Subaru WRX STI VA or VW Golf R Mk7? 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 | VW Golf R Mk7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2015–2021 | 2014–2020 |
| Engine | 2.5 EJ257 turbo boxer four | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 3 |
| Stock power | 305 hp / 290 lb-ft (US) | 292 hp / 280 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| Subaru WRX STI VA | VW Golf R Mk7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 305 hp | 292 hp |
| Stage 1 | +10–20 whp | 355–413 hp |
| Stage 2 | ≈320 whp | 397–461 hp |
| Stage 3 | 400–420 whp | 470–536 hp |
| Stage 4 | 650+ whp | 550+ 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 | VW Golf R Mk7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | — | software $500–$560 (IE, APR). |
| Stage 2 | COBB NexGen flex-fuel sensor upgrade $980 (RallySport Direct). | IE Stage 2 software $625; intake $521 (034), £316 (APR) or €883 (Eventuri); intercooler $540–$1,200 or £899 (Wagner). |
| Stage 3 | Blouch Dominator 1.5XT-R turbo $1,996.50 (WRX Daily). | IE software for bigger turbos $750; the turbo is extra. |
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 VW Golf R Mk7 550+ hp.