru WRX gets a 268-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, with a 310-horsepower engine as an option, connected to either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Yes, a CVT isn't always the first choice for performance drivers, but the one in the WRX is a perfect complement to the smaller engine. The Golf GTI has a similarly sized engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, but not quite as much power, only mustering 220 horsepower. The standard AWD in the WRX is a competitive advantage here as well, giving the Subaru remarkable traction in all driving conditions while AWD is not an option with the Golf GTI, which probably means shelving it in the winter.

Safety- These models each offer some of the smartest safety tech on the road today, from steering responsive headlights to lane departure warning and pre-collision braking, and both received superb crash test ratings from the NHTSA. But, the WRX is the only one to receive honors from the IIHS in past years, so it does have a slight edge regarding safety.

Styling and Interior- The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sharp, fast-looking hatchback, but the Subaru WRX has a distinctive look as well, with its scalloped hood intake, flared front and rear fenders and narrow windshield pillars that provide great visibility and better high-speed maneuverability. The GTI's interior is a touch more upscale in terms of materials, but the WRX's "sport seats" use high-grip fabric and aggressive leg and side bolstering to help keep the driver firmly in place, which helps when taking tight corners.

The Subaru WRX vs. The Ford Focus RS

The Subaru WRX and Ford Focus RS are two rally-inspired performance cars closely matched in most ways, but the Ford Focus RS will cost you over $41,000 while the WRX starts at $27,195. While the Focus RS provides more horsepower through its all-wheel drive system, Subaru practically invented all-wheel drive and has had it as a standard feature on most of its vehicles for years. Indeed, Subaru is the only automaker with an all-wheel drive system built from the ground up, rather than integrated as an add-on. If you live in northern New England and are familiar with our winters, you'll want all-wheel drive that has been proven over decades.

What other ways do the WRX and the Focus RS compare?

Performance- The Ford Focus RS has a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4 engine that makes 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The Subaru WRX STI offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 that makes 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. In both cases, the engines come paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The WRX makes up for the difference in power with a much lighter build, which means drivers feel the horsepower and torque more easily than in the heavier Ford Focus RS.

Safety- In recent years, automotive safety has grown leaps and bounds beyond the airbags and crash test ratings, although these are still important, but only the Subaru WRX seems to have kept up while the Ford Focus RS remains in the past. Only the WRX offers advanced driver-assist systems like pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, which are all helpful in their own ways and may be enough to keep you from getting into an accident.

Styling and Interior- Both of these cars will stand out with their exteriors, so it really comes down to if you prefer a sedan look, which the WRX has, or a hatchback look, which the Ford Focus RS has. Inside the cabins, both offer high-end materials to make you feel at home and comfortable in your new car, and they both offer high-tech features to help along your journeys. Again, it comes down to which you prefer, and you can always test out how the WRX suits you with a visit to our dealership.

The Subaru WRX vs. The Kia Forte

The Kia Forte and the Subaru WRX are two of the most popular compact sedans on the market today, but for very different reasons. The Subaru WRX is the more performance-focused of the two, but it's still a sensible daily driver option for New England drivers as it comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is not an option on the Kia Forte. On the other hand, the Kia Forte does have a lower starting price, but that shows with the cabin materials and standard features.

What are some of the other ways these two sedans differ?

Performance- There is only one engine option in the Kia Forte, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder, but it's really not a fair fight when comparing to the thrilling Subaru WRX. The base engine in the WRX is 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The WRX also has a standard six-speed manual on the WRX, with precise action, a positive-engaging clutch and short throws, making it ideal for sporty driving.

Interior- The new Subaru WRX has a significantly upgraded interior, with soft-touch upper dash and door panels, a full-color driver information display between the gauges, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and available Ultrasuede® upholstery. Standard seats in the WRX also feature high-grip fabric and aggressive leg and side bolstering to keep the driver in place and focused on driving. In comparison, the materials and features of the Kia Forte feel cheap and more of a hassle to use.

Safety-Passenger safety is a priority of both of these models, and it shows. Both received exemplary marks in crash tests and safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, and both offer the newest safety features, like lane keep assist and forward collision warning. However, only the Subaru WRX offers steering responsive headlights, which can help with navigating twisting roads around Tilton at night.

We have full inventory of new Subaru models, including the 2019 WRX, in stock here at Belknap Subaru in Tilton, NH, which is convenient to Concord, Manchester, Laconia and Plymouth. Stop by today or call (603) 729-1300 to schedule a test drive.