The 2021 U.S.-market Subaru WRX and WRX STI share a performance-car lineage, but differ in engine output, transmission availability, AWD controls, brakes, suspension details, steering ratio, and tires. This comparison uses Subaru of America’s 2021 specifications; figures and equipment may differ for other model years, markets, and trims.
In brief, the WRX has a 2.0-liter turbocharged BOXER engine and offers a manual or, on specified trims, an optional CVT. The STI has a more powerful 2.5-liter engine, a close-ratio six-speed manual, DCCD AWD, front and rear limited-slip differentials, and larger Brembo brakes.
2021 WRX vs. WRX STI: specification comparison
The figures below are manufacturer specifications from Subaru of America’s 2021 brochure, not independent test results.
| Specification | 2021 WRX | 2021 WRX STI |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER | 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER |
| Power | 268 hp at 5,600 rpm | 310 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft at 2,000–5,200 rpm | 290 lb-ft at 4,000–5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual; optional Sport Lineartronic CVT on specified Premium and Limited trims | Close-ratio six-speed manual |
| AWD system | Symmetrical AWD with Active Torque Vectoring | Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) AWD |
| Differentials | Active Torque Vectoring | Front and rear limited-slip differentials |
| Steering ratio | 14.3:1; 14.4:1 on versions with 18-inch wheels | 13.3:1 |
| Brakes | Dual-piston front and single-piston rear; 12.4-inch front and 11.3-inch rear discs (11.8-inch rear with EyeSight) | Brembo monoblock six-piston front and dual-piston rear; 13.4-inch front and 12.8-inch rear rotors |
| Wheels and tires | Base: 17-inch wheels and 235/45 R17 tires; Premium/Limited: 18 x 8.5-inch wheels and 245/40 R18 tires | 19 x 8.5-inch wheels and 245/35 R19 summer-performance tires |
1. Engine displacement and design
The 2021 WRX uses a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine, while the STI uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER. These are distinct engine specifications; the brochure does not establish broader claims about reliability, tuning potential, or subjective character.
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2. Rated power and torque
Subaru rates the WRX at 268 hp at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. The STI is rated at 310 hp at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft from 4,000 to 5,200 rpm. These are Subaru’s manufacturer ratings, not independently measured results.
3. Transmission choices
The WRX is available with a six-speed manual. Specified Premium and Limited trims also offer the Sport Lineartronic CVT. The STI is listed with a close-ratio six-speed manual only, so buyers who want an automatic transmission need to look at the WRX.
4. AWD control
Both cars have all-wheel drive, but the 2021 brochure lists different systems: Symmetrical AWD with Active Torque Vectoring for the WRX, and Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) AWD for the STI. The WRX should not be described as lacking traction-control hardware simply because its system differs from the STI’s.
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5. Differential equipment
Subaru lists front and rear limited-slip differentials for the STI. For the WRX, the brochure lists Active Torque Vectoring. These are differences in the documented equipment; the specifications alone do not prove how either car will feel in every driving situation.
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6. Steering ratio
The STI’s steering ratio is 13.3:1. The WRX is listed at 14.3:1, or 14.4:1 on versions with 18-inch wheels. These figures distinguish the specifications, but they do not by themselves establish which car feels better to an individual driver.
7. Suspension specification
Both models have independent sport-tuned suspension. Subaru describes the STI’s suspension as high-performance and lists inverted front struts. Inverted front struts are not exclusive to the STI across every trim: the 2021 WRX Premium and Limited also have them.
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8. Brake hardware
The STI has Brembo high-performance brakes with monoblock six-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers. Subaru lists 13.4-inch front and 12.8-inch rear rotors. The WRX has dual-piston front and single-piston rear calipers, with 12.4-inch front and 11.3-inch rear discs; the rear discs are 11.8 inches on versions with EyeSight.
These specifications show a hardware difference, but they do not establish real-world stopping distances, fade resistance, or replacement costs.
9. Wheels and tires
The 2021 STI has 19 x 8.5-inch wheels with 245/35 R19 summer-performance tires. WRX equipment depends on trim: the base version has 17-inch wheels and 235/45 R17 tires, while Premium and Limited versions have 18 x 8.5-inch wheels and 245/40 R18 tires. Check the specific car’s wheel and tire fitment before buying replacements, and account for seasonal suitability.
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10. Model availability and buying context
The comparison here is specifically between 2021 U.S.-market cars. Subaru stated on March 11, 2022, that “a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform,” while also saying it was exploring future STI opportunities, including electrification. That statement describes Subaru’s position at that time; it is not a permanent statement about every future STI product.
When comparing examples, verify model year, trim, condition, transmission, and installed equipment. The specifications in Subaru’s brochure do not establish current used prices, reliability rankings, running costs, or which car is the better purchase for every buyer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What is the difference between a Subaru WRX and STI?
For the 2021 U.S. models, the main documented differences are the STI’s 2.5-liter engine and higher output, its manual-only close-ratio six-speed, DCCD AWD, front and rear limited-slip differentials, different steering ratio, Brembo brakes, and larger wheels with summer-performance tires. The WRX has a 2.0-liter engine and offers an optional CVT on specified trims.
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Does the 2021 WRX STI come with an automatic transmission?
No. Subaru’s 2021 specifications list the STI with a close-ratio six-speed manual. The WRX offers a six-speed manual and, on specified Premium and Limited trims, an optional Sport Lineartronic CVT.
Are these specifications the same for every WRX and STI?
No. This article covers the 2021 U.S.-market models. Specifications and equipment can vary by model year, market, and trim, so check the brochure or vehicle details for the exact car you are considering.
Did Subaru discontinue the STI?
In a statement dated March 11, 2022, Subaru said it would not produce a next-generation internal-combustion WRX STI based on the new WRX platform and noted that it was exploring future STI opportunities. This records the company’s position at that time, rather than guaranteeing what it may do in the future.
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