Should you buy the 2023 Subaru WRX sports sedan or the 2023 BRZ sport coupe? Check the family battle results and then decide.
In the family battle between the 2023 Subaru WRX and 2023 Subaru BRZ, which model comes out on top? Check the Edmunds’ U-Drags, that pits Subaru’s two sportiest models, the WRX and BRZ against each other. Will the WRX’s extra horsepower be enough to offset its heavier weight against the BRZ?
Find out with Edmunds Clint Simone, plus get a full breakdown of the numbers here. Check out the video below for the results that may surprise you.
The family battle is between the 2023 Subaru WRX sports sedan and the 2023 Subaru BRZ sport coupe. Both received complete redesigns in 2022.
Engine power and torque
The 2023 BRZ is powered by a naturally-aspirated non-turbocharged FA24 2.4-liter Boxer engine with 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox or a six-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission.
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The FA24 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine powers all 2023 WRX trim levels. The 2.4-liter DIT WRX turbocharged flat-four Boxer has 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 WRX has a 6-speed manual shifter and the Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic). Advantage WRX.
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What is the price difference?
The 2023 WRX 6-speed manual trim level starts at $31,625. The WRX with Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) is $33,475, the WRX Premium 6-speed manual is $34,125, the WRX Premium SPT is $36,175, the WRX Limited 6-speed manual is $38,515, WRX Limited SPT is $40,765, and WRX GT is $44,415. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,020).
The 2023 Subaru BRZ comes in two trim levels with two transmission options. The BRZ Premium with a 6-speed manual gearbox has a starting price of $29,615. BRZ Premium with an automatic transmission starts at $33,115. The Limited (6-speed manual) has a starting MSRP of $32,115. The Limited with an automatic transmission starts at $33,255. Advantage BRZ.
The WRX weighs about 600 lbs more than the BRZ. Advantage BRZ
The WRX comes with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and the BRZ is a rear-drive only. We would give the advantage to the WRX because of its all-weather capability. Check the video below to see which model has the advantage on dry roads.
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Subaru Won’t Drop The 6-Speed Manual In The WRX Or BRZ - Here’s Why
Consumer Reports Likes A Used Subaru BRZ But Not The WRX
Subaru Says The First-Ever BRZ Manual With EyeSight Is Coming, WRX To Follow?
Which sports car is faster?
Edmunds takes both Subaru performance models to the drag strip to see which model is the fastest. They do a standing start and a rolling start. Check out the Edmunds U-DRAG RACE: 2022 Subaru BRZ vs. 2022 Subaru WRX | Quarter Mile, Handling, Rolling Start video to see which Subaru sports car is on top.
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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Edmunds, Subaru