Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| A3 | WRX | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Subaru |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 28.0 mpg | 21.5 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 323 g/mi | 412 g/mi–422 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2020 Audi A3 with the 2.0T engine commonly develops cracks in the plastic water pump and thermostat housing, causing coolant loss and overheating. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, puddles under the car, a low coolant warning, and a rising temperature gauge. If ignored, this can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket.
The 2021-2024 Audi A3 MIB 3 infotainment system can freeze, go black, or lose the rearview camera image due to software and hardware defects. Symptoms include a blank touchscreen, audio loss, constant Bluetooth disconnects, and a 'Camera System Unavailable' error. This can temporarily disable the required backup camera, creating a safety risk when reversing.
The optional panoramic sunroof on the 2021-2025 Audi A3 can develop frame flex, seal issues, and clogged drain tubes, leading to creaking, rattling, wind noise, and water intrusion. Symptoms include popping noises over bumps, damp headliners, and wet carpets near the A-pillars. If left unrepaired, water can reach electronic modules under the seats and cause electrical failures.
The 2021-2023 Audi A3 can suffer chronic 12V battery drain because the telematics or gateway module stays active after the car is locked. Symptoms include failure to start after 24-48 hours, low battery warnings, and the infotainment system resetting. This can leave the driver stranded and prematurely degrade the battery.
2019-2020 WRX trims with the Denso low-pressure fuel pump can stall or fail to restart because the pump impeller may deform. Symptoms include intermittent hesitation, loss of power while driving, and rare fuel-spray smell. NHTSA recall 20V392 covers the repair free of charge at dealers; if paid out of pocket, replacement is roughly $600-$1,200.
2019-2021 WRX 6-speed manuals can develop a high-pitched chirp or whirring noise from the transmission when the clutch pedal is pressed, caused by the throw-out or release bearing. The noise may return even after replacement and can progress to grinding, clutch pedal vibration, and clutch system damage. If ignored, the car may need a full clutch assembly replacement, typically $1,100-$2,200 at an independent shop.
2022-2023 WRX FA24 engines have been found with formed-in-place gasket (RTV) debris blocking the oil pickup screen, causing low oil pressure and potential turbo, rod, or bearing failure. Warning signs include low oil-pressure warning, engine ticking or knocking, and turbo lag or whine; severe cases can destroy the engine quickly. Early oil-pan drop and pickup cleaning costs roughly $600-$1,200, while oil-starved engine replacement quotes run $7,000-$10,000+ at dealerships.
Audi A3 and Subaru WRX suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Both models use Gasoline. Fuel economy is A3 — 28.0 mpg; WRX — 21.5 mpg. A3 uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.
