Subaru builds fast machines like the WRX sports compact car. The baseline WRX already has zippy road performance thanks to a pedigree inherited from the Subaru Impreza. Powered by a stronger engine and improved transmission, the Subaru WRX STI is equally at home on the rally racetrack as it is on the road.
But how fast can the Subaru WRX STI go? And how much faster is it than the standard STI, or the sports compact cars offered by competitors?
What’s the Subaru WRX STI’s Top Speed?
To answer this question, we’ll use the 2022 Subaru WRX STI, the latest model year at the time of writing.
The top speed of the Subaru WRX STI is 174 mph. It can theoretically go faster, but things like aerodynamic drag and its transmission gear keep it from exceeding that speed.
The top speed of the Subaru WRX STI is 174 mph. Image source: Subaru Media Center
What’s the Subaru WRX’s Top Speed?
Now that we know how fast the Subaru WRX STI can go, let’s take a look at how fast its base model can go.
Like its Impreza predecessor, the Subaru WRX isn’t a slouch. Even the baseline WRX can hit speeds of 155 to 159 mph. However, it’s still slower than its STI version by at least 15 mph.
Other Differences Between the Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI
So what makes the Subaru WRX STI faster than the WRX? For one thing, the former has more power at its disposal. The WRX STI has a 2.5-liter engine compared to the WRX’s 2.0-liter engine. Larger engines produce more horsepower and torque.
The transmission also plays a role in speed as well as driving experience. The WRX and WRX STI both have manual transmissions with six speeds. However, the WRX STI has a close-ratio transmission. Limited-slip differentials on the front and rear improve the efficiency at which power goes to the wheels on both sides, increasing the sports car’s acceleration and top speed.
The Subaru WRX STI isn’t the only sports compact car available. How does its top speed compare to some of its competitors?
Hyundai Elantra N
This aggressive-looking, Korean-built sports compact sedan can reach 155 mph. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine from the Hyundai Veloster N, the Hyundai Elantra N can match the speed of the base Subaru WRX but lags behind the STI.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen set the standard for hot hatchbacks, and it throws its hat into the ring with the Golf GTI. Like the Hyundai Elantra N, the Golf GTI has a claimed top speed of 155 mph, making it equal to the WRX but slower than the WRX STI.
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division upgraded the fuel-efficient Corolla with a better-performing 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine. With its limiter on, the Toyota GR Corolla can reach 143 mph, slower than both the baseline WRX and the faster WRX STI.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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