Subaru WRX STI VA or Audi RS3 8V? They're rivals, so owners often weigh one against the other. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| Subaru WRX STI VA | Audi RS3 8V | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2015–2021 | 2015–2020 |
| Engine | 2.5 EJ257 turbo boxer four | 2.5 TFSI EA855 EVO |
| Stock power | 305 hp / 290 lb-ft (US) | 394 hp / 354 lb-ft (US, 2017+) |
Power by stage
| Subaru WRX STI VA | Audi RS3 8V | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 305 hp | 394 hp |
| Stage 1 | +10–20 whp | 459–542 hp |
| Stage 2 | ≈320 whp | 493–574 hp |
| Stage 3 | 400–420 whp | 700+ hp |
| Stage 4 | 650+ whp | 800+ hp |
Careful: one car's figures are at the wheels (whp) and the other's at the engine (hp), so they aren't directly comparable. Convert with the crank to wheel calculator.
Typical parts cost
| Subaru WRX STI VA | Audi RS3 8V | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | — | APR Power Pack (engine and gearbox software, Ultralink, intake and turbo inlet) $3,407.36. |
| Stage 2 | COBB NexGen flex-fuel sensor upgrade $980 (RallySport Direct). | APR intake $899.95 and turbo inlet $870.95; intercooler $1,830–$2,130 before VAT (Wagner EVO3) or $1,964.24 (do88). |
| Stage 3 | Blouch Dominator 1.5XT-R turbo $1,996.50 (WRX Daily). | APR DTR8563 turbo $3,599.95; TTE700 €2,100 or TTE777 €2,520 before VAT; Unitronic port injection $579.99 (ECS Tuning). |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the Subaru WRX STI VA reaches 650+ whp and the Audi RS3 8V 800+ hp.