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.
| S3 | WRX | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Subaru |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 26.0 mpg | 21.5 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 346 g/mi | 412 g/mi–422 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
Common-issue data is not available yet.
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 S3 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 S3 — 26.0 mpg; WRX — 21.5 mpg. S3 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.
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