2023 Elantra N vs 2024 Subaru WRX - Which is the better buy?

[@MarkHartman-e6h]

Great information, I've recently test drove the 2023 WRX and Elantra N back to back on the same road. Out of the box stock to stock the Elantra N is a much more capable car in my opinion. I'm sure that with modifications the WRX would be the better car but if you don't want to put more money into your new car the Elantra N would be the better choice.

[@chrischarles9218]

The AWD is what sold me on the WRX. AWD or RWD is the only drive train I will personally own for myself.

[@diallo1347]

For my lifestyle, the WRX just makes more sense. I don't have time to go to a track day, but I live in the smokey mountains and commute on really fun roads every day for work.

[@jfazzuoli3813]

N cars are the better value. You get an amazing sounding exhaust out of the box. WRX, you are spending more $ in the aftermarket to achieve this. The DCT is amazing. WRX has a CVT. Elantra has a better interior (seats, design, materials). The front wheel drive manages its power very well like the Type R does. 10 yr/100k warranty. My Kona N gets 29 mpg all day long. I would think Elantra is better due to aero efficiency. Really, the only advantage WRX has is all wheel drive.

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Well the CVT in the WRX isn't as relevant as it still comes with a 6 speed. It's actually not as bad as everyone claims, too. The CVT still runs a 13.9 1/4.

[@AP1GO9K]

​@HeavyMetalWRX In 1999 yes 25 entire years ago I ran a 13.9 in a 99 Mustange GT manual. Then 2004 we ran 13.2 in brothers brand new STI. Honestly every V6 camry from last 17 years gonna give you hard runs. These new cars are absolutely pathetic in comparison. Why every drag track will be closed in a decade

[@kaokao9k]

I always thought of the Elantra N as a track-focused/track-ready car that can be a daily, and the WRX as a practical daily that you can bring to the track after you upgrade the brake pads and fluid. The Elantra N also fills the gap for people who wanted a more "flashy" WRX, while the VB WRX is "growing up".

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Hyundai knows who they were marketing this towards. They did a good job imo.

[@jonttran1092]

Also the lightening lap for the Elantra N is on very scrubbed up tyres, they said it would have gone 3 seconds faster if on fresh tyres.. it was sliding about everywhere.. the wrx is slower around a track and by a fair margin. The lightening lap flattered the wrx if anything

[@Konformation07]

The WRX comes with terrible tires from the factory. Subaru continues to use them because they are cheap. There is a reason they put on different tires for their TR. So no the WRX it wasn't flattered it was handicapped secondly the WRX just wasn't meant to be a track rat. Subaru never cared about that which again is why the new track focused TR trim you get new tires and new brakes and different suspension tuning. The Hyundai comes out the gate track focused. The WRX is just an AWD commuter car with a turbo.

[@jonttran1092]

Fair comparison.. I had a deposit on new 22 wrx but at very last minute bought Elantra N.. for WRX I like the Japanese build AWD, simplicity of the car, legacy and resale.. for the Elantra N stock for stock it’s a bit faster and gives you more for your money.. if I wished to mod/tune I’d say the wrx is the clear choice, to keep stock or very mild mods I think the Elantra N is the clear choice. All the reviews give the Elantra n the clear win but I put it at a 51/49 win.. not much in it. Problem with wrx is if you mod then the resale and warranty is gone and if you leave stock the Elantra N is the better car.

[@enkymion]

I own both these cars. I have a ceramic white dct CN7 and sapphire blue 6mt VB. The Elantra N's performance to value is fantastic. It handles amazingly and the tech inside is very awesome. The interior is well designed but the materials could be better. I bought my WRX because i wanted a pratical manual transmission. I have a limited and the cqr is more comfortable than the Elantra. My family prefers being in the WRX as well. Its interesting because even though the elantra has way more legroom, the WRX has more headroom and usb ports. Even though the elantra has electronic dampening, the 19s make it quite firm. I think the 18s on the WRX make a world of difference. Many have downsized to 18s and if it were my only vehicle I'd probably do the same. The WRX is the one you would rather have day to day. Does that mean I dont love my Elantra? I very much do, but my WRX Limited is would be the choice if i could only have one.

[@19hundoc47]

Wrx is boring, feels like a truck, ugly as sin and unreliable. lol you bought a sedan becuase you wanted a more practice daily than the sedan you already had??😂😂😂😂

[@karmahunden]

@@19hundoc47 He wanted a manual transmission with a similar platform, but I wanted to try something a little different instead of getting another EN. The wrx is boring or fun depending on how you approach it. I love that it feels like an old school car... now, that can be good or it can be bad if you choose to view it as slow, etc.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Him: "Comes down to what you want the car to do" Me: " Not blow up when pushed".. Elantra N for the win...

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Both cars will, Infact, blow when pushed. The Elantra have had bad transmissions similar to the 2015-current WRXs. This isn't exactly secret information. Previous engines from WRX models did have issues but majority of it was either EJs doing EJ things or people doing poor maintenance on FAs. All cars require care otherwise they will just grenade. This isn't specific to Subarus or Elantra. It's just car guy knowledge 🤷‍♂️

[@awesomedude65]

I will never buy a FWD car, never have. As a matter in fast im never getting a car that isn’t AWD again I love the WRX and its my first Subaru

[@Vladg111]

Great video. It's worth to mention how WRX performed vs Elantra N 0-60. I can't believe WRX was smoked by GTI and Elantra N. Of course it depends on the tires but still. I think the horse power is okay on WRX but the torque is kind of low. Why the company decided to keep the same torque as last gen I'm not sure... Maybe to protect the transmission and make the car last longer. Anyways, it would be interesting to compare these cars to VW GTI.

[@deepydeeps]

I came from a Elantra N, now own a 23 Wrx. After seeing a lot of dealership horror stories pertaining to service, that was enough to make me trade up. Those cars DO NOT like the cold weather, a lot of codes pop up in cold climate such as fuel pump issues, faults sending the car into limp mode, and even people bricking their cars just from going to the car wash. And god forbid you need replacement parts or body panels, expect at least a 3 month wait. I've owned 2 STi's and 2 wrx's..glad to be back with the brand.

[@matthewwain9958]

The N cars are darn good value. The 2024 Elantra N also looks a lot better than the old model. The level of custom setup is also incredible in the Hyundia. It makes a compelling argument. Having driven the Veloster N, I will say Inwas very very impressed with it. I still bought a WRX though lol. To push the FA24, it seems like you will ideally need rocker retainers, stronger springs and maybe a fluid dampener. Those would be my reliability mods if pushing power and rev limit. Head studs after that, but at that point you are talking STI trans.

[@reyfuentes4572]

???? We making 400whp on stock everything but a dp + tune on 3 WRXs...this is a FA not a EJ

[@matthewwain9958]

@@reyfuentes4572 it is early days. Look at the guys racing VB's and you will see pushing the rev limit needs stronger springs (valve float around 6800+ rpm). Race peeps have lost engines FA engines to the rockers coming free, hence retainers. If you push power, build for reliability. Fluid dampener, just because it is smart. Don't misunderstand me here. The FA is easy and cheap to get power from initially. We just don't have long term data for it yet. And those like me, that will want to push the rev limit, should know about these things.

[@Symphoniics]

This is a super solid and fair comparison of two awesome cars

[@PolishBullitt]

Great video brother and all valid points, funny thing is I just had p1326 code which is that stupid knock sensor issue we get but fortunately everything fixed by a dealer 😉 btw I really appreciate a shout out you the man💪 and yes we have to make that race happen sooner or later 😆

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

I definitely missed out on a few bits! I appreciate you what hing and of course. Ys KZbinrs, We support each other, man. It's not a rivalry. That's only on the street 🤣🤘

[@PolishBullitt]

@@HeavyMetalWRX hahaha that’s exactly how it should be brother 💪😃

[@KelaBeats]

I live in texas and got a VB wrx. I love it. I just really couldn't get past how ugly the hyundai is. Plus the aftermarket for WRX's is just nuts and I love to mess with and scroll for hours looking at parts. I also drove it 3000 miles in 4 days and it was perfect the entire time.

[@10ee]

For us Northern climate people the WRX makes more sense for a performance oriented sedan. I say this as someone who loves the Elantra N, but with lesser performing winter tires which we would need for snow season, the Elantra N ends up spinning the front wheels almost instantly past 50% throttle in first gear or DCT launch. The AWD in the WRX just makes more sense for us Canadians, also considering the base WRX, which is still decently outfitted, starts at around 4.5K less than the Elantra N manual and 6.5K less than the DCT. That's a lot of money difference to add mods to make the WRX better handling or have more power.

[@Poonmmmuffin]

Super cool video. As an Elantra N owner I admit it’s not the prettiest or fastest car around. But it is fun and pretty quick stock. I ran a 13.2@109 with just an intake.Heck when the new WRXs came I thought they were hideous. Till I saw an orange one in person and fell in love. Like someone else commented I think the Elantra N is a track car that can be daily driven(I have got 39mpg on my DCT) and the WRX is a daily driver that can be driven on the track and compete and probably be more comfortable too. Also @HeavyMetalWRX I’m local to St Louis and would love to meet up for some fun runs when the weather turns nice. Just ordered my tune yesterday. Hoping for 330-340whp.

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Very interesting! Lmk when you do get tuned. Id love to do a tune va tune race.

[@Poonmmmuffin]

@@HeavyMetalWRX I got JB4 now. I only trap 111.5mph currently. It wouldn’t be enough to hang with ya. But I think with real tune it would be competitive, from a roll of course. But still down for digs. Lol I’m up in Troy, MO but head out to SoCo sometimes.

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

@@Poonmmmuffin even at mid 300s it would be fun testing my 93 tune which also amazes about 340-350. Then we can see how far you're able to push the N. I've been looking for a tuned one near by. I'm in Barnhart so it's a long drive but I'd meet you in the middle sometime

[@Poonmmmuffin]

@@HeavyMetalWRXyeah I eventually wanna be on the same level as Jesiah(the crazy wrapped one you posted)without the meth. Lol I’ll get catless dp at a later date. But I think it would be fun runs. Heck I would love for my car to make it into one of your vids. Maybe we can take a lil trip down Hwy 21. 😜

[@traviswatson4986]

that huge handle between the front seats made me cancel my test drive of an elantra. that is ridiculous

[@saifmohammed1481]

You buy a WRX because of the immense modding and tuning potential. An aftermarket community that is unparalleled. Yes, if you just wanna drive stock all through, may be an Elantra N. Not to mention, Subarus hold their value pretty well.

[@isupportthecurrentthing5225]

elantra looks like something a retiree would drive

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Elantra N all the way. Subarus tend to blow up when you beat on them a bit. Im looking for a commuter/track car. Elantra N for the win

[@carlestler]

On your WRX with 350/370 horsepower, Can you daily drive it? Will it likely cut longevity of you car from 200k to maybe 100k.

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Honestly there arent a whole lot of high mileage cars ( there's a few at 70-90k miles tuned). It's hard to say what the long term issues will be without people testing it. My car is about to hit 40k miles and it's done over 600 street races not to mention drag racing, autocross, track days, and now rally cross. If you drive even 1/2 of what I do I think the car will easily last 100k+. Caveat is that any time you mod you immediately will reduce the longevity so there's no way around it. The question is always how much..

[@fullboost]

If you never plan on modding either there is no way I'd buy the WRX, it's very underwhelming in stock trim. Forget your dyno figures the 1/4 mile trap speed doesn't lie....

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

I agree the elantra n stock for stock is faster than the WRX but perfect world scenario EN is 13.7 @ 103 and the WRX is 13.9 @ 101. We're not exactly comparing Lambos here haha. Also when C/D did this test they used the limited which is about 200lb heavier than a base, so it could be dead even.

[@20kevinguy10]

I have a '23 Limited, and 200 lbs is crazy! Maybe I'm naive but I would've never thought the sun roof, bigger screen, hk sound system, rotating headlights and the suede seats weigh that much more than the base altogether 🤯 ​@@HeavyMetalWRX

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

@@20kevinguy10 it's a co donation of the sunroof and bigger wheels / tires that really adds to the weight. The sunroof with assembly is about 80-100lbs or so.

[@fullboost]

@@HeavyMetalWRX l was more referring to the steering and handling the WRX is very soft stock compared to the Hyundai but the reason why we went for the Subaru was the AWD factor and the fact we knew we'd mod ours. I mentioned the 1/4 mile because people honestly think Subaru under quote their power figures which is just laughable.

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

@@fullboost that makes sense! As for the numbers being fudged, the people are half right. 271ho is what WRX claims but where ? It's not 271 to the crank nor is it 271 to the wheel? It's pretty confusing. My car made 261 to the wheel. That's def a lot more than 271 to the crank. I still think they pulled a VW and just posted w)e number they pulled out of a hat.

[@LAAO369]

If you're not looking to hold on to either for awhile then the Subaru. I'm sure it'll hold a better resale value than the Hyundai. I'm sure stock for stock the Hyundai outperforms the WRX, full bolt on though, the WRX would smash. Plus, AWD above 400hp is killer.

[@reyfuentes4572]

The N series actually hold value Nsanely well...regular hyundais? Yea they dont

[@a7x266]

I doubt that seeing as Subaru dealers are selling below msrp because people aren’t buying the WRX. Elantra N on the other hand sells used for pretty much msrp

[@LAAO369]

@@a7x266maybe in the next 2ish years, sure, but when Subaru discontinues the generation in about 3-4 years and compare it to the Hyundai, that's where you'll notice a 3-5k difference in the resale value when compared to a similar mileage and year Hyundai.

[@jonttran1092]

Problem with the wrx is that glass gearbox.. I’d be scared to push the torque up too much.

[@jonttran1092]

I test drove both for over a full day before purchase. Dealers left with me overnight :).. the wrx is about as fast as a Elantra n straight line IF you launch the car at 5000rpm… but that was incredibly harsh on the drivetrain and as an owner would be very brave to continually do it.. for a moderate launch the Elantra N will run away from it

[@jumpnjack808]

the WRX is"detuned" or "under performing from factory and the N is 9/10 tuned from factory

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Truefax. They definitely left a lot of power on the table where as other cars are coming out at 19-21 psi of boost.

[@lucian7182]

They left so much on the table because they probably couldn’t get it to pass emissions otherwise.

[@jumpnjack808]

@lucian7182 The guys running the N development are all x BMW M power designers. They know what they are doing..

[@ctcdarkness]

Not fully “tuned to 9/10th’s LOL out of the box 15psi and limited to 270 torque. Once you octane learn and it understands the fuel you’re using it changes engine timing and advance and allows up to 20 psi. I’ve gotten 305lb ft of torque stock. There people with just a tune making 330-350wheel hp, so no not nearly at its limit LOL

[@marcusfieldfield4069]

WRX built in Japan they are reliable and higher resale value definitely could use some more horsepower and torque

[@Konformation07]

I would have bought an Elantra N if I could tolerate FWD but I can't.

[@HAMMER-V100]

Honestly I plan to get the WRX eventually so I ain't biased, but I was cross shopping these since they're similar priced. Ignoring the AWD and the tuning aspect of the WRX, the Elantra N is better than the WRX both on paper and in real world testing in pretty much every way... more HP, less curb weight with a front LSD, good braking system using in-house N performance brakes, toooons of interior tech like the digital dash and infotainment, comes with both heated seats and steering wheel, (no idea why the WRX never got the heated wheel) gives you nice performance adjustments like variable steering, suspension, valved exhaust, launch control, and 4 separate drive modes. it even has performance metrics that are recorded for later review in a special sub menu lol. the 8-speed DCT blows the CVT in the WRX out of the water, and the 6-speed manual comes with rev matching... there's probably more stuff that I'm forgetting, but if you live in a hotter climate and don't need AWD, the Elantra N is an insane value. Considering how large of a company Hyundai has gotten, they have a much bigger R&D department with a larger budget allocation compared to subaru for sports cars that allowed Hyundai to make this thing out of nowhere. side note, tuning isn't a joke either, if you go to N75 Motorsport's website, a tuner in the US, a Stage 2 tune gives you 335WHP with only an intake and upgraded spark plugs, meaning the power gains are almost just as easy in the FA24. With that said I'm still probably going to get a 2024 WRX because I really want the AWD for the Ontario winters, but with a price of almost $33k and a 10 year warranty in the US with a 2024 redesign already coming, the car is insane.

[@SoulEraser000]

I think you're pretty spot on, but I still prefer the WRX because I feel it has more tuning potential and a better aftermarket. I think it can be a better car than the elantra n if you keep it long term and modify it and are willing to drop some money in it. 400 hp+ and AWD starts getting harder to beat.

[@HAMMER-V100]

​@@SoulEraser000 Yeah, I would rather get the WRX for the same reasons lol, I just really don't want FWD.

[@ms3ben]

Auto elantra n, manual wrx imo. I test both, as well as the mk8 gti, and found the wrx underwhelming after first gear. I liked the car though and im sure a ton of fun modded.

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Idk I had a lot of fun driving my WRX when it was stock. The short gears (even though it had a short redline) reminded me of the short STI gears. There's no sudden surge of turbo like the VA but that's because it has less boost but also lends to it's linear and smooth power curve. I think that makes people FEEL like it's less fun which gears 1-4 are actually a blast to drive through.

[@ms3ben]

@@HeavyMetalWRX I hear you and I did think the wrx was fun, though I thought id feel it a bit more. It was great rowing gears without rev-hang that plagues most modern manuals! I was test driving these cars for my son's potential first car. I daily a Tesla S Plaid and also own a modded 21' gt500 for my weekend toy, so most cars feel underwhelming to me :)

[@fougetube]

​@@ms3benI agree. VB WRX is disappointing stock. You gotta go into it knowing you're gonna tune it. That's where the value is of the WRX.

[@daenigma]

Elantra N Tuners: N75, Sxth, Lap3 There's are piggyback devices (JB4) but most prefer the ECU tune via spare ECU or EK1 which is like the Access Port. Hopefully a TCU tune for the DCT coming this year.

[@Mirei_wrx]

i’ve been waiting to see this

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

I need to do another stock vs stock race against the Elantra N!

[@jasonpeck4444]

Long term, I’d never trust a huyandai. Plus, a front wheel drive car is completely unappealing. If it was I’d buy a GTI.

[@robalexander7348]

The better buy is a Subaru WRX i have now owned Five, i have just taken delivery of a new 2023 it's a nice car to drive compared to my previous 2020, a better ride and quieter inside on course bitumen 👍 Au

[@link4eva10]

You a cop?

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Nah I only play one on TV 🤣

[@link4eva10]

@@HeavyMetalWRX 🤣🤣

[@DarkWolfWRX]

After my horrid experience with Hyundai and their motors guzzling oil, I just wont trust them again.

[@613NightHawk]

At the end of the day it’s still a Hyundai

[@kevink.8048]

Hey Awais! Well after reading the thumb nail I immediately went to the comments without watching the video. I'm sure I'm in the minority here and bais being a 22 WRX owner but for me above all else, a car's exterior has to look good first, everything else is secondary. E.g engine/ HP/ brakes/ interior etc. With that I can not even stand looking at that fugly Elantra. I thought I might like it when I saw it person. NOPE! 🤮 It looks like alien ship on wheels 👽 LMAO! There is no amount of exterior mods that make the Elantra look half decent. On this topic I can't leave out any Volkswagen. Not one car in there line is even half decent looking. No matter how much HP a Golf R makes, it just screams soccer dad in ugly hatch here LOL. In general no mater how much power a car makes, if its horrendous to look at, I couldn't own it. Guess that's why I look away when I see a El Camino 🤢🤮🤣😂 After all its the exterior that is seen, not the engine. 😉 I know the cladding on the WRX is controversial, I'm sure I'm one of the few who doesn't mind it. I put Trim coat on it makes the WRB color pop! IMHO

[@SleepyCorn-qv2nw]

The one that isn’t a Hyundai

[@Symphoniics]

That’s some real sophisticated analysis there…

[@tevintom251]

The Elantra is way too ugly and way too racer boy imo. The cladding genuinely makes the WRX look more aggressive and is useful. Not to mention if you buy the Hyundai well you’re stuck with a Hyundai. The big thing that the WRX has going for it is the after market support. It’s quite literally unmatched by almost any other car and 2 years in we have an INSANE amount of support. The Elantras support is practically non existent.

[@KobeMpthers]

This is a bias as shit lol. It’s like saying, if you got a wrx, you’re stuck with Subaru😂😂😂.

[@natas6941]

When has Hyundai ever made anything that wasn't a cheap piece of crap clone of a better car. Genuinely curious.

[@reyfuentes4572]

The genesis coupes, kia stinger/genesis g70, kia forte gt, kia K5 gt, kia EV6 gt, hyundai sonata N-line, hyundai veloster N, hyundai elantra N, hyundai Kona N, hyundai ioniq N & all new genesis models and more...

[@Symphoniics]

@@reyfuentes4572They’ve already made up their mind and don’t seem to be interested in reevaluation. People are stubborn and dense. I’d be pleasantly surprised if they actually put some genuine thought into this

[@MIIIVideo]

After the facelift for the genesis coupe around 2013 I stopped associating hyundai with being a low quality cheap after thought. For the average american a new hyundai is a way smarter choice than any new european even most domestic cars. Actually genesis is a whole new luxury brand right now, honestly u needa do some research :/

[@SleepyCorn-qv2nw]

Now they are talking about KiAs 😂The automotive enthusiast world sure has devolved.

[@godzilla7391]

​@reyfuentes4572 Exactly. I've got 142k on my bk2 Genesis coupe 3.8. It's been very reliable. My wife's Kia Optima is now at 110k, no issues. I've always kept up with the maintenance also. I think a while back, people who were on a extreme budget, bought the Hyundais because they were so affordable, and maybe couldnt afford to do the maintenance, or just neglected to, therefore helping to give them the bed rep for failing. Either way, mine have been good to me. Just added a 23 Elantra N and it's been a blast. Maybe it's still gonna take time for Hyundai to change people's minds, but I appreciate what they're doing in the automotive industry, especially with their N division.