2020 Subaru WRX vs Audi A3 Quattro // Posh Meets Practical

[@mikewazowski7613]

Thanks James, I'll never look at the air vents in an Audi the same way again.

[@maikbohner94]

Never let Them point to ur Lower body anymore

[@alopee4848]

Your profile pic match’s your comment

[@yes8032]

Alopee 4 I was thinking the same 🤣

[@powrepunch4938]

I don't understand the problem. I like the tits. AIR VENTS, I meant air vents! 👌🏼

[@stratis722]

@@powrepunch4938 lovely ti- i mean what, air vents

[@naanman21]

James: “don’t you think these look a little bit, breasty?” Thomas: “it’s been a while, hasn’t it James?” This had me dead😂😂

[@deadlyvenom9069]

Me 2 :D

[@mikuelable]

I cried like laughing

[@00raisergundam]

Somebody please give your daughter to James

[@taioafolabi3458]

😂🤣 like?? That got me laughing hard..

[@GrayFox0047]

I scrolled down and was not disappointed. First post was exactly what had me DYING

[@fynpedersen5627]

the big difference between these two cars is that a wrx with a manual will never depreciate below $10,000

[@joelf1355]

You will just have to deal with all the hack mods some 20 year old slaps on and rides that clutch to corn meal.

[@jeremiahjorenby2275]

you can get a rotted out running wrx with 400,000km for less than 2k...........

[@calebjames7314]

2006 hawkeye selling for 14k 20 miles away from me too

[@papatorr3669]

@@jeremiahjorenby2275 how is that relevant? Next someone will point out that you could get a salvage WRX for $120! I have seen many run & drive WRX cars in the $4,500 range over the last year. But when it came to my cash, I got an '02 330xi 86k for $2,800. We live near the Smokies and it has the winter package with hill decent, heated seats, ski pass through, snow tires, and other creature comforts! I admire/desire a WRX, but it always gets squeezed out by another contender. Two years ago it lost to a Boxster. Three years ago to a z3! Have you seen the English video where a race driver chooses a Z3 over an AWD WRX, a mid engine RWD Lotus, and a FWD Renault? It's not just the numbers, it's the fun factor too. I still have the above three, But I'd snatch up a WRX on the cheap!

[@jeremiahjorenby2275]

@@papatorr3669 these high mile rusty WRXs in my area are fairly solid cars, generally stock or lightly modified, are well maintained and apart from looking like trash, make decent cheap winter beaters.......clean title most of the time too......very hard to get a rusty sti under 10k though

[@ArtbyAtlas]

The production quality on these videos is consistently insane. You guys have really made your own tv show pretty much. Top notch stuff!

[@Matt-vw9nd]

when Thomas poses next to cars he looks like he's about to confront his elementary school bully. godspeed my man, you'll get your shiny Charizard card back, I know it.

[@jquannjones]

Matt97 wait a minute, wrong channel 😂

[@heartcomedy5]

J'Quann Jones, Doug Demuro is the bully. He says Thomas has no quirks and features, then Thomas cries.

[@HeliRy]

Owned a 2016 A3 and absolutely loved it. In the summer time it’s a great little backroad blaster, and during the Canadian winters it was unstoppable. Especially if fitted with proper snow tires. I’ve got zero experience with any Subaru, so can’t comment. But I’ve had 3 German cars so far and I love their approach to car design.

[@aztharz5637]

I own both, they are both excellent awd systems, but I will always choose my sti when I rally the winter back roads in Northern Canada. Not sure about the WRX AWD (never owned one), but the dccd in the sti is amazing, and imo better than audi awd. Definitely recommend rallying a sti on a frozen lake course, you will be completely blown away.

[@iansloan5414]

Do you mean all audi AWD or just the haldex? I've never driven a subaru either, but have had plenty of Quattro and I'm curious if it's any better.@@aztharz5637

[@JDMEXforme]

Big shout out to Throttle House for continuing to make these videos right here in Ontario while its still winter. So far the snow has held back. Just 2 months left till spring.

[@spawn11]

I hope so only 2 months. Since I own WRX with winter tires was looking forward to lots of snow in Orangeville. Well, but I will take that too.

[@mfletcherg122]

Lmao there will be snow in April. Winter has barely started

[@Kaspaa]

Or so we thought

[@802Garage]

I can't believe how much less room their is in the Audi. Honestly instantly makes the WRX a better daily in my eyes. I don't like cars that are overly roomy, but they can't be cramped. WRX will also depreciate more slowly, be easier and cheaper to maintain, and arguably be easier and cheaper to mod. Plus the AWD system is overall superior. I'd have to go WRX.

[@shootr2904]

Omg you just read my mind! I soo agree

[@ahasidic7172]

The Audi has AWD as long as it’s Quattro, the Jetta actually has more space and is more roomy then the Audi but if u don’t have people in your back seats it’s not really a problem, plenty of room in the cock pit. Get warranty and a nice low mileage Audi or brand new and I bet you’ll have 0 problems. Not to mention Subaru wrx are so overrated that’s all ya see and they not good lookin either. Get a Benz or Audi fuck that Jdm crap.

[@jazenkow5792]

​@@ahasidic7172 German Cars makes are cheap shit trying to be luxury with milliards Euros of debt so shut up if you don't know what Japanese makes doing and try to drove Audi or BMW throught dirt or snow you get warranty it lost wheels and burn after 30min

[@ahasidic7172]

@@jazenkow5792 how are German cars “trying” to be top quality and premium.. my A3 interior (not even the highest of quality audi offers) will out do any Subaru Honda and any other little boy car company to shame. Beamer Mercedes and Audi are 10x better quality inside and out. It’s always the reliability u people argue, then don’t buy one! Simple as that u don’t have to make ur self believe a shitty Subaru is better than a Audi, Beamer, Mercedes quality wise inside and out

[@ahasidic7172]

@@jazenkow5792 or jus get some dough and buy a pre certified Owned with low mileage and 1 owner you’ll have no problems. Now the jack asses buying a 535i from 2009 are just asking for shit cuz the dump costed 3grand and never got taken care of properly. That’s the only reason German cars will be crap

[@MeowyDragon]

As the owner of an A3 and lover of the WRX, I was so hyped to see this when I logged onto youtube! :D

[@grantmount]

Not the best comparison but , top of the line wrx v bottom of the range a3.

[@thomaswysocki9151]

As long as James doesn't refer to them as feeling like "bags of sand", we're good.

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Wait is that not what they feel like?

[@natek1993]

The absolute best Car videos on the Internet. Thank you Throttle House.

[@Hootization]

I actually had this exact choice to make in 2018 and got to test drive both. My only exception was that I was being offered a fully decked out A3 vs a fully decked wrx (same overal price, think audi was doing a promotion). Audi even let me consider and test drive a base A4 for a little bit more money. In the end I went with the WRX...just something about it during the test ride felt like it could take a better thrashing and just rip out snow from Canadian pavement. The Audi was nice...but gave me less confidence and to drive felt...well muted.

[@LobsterSausage]

James: “You can’t fault the WRX...aside from all its faults.” 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@henrysu5741]

69 likes... Nice!

[@motormusique]

It bugs me when journalists complain about sporting cars being loud or unrefined. If the automakers make them quiet and insulated, then the journalists will complain about it being boring. You can't fucking win

[@MrPunch09]

@The Delray Dipshits Hyperbole, POS you say, may EXPLODE at any time you say?

[@katsuyoshihironaka1191]

@The Delray Dipshits errr slow down there expert, how are you even comparing Nissan to crapbox like Subaru?? 🤔 How is Nissan slopping by comparison? Can you explain?

[@DarklightRebel]

@The Delray Dipshits The engine won't explode. It's not unreliable.

[@Macs4everr]

this could easily become a tv show

[@haydenwiseman3056]

yes! with the great photography and everything. i do feel like that would almost ruin the show in a way because of just the way that all car related shows are.

[@Vertignasse82]

I hope not because I don't have cable.

[@moderndayentertainment5812]

This is a TV show basically and KZbin is the new Cable Provider

[@Pearl3Drummer]

That will be canceled after the first episode

[@rolandm9750]

It basically is. KZbin, etc. are the new TV. Who watches actual TV (as in networks, cable) anymore?

[@savicmarko84]

I really do not leave comments on YT channels, but you guys are really excellent at what you do and I'm always looking forward for new videos coming to your channel each time. Kudos, and keep doing what you do. Great work. Kinda brings memories related to old Top Gear which we were all missing in car community. Best wishes from Serbia

[@millhouse313]

I effing love this review in the snow, in the cold, with down jackets on, ahhh it’s just such a vibe that sadly most people don’t appreciate. Cars, when you’re ripping through snow, and it’s gets all Icy ahh they’re such a vibe.

[@SlowRS7]

I've owned both the A3 and WRX now (2017s respectively) and honestly the WRX is just more fun. I got a lot of wheel slip in my A3 but the WRX is literally glued to the ground. Also, manual is always the answer.

[@christopherherr7561]

M.i.a.t.a.

[@bikebudha01]

My wife has a 2016 sti. On those rare occasions she let's me drive it, I 'feel the love'. In short 35mph hops around town, the car is begging you to have fun. We've taken it on many a 1,000 mile + road trips. And every inch of the way it begs you to have fun. Before we got the car, I didn't have any idea a car could beg you to have fun. Maybe as you read this you think I'm spouting gibberish. But tomorrow the the commute to work, I will have a smile on my face...

[@Nick-gg6tg]

Exactly

[@DailyModernReels]

hey james i drive a 2017 a4 and i couldnt ask for a better daily driver. truly is the best at what it does

[@beefbmx]

“We’re happy they exist” couldn’t have said it better myself. The fact we still get fun drivers cars in this day in age is a blessing. Take advantage while you can y’all. I know I’ll be picking up an STI in a year or so when the market levels out

[@ThroughFallenEyes]

i live in Kitchener Ontario and was making the same choice last year - awd manual transmission. was also looking at BMW 2 and 3 series, STI, etc, and ultimately bought a Golf R that was 1 year old and 22,000km on it for $30k all in with a second set of winter rims and tires. not the sportiest, not the most luxurious, but blends both well enough and I'm not embarrassed to have clients in it as a Realtor. I actually get a lot of complements on it

[@aaronvisco13]

ThroughFallenEyes did you go M or DSG?

[@lowonideass]

I really appreciate that your intros are exactly 10 seconds, so I can skip it. Hope it doesn't offend you guys or anyone else that I skip your intro, but being able to skip it with one button and not miss any content is so nice! Hate intros that are longer.

[@SoSlo2]

My wife and I owned both of these cars ('16 models) at the same time and I couldn't agree more with your breakdowns. Well done.

[@SoSlo2]

@Rama Nrusimhadevara I preferred the WRX because of the 6m, backseat space and additional cargo capacity. However, the A3 is a blast to drive as well. It does feel a bit more polished (especially the interior materials, fit and finish) and the DCT rips pretty well with the 2.0T. At 6ft tall, it just isn't quite as comfortable for me to use as a daily though. I fit much better in the WRX.

[@papatorr3669]

This is so much like an "Everyday Driver" video. That's a complement. All you need now is a rating for each car at the end, like..."Four Breasties"

[@DS-pk4eh]

I had both cars, though their hatchback versions. I still have Audi as a daily driver. it is just more refined. Bought them because, at the time, I was working in a company that was up in the mountain (1400m, Switzerland, check my video about that place), with winter starting in August and ending in June. First I got Subaru, a very capable car, but the interior was just not so much, and for a car that you spend at least 3 hours per day, I needed better. I was looking for BMW 1 series xDrive or Golf R, but got a great deal on Audi A3 Quattro (30% discount, 0% interest rate on leasing) , so I went for it. Great car. Made just a bit over the 150'000 km in 4 years!

[@jamsbong]

This video shows a typical car review journalist problem. They drive the car like they don't own it. So they will say things like they can live with the crappy interior, the horrible NVH, the terrible engine noise that is also loud all because it comes with a manual. But guess what, if you need to live with it and it's in a middle of a 1 hour traffic jam, you'll wish you have a nicer interior and automatic.

[@Corvolet5]

German quality is a myth. Especially Audis break down all the time, or lose too much oil. Maybe you just went lucky.

[@MrMduchesne23]

a golf R is just a hatch version of the Audi A3 Quattro (no hatch in canada)

[@DS-pk4eh]

@@Corvolet5 You do understand that I didn't said anything about other cars/models that Audi or Subaru has or their overall quality. I was sharing with you (whoever red my post) my personal experience with those two cars. Except changing the oil every 25k kilometers ( about 15 K), nothing was ever done on my Audi in the last 155K (almost 100K miles) and those changes were done as that was what was prescribed by the manufacturer. I had a similar experience with BMW X3 that I had before Subaru (sold it at 200'000km (125K miles) for 10 grands). Nothing was changed aside from the oil, filters and once light bulbs. I had Subaru for about 10'000 and I already needed to change something on the engine. Granted it was second hand, so I will not count, though it was under 100K mileage. The fit and finish of Audi is simply better than that of the Subaru. That is a fact. The interior of my Audi looks the same as when I bought it. Subaru felt old too fast. Again, this is my own experience, and I am only talking about cars I actually had.

[@evebelisle79]

@@jamsbong let's agree to disagree... I love every minute spent in my manual 2020 WRX, commuting to work in 2 hours of traffic every day. I have the performance STI exhaust and I love the sound. It makes those two hours enjoyable and I actually look forward to drive to and back to work. Shifting gears keep me busy, I get bored with an automatic car.

[@zachortiz2805]

Coming from a 2015 A3 driver they are amazing for all seasons and with just a nice flash tune from IE you can make 277 horse and it gets really fun

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Take both, do turbo back exhaust/tune and run them. Line them up and watch the a3 put a bus length or 2 on the WRX..... the ea888 gen 3 found in this and the GTI are dumb fast in a straight line with basic mods, and get big power gains

[@Kyle-ty6mx]

WRX all day! I'll always choose sporty over luxury

[@thenotoriousjoey9956]

Lmao if it was an s3 the tables would turn

[@yes8032]

I’ll choose luruxy

[@absboodoo]

But a S3 would also bump the price way up to STi level.

[@LowerClassClique]

2016 A3 premium plus s-line Quattro. Suspension, bolt ons, tune, cosmetics. I’m enjoy the absolute best of both worlds. Check it out on tik tok @memes_and_wheels

[@XxGrahameCrackerxX]

@@absboodoo ok but it did and will beat the STI all day long. STI maybe has the better AWD but its slower all around.

[@mikenormandy9250]

I really hope you guys blow up this year! Here is too 2020 for TH! Come on 500K! you guys are so much fun to watch! I would love if you uploaded more often! We can't always get what we want though, eh?

[@flyingsquirrel9996]

Nice comparison between two cars that might be cross shopped. I have a ‘12 A3 sportback and I must say, the hatch back is the way to go. There’s just so much more room in the back and in my opinion, it looks better. The S-line trim is the one to have as well because it gives you fairly responsive paddle shifters, firmer but not too firm suspension, and the very comfortable and supportive sport seats. Quattro is definitely preferable but the standard front wheel drive (mine) still handles great as long as you know how to keep understeer in check. To me, the S-line brings some of the sportiness and fun factor of the WRX into the more classy and refined A3. Also, APR’s ECU tune is a must have when the car is out of warranty and the finances are permitting.

[@mravi97]

Guys, that’s such a cool and unusual review, at least from an European’s perspective! Subscribed!

[@oc0dyc]

I had a 2016 A3 (6 spd dct instead of the 7) and installed paddle shifters. Made a huge difference in sportiness. The 6 speed was a race to 6th in drive and kept the revs way too high for the turbo in sport so 90% of the time I'd be in manual mode and it was the best money I spent on that car. It doesn't hurt that a tune REALLY wakes them up and the motors actually handle the power, but if I bought another I'd definitely get paddle shifters and either a jb4 or a full tune. I miss how easily it made power compared to my SQ5, but not the tiny trunk.

[@gregglaeser2631]

Walked away from the WRX STI for my RS3... so glad I finally did, I smile every time I drive it.

[@jonhaze7537]

Greg Glaeser S3 shats all over the STi, RS3 just embarrasses it 💪

[@sdijnfpo0jaisf]

As a former sti owner: you made the right decision. Sti is not what it used to be. It hasn't aged well.

[@mcwaff8661]

And now you have a car that depreciates faster then a person with alzheimers, and the shit reliability all audis have, I say that's a win-win. 😂

[@splatbubble]

@@mcwaff8661 I dunno man... if it's anything like the TTRS... it might not depreciate THAT badly.

[@wilsonkasunga3358]

Where I live it's suicide to buy German. Service and parts are extremely expensive.

[@bjornromermann5080]

Ah so you are from Germany as well? Lol

[@DronesInJail]

I live in Australia, I felt this one...

[@fabioribeiro1009]

that's pretty much the German car ownership experience.

[@fry.master]

Imagine thinking a Subaru is reliable lol

[@ahasidic7172]

In the US you just need money to buy the extended warranty. And if u don’t got warranty then yea that is most certainly the case, if you can’t buy a newly used audi or brand new don’t buy a old shitty used one w 70k miles, not worth it.

[@user-in2en5pv2u]

I recently bought a used 2017 golf R with a stick. I think it perfectly fills the gap between these two cars.

[@hellboy1976]

Driving a 2019 myself and I love it. Never thought I'd be in a Golf, but here I am and am having a blast with it. First time out in the snow this year with good winter tires and the confidence was so much greater than any other rider I've had.

[@flacjacket]

I too own a stick '17 R, I'll give you a tip, take the helper spring off the clutch pedal and remove the delay valve from the clutch line. Makes a huge difference in feel for free.

[@sambardadin9709]

Tim, who would sell a golf r for a stick?? Jk lol couldn’t resist saying that😂

[@rolandm9750]

@@sambardadin9709 Raises many questions. Did he buy it *with* the stick (as payment)? Was the stick included with the purchase (perhaps left in the boot mistakenly?). I mean who would forget their stick in the car when selling it? :O

[@ThePedalDance]

I bought a 2018 Golf R Manual. Very happy with it!

[@crazybuschris]

I'm somewhat surprised by the behaviour of the A3's AWD system as shown in the slow-motion clip. James states "the Haldex waits to lose traction before it moves torque to the rear wheels" which hasn't strictly been true since the second generation systems over a decade ago. Haldex in VAG models has been proactive since gen 4 (typically 2009+ models). The behaviour I've observed in my mk7 Golf R is that the system is quite immediate in engaging the Haldex clutch under throttle which can be verified with slow-motion video, logging CANBUS values, as well as through the seat of your pants. Audi may well have a different Haldex tune for the A3 but it's a bit of a black box so it's hard to say. For curiosity's sake I'd like to see a comparison between an A3/S3/RS3 with CANBUS logs and maybe some slow motion video for verification to see the difference in behaviour (if any) between the models.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

crazybuschris the front biased systems are also less tail happy. Subaru is more likely to send the rear end swinging around on a snowy corner then the Audi is. Makes the Audi easier to drive and a little bit more confidence inspiring for those who may not be confident in the snow. Yes performance wise the center viscous system may be better, but it’s not necessarily better for everyday use, something people overlook

[@reyvr6]

Driveitsideways 1 its like everything, always depend on the application.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Reynaldo Perez exactly. For my wife the 4motion Tiguan is great. Traction is easy and the rear end wont swing out unless you floor it and whip the wheel. My EJ25 swapped gf8 I had years ago was the opposite, a little throttle and the rear end swings out. I find that fun, but my wife doesn’t lol

[@Kevbo75]

The Haldex is used because it is easy to attach to a FWD car to make an ADW car, it is not a good AWD system. It is not a full time AWD system like the Subi. Subaru has a natural symmetric balance to their systems and are very simple and elegant. The German cars have to go through a lot of mechanical wizardry to attempt to put out a similar feel and its just doesn't stack up.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Kevbo75 lies. The Subaru system is more apt to get tail happy on a snowy corner, and doesn’t offer any better traction performance in a straight line since a haldex system is more apt to send power to where it needs it, where a symmetrical system will send it to either front left/rear right or vice versa. Haldex is great for everyday driving, it’s a very efficient system, and it’s light. My Mazda runs a haldex system and it’s full time AWD, 95% front 5% rear when driving normally, 50/50 when the roads are slick. Upside of my speed6 is it has actual LSD’s front and rear, your WRX doesn’t. I’ve also owned 2 Imprezas as well and live where there’s snow 6-7 months out of the year, and they didn’t do any better then my speed6 or my wife’s Tiguan in terms of real world snow performance. The only people who think Subaru’s are god sent are the wankers who have never driven anything else... nothing special about them at all. The Evo X runs a transverse system that is far more advanced and offers far superior traction then Subaru’s DCCD

[@sebastianhernandez93]

Love the comparison. I went through the same thing when car buying a year ago. I ended up with the A3 QUATTRO but here in the US we do have the upgraded features like the Digital Cockpit on the Quattro. Either love the video. Great job guys!

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

Audis Digital Cockpit is to die for❤️💯

[@seraphimvalkyrin4543]

"The Audi has a Urus steering wheel".....immediately shows that they look different lol.

[@alexini5]

No they dont...

[@seraphimvalkyrin4543]

@@alexini5 ?

[@burst7770]

@@seraphimvalkyrin4543 The only difference is the flat bottom that he said was on the s-line...

[@seraphimvalkyrin4543]

@@burst7770 Yeah I know, just though it was funny.

[@burst7770]

Seraphim Valkyrin oh ok 👌

[@bradwallace5967]

I will start out by saying I'm a subaru enthusiast I also happen to also be a subaru ambassador. I have not driven or ridden in an a3 however I've been in plenty of golfs from a tdi all the way up to a golf r. I live in Iowa and experience some pretty harsh winters. Last year being a record bad winter. My friends vary from subaru enthusiasts like myself to euro and domestic enthusiasts. My euro friends have anything from a golf tdi to an audi a7 and I can honestly say that I find the subaru to just be better. Yes the Audis are much more put together and refined. They are just nicer in quality. They dont struggle in the snow but they never really crawled through. The subarus however just never struggled. Mine currently hardly breaks loose in the snow unless I beat it and force it to lose traction. I never feel unsafe on the road. I also have more than enough room for my friends in my car besides the a7 that my friend has. I prefer subaru but that doesnt mean I dont like audi or Volkswagen. That's just my opinion. Both are great but for price I'm going to go with a subaru.

[@osvaldoarias1121]

I love your channel , keep the car reviews coming!

[@apollosbrownies]

They're both capable and attainable. Ultimately it boils down to preference and needs. Experience can make or break the cars too, and I've yet to have a good experience with a Subaru - not because they're bad cars, but because they don't meet my demands. So regardless of any cost savings or practicality benefits the Subaru may offer, the Audi will take the cake for me. I've been driving various VW/Audi vehicles for a long time and they've been reliable and straightforward to own over and over again.

[@HS99876]

Good and honest review! I pick A3, although it is dated. No to CVT,

[@radostinangelov9193]

TH are the new Motor Trend and even getting better than them, i love this channel, and the h2h they are doing.

[@krisi.2011]

Great chemistry really a fan of your channel

[@Brad-k]

@Throttle House! best car channel period!

[@MotorPersona]

It is definitely such a great channel! We are trying to produce quality car content too, and we hope to be this good!

[@LobsterSausage]

James: “...the ride is stiffer.” Everyone: “That’s what she said!”

[@mattjingles5758]

😂

[@chrisl117]

So, if you want a car you plan to tinker with, go with the WRX. If not, the A3. I'm glad to hear Subaru addressed the obnoxious rev hang. Still, the short throw shifter is probably a good option to get.

[@dylanpage4106]

8:20 that is how I feel about my B7 A4 after having a MK5 GTI. Same engine but awd and arguably a better interior.

[@chrisdoucet3558]

Glad to hear the rev hang has been taken care of

[@The_Animal_Man]

I installed a stage 1 tune to get rid if that annoying revhang

[@Rasul5743]

Great content! I would love to see a comparison between the base level AWD Giulia vs another entry level sport sedan.

[@lm1314]

Had a 2016 Audi A3 Quattro after having a 2005 4th gen VW Jetta GLI manual. I loved both cars but the Audi was such a great fast engine. I was shocked how it would get up a go. Sadly no manual in USA. I enjoyed the comfort versus the Jetta that had lower suspension and 18 inch performance tires standard. Also with the A3 I could enjoy driving in the snow. Had to stop while people pushed a front wheel drive car up a hill. They asked if I needed a push. Nope the Audi took off with ease. I was going about better than people in SUVs. Traded up for an A4 Quattro. Still kind of miss my A3. Haldex still is a good 4 wheel system when needed.

[@maazypaaz]

I love Audis, but the A3 is like the bare minimum of what Audi has to offer which says alot, and thats a good thing. But you just get so much fun and recognition with the WRX. Maintenance on Audis are a complete pain and a money pit.

[@Dragon_master_56]

It still crawls it’s way through back snowy roads Yes yes it does that’s why we love it ❤️

[@qrtrscale]

Yeah, I put "Ohlins in" my 2017 Premium and it is super predictable and smooth. A great combination and value.

[@raddudeski2745]

I didn’t know about this, I’ll definitely be looking into this

[@papatorr3669]

I finally caved in and "settled" for an '02 Impreza hatchback, non turbo, with 136k miles, in great condition in and out. Needs shifter bushing and one front axle, but $1,200 price allows a generous maintenance/repair budget. It's gonna be this winter's fun snow car as I don't want to abuse the 330xi. this one's been raised and has 17" taller tires (forgot the size) with an aggressive tread pattern. I figured I didn't need a turbo in the snow on hilly twisty roads near the Smokies. Let it SNOW!

[@papermind4010]

I’ve only ever owned EJ subarus (and really driven) for long periods of times so I didn’t even know rev hang was a thing

[@JughedGreenz]

Same. I love the fact that people the WRX is a driver's car. I'm busy paying attention to the road as opposed to the interior. It seats 5 and holds is resale value like a champ. Rev Hang? Who cares. Interior? Whatever. At least the subaru won't leave you on the side of the road with a transmission issue. Haha 😂😂.

[@splatbubble]

I think (I hear) that the rev hang is only an issue on the new 2.0 WRX?

[@benjaminrobert588]

@@splatbubble correct, and it’s for emission purposes.

[@splatbubble]

@@benjaminrobert588 Cool. Following up here... I bought a 2020 WRX after test driving a 2018... didn't notice any rev hang, or at least nothing that stopped me enjoying the car. I used to have a 2008 STi hatch and I dug it but the consumables were expensive. This thing (not even performance package) is cheap as chips and I love it. And I really like the fuel economy! Good for spirited driving, or putting around. :)

[@benjaminrobert588]

@@splatbubble congrats on the purchase. I have a 2018 wrx myself, and love the new engine platform. Good fuel economy on top of very good power for the purchase price. I went the route of tuning it right away even under warranty, and the tune definitely helped with the rev hang, and also made it quite a bit more responsive. From what I remember reading, the 2020 had its tune revised and the rev hang is much less noticeable. So good choice, especially if you are keeping it stock!

[@brendangreene9351]

Just bought a 2021 wrx premium with the sti short throw shifter. Can't complain its a blast!!

[@waynephilbert]

You guys.... too funny. I've been chuckling away at work watching this during lunch. Still would have the WRX over that A3 though.

[@fbarazi]

You guys are hilarious. Hands down best car reviews channel out there.

[@DahEric23]

Y’all should do a Sti vs S4 comparison!

[@TrinidadJamesWoods]

I used to own an 06' Impreza and still regard that model as having the best looking grille of any Impreza.

[@navyguy3341]

Good review, didnt know they play with restraints as well

[@ab-zo6jt]

A3 is a much better package. Get it chipped, change the steering wheel to one with paddles and you got a really fun car. Plus, it's much better on gas than WRX. I wish they made a3 with manual, though. On another note, an ecu tune without HW upgrades on WRX doesn't do much. On VW 2.0t, you get 80+ HP and torque.

[@AmericanBusinessman422]

Welcome to 2020. The pop out screen is not outdated - sincerely, the subaru interior

[@ArtcoPhotography]

I have the Audi A3 saloon 190 Black edition Quattro here in the UK. And it’s by far the best refined small saloon I’ve driven. And it holds corners very well. And the Quattro is superb, has brought me out of sticky situations.

[@seinsmeld13]

I have a 2018 RS5 and the screen stays up 100% of the time. If I had to do it all over again I would buy the RS3. I almost bought a WRX STI however the interior was very cheap looking. That STI was a 2016. I bought an S3 instead. Carry on with your great reviews men.

[@triscuitbiscuit]

I was looking at AWD sedans and the Subaru interiors are what pulled me away from them.

[@loxlover1714]

@@triscuitbiscuit I would agree with you through the recent generation. This last generation of Forester/Outback has really nice interiors. I recently bought a Forester Touring (US) in white with brown leather interior and it's really really nice.

[@MDCYF]

Yo dude WRX is not for gentle driving it's for Rally, Racing, fun drive experience! If you want to buy a WRX. You should not care about these! Because it is a Race Car! It is all about fun and hardcore driving! Dude I guess you will never understand

[@richardmahoney9415]

You 2 make the best reviews so much information and great camera work then the entertainment value this is pure comedy too

[@xxxs8602]

But if you take into account that both of these models are expecting a new generation next year.....

[@stevesmyth5673]

I have a WRX in the Limited trim and its still the same price as the A3 base. And getting the limited makes a difference. The interior does feel nicer, the leather is good quality and it has the Harmon Kardon sound which is actually pretty decent, unless you drive with the windows open, then you lose the bass. Love my WRX.....I smile every time I drive it. To get it in the CVT would be, in my mind, worthy of heavy scorn from every friend you have. SUCH a fun car to drive. Yes it has road noise. Yes it's harsh, but in essence isn't that what it's supposed to be? You don't buy a WRX for refinement. You buy it for the rawness of its performance. And they hold their value so well.

[@gusserks5609]

HAHAHAHAH “it’s been a while hasn’t it” best joke in a while 😂

[@B7audienthusiast]

My 2007 a4 3.2 6spd manual with straight pipes and an intake and 254,480 miles on it beats wrxs by several cars every time. I've raced older and newer ones and I pull on them good. I actually youtubed this because I was just driving from lancaster pa and raced a brand new real clean white wrx 3 or 4 times going down rt.30 from about 50 to 100mph and to 125 once and every race was me ahead by at least 4 cars and walking him pretty hard and yes he was racing. He started it.

[@Ethan7s]

Both cars will be in the shop a lot. The difference is the Sub is going in for mods, and the A3 is going in for fixes.

[@jonathangrauer2758]

I have 100,000K on my 2015 base WRX. Pros: All weather confidence (I use dedicated winter/summer wheel and tire setups), acceleration and low-end torque, reliability (although I did have to swap out the clutch at 60K), steering and handling feel (can turn off stability control), enough room for me, wife and two toddlers for daily trips). Cons: Rev hang, road noise and stiff ride. Bottom Line: Nothing for 26K (base model) can touch it. Base Civic Si and Base GTI front wheel drive. AWD 4 cylinder Stinger maybe, but that wasn't available in 2015. Plan to go another 100K before buying next daily driver. Have eye on Stinger V6 but that is a whole nother price range.

[@patdnwm]

Car enthusiast love the WRX.

[@imtheonehero9305]

A3 is better in every way. Ppl who buy the wrx are either subaru fanboys or need a more raw feel

[@devinisonline120]

tuned a3 will walk a tuned wrx alllll day

[@russellkolat184]

Love the vids and humorous tone. Thanks guys ! Now a regular 👍

[@grgfourtinas]

Id get the A3 put some lowering springs and racechip it ! done your set!

[@georgfranko]

Don’t put a racechip …. Go to a respectable tuner and let it be remapped and tuned properly

[@archiebunker3654]

I have a '18 Crosstrek. It works best for me as a daily driver. I had a '15 WRX manual before that, and it was ok, but I found I kind of hated the manual in stop and go traffic. The Crosstrek, while not as "fun" as the WRX, is much better for me. I LOVE the hatch, it's more comfortable to drive on rough roads, I have the full Eyesight package which I really like, I have it beefed up on 15" Method 502's with BFG KO2's, which in the snow, turns this laid back daily driver into and on-road snow BEAST. I absolutely love it. It's my 4th Subaru and yeah, I'm a fanboy. I may never buy another brand.

[@markjohnson2079]

2 year old used S3... done and done.

[@slothystyle]

2 year old used S3, non stop repairs and huge money pit. Done and done

[@markjohnson2079]

@@slothystyle 2 yrs old S3 still has warranty coverage... Factory warranty is 4yrs/ 50k miles. If you buy CPO you get coverage until 100k.

[@slothystyle]

@@markjohnson2079 That's only if 1. The previous owner/owners didn't get to 50k miles then traded it in and 2. If people are smart enough to find one CPO. Most people just go to a mom and pops used car lot and fine one there with 60k miles 3 owners 2 accidnets for 18k and think it's a bargain.

[@markjohnson2079]

@@slothystyle get what you pay for then... And that is on them. I'm suggesting a CPO s3 which is the same price as a NEW a3 or WRX... Get the S3... More car for your money.

[@Crimzify]

Mark Johnson my dream car right there

[@elliotserrano7333]

My girlfriend loves her 6spd WRX Limited. Great car and a blast to drive. In daily driving conditions it's actually more fun than my Civic Type R.

[@cm7862]

"I'm still on the market -- LADIES"

[@DaveAlkema]

This was a similar argument that I had with myself when picking out my latest car. I live in Michigan, which has some of the worst winters in the US, so I knew I wanted something quick, but good in the snow. I had ~10K to spend, and basically could get a 2007ish WRX with 180K miles, a 2010 Audi A4 with 100K miles, or a 2014 Mercedes C300 with 100K miles. The WRX had the cool factor, but had some rust, and was the least comfortable to drive. The Audi had the least power, weighed the most, and also had some rust. The Mercedes was the most comfortable ride, had immediate power available, and felt the most sure on snow during the test drives, it also had 0 rust. I never, ever, thought I'd buy a Mercedes over a WRX, which has been a bucket-list car, but it ended up being the one that I took home.

[@SupercarsinGreece]

Subaru is so nice!!! Love the Audi too!!!

[@yes8032]

I love audi more

[@jackwebb8550]

The performance options for the Audi are no where near as close to the wrx. Simple downpipe and tune on the a3 and your beating stock s3’s. As someone with an a3, the luxury you get and the performance for 20k or less used is just unbeatable

[@jrs1986]

I've found in my 2019 WRX is if I rev to about 4k RPM in first I'm able to get the shaft spinning fast enough and don't have to wait for the rev hang.

[@BLAZEU.]

4k to 4.5k RPM I've found is the sweet spot in most STI and WRX they basically bog down especially at take off at less RPM -_-

[@Ashwin-zg7rt]

You are my new fav car channel. Subscribed

[@germanengineering204]

Loved it when he said he'd prefer to go with the S3, and changes his mind and said I would buy the BMW M240i for that kind of money! I agree test drove both and I liked my BMW much better it was an easy choice imo!

[@DS-pk4eh]

Well, Audi A3 won for me. In 2013 when I got a job in the Swiss Alps, I went to buy AWD hatchback. Got recommendation for Subaru Impreza. Driven for 4 months, but just couldn't connect with a car. Also interior was just not that. Shifter was not that good. So I went to buy something else. Was trying to get either BMW 1 series xDrive or Gold R. And when went to test a Gold, the garage also had Audi A3. They offer was so good that I bought it. And still driving it. Was driving through the snow, when you can not see a thing, no problem what so ever. Really good, good car.

[@drewcook12]

I'd take the a3 for the modding. They can make so much easy power.

[@AdityaSharma-kj2fb]

Pretty sure the WRX can be better modded, even though we don't get the WRX here

[@colvinharvey9933]

@@AdityaSharma-kj2fb Nah id say a3 has the modding edge, subie cant push that much power without serious $$

[@DeeJayAdverb]

@@AdityaSharma-kj2fb NAAA I drove Subaru's for years. amazing cars but DOGS for tuning. You can net way more power from the VW/VAG group cars

[@loxlover1714]

@@AdityaSharma-kj2fb The EA888 is ridiculously easy and cheap to tune. $400 stage 1 tune gets you about 50-60hp/tq. It's hard not to tune really for that kind of money.

[@markjohnson2079]

@@loxlover1714 Neuspeed Power module plug\play is the way to go... $350 or 200ish on ebay and can remove for service without voiding warranty....

[@jumperman1962]

I chose the A3 S package over the Subaru. The Subaru is boy racer and the Audi is sophisticated posh ….

[@pezz_pezzer]

LOL! Thomas got me good with that "badonk a-donk" comment. Freakn' laughed hard at that one, thank you guys. Great review as always. Still loving my new Mk7 GLI and you know it's not horrible in the snow at all. Not that we have had much this year but I did get to try it and it's fine. Keep up the great stuff guys! Looking forward to the next one.

[@aaronp9835]

Love my 2018 A3 with stage 2 APR. super sleeper

[@loxlover1714]

This channel straight up despises Haldex lol. Like we get it guys, it's not the best system for powering the rear wheels, hence it's not the best for on track application. But to say that it's not capable or noticeably worse in other areas is just false. I have both a brand new Forester and a Golf R so I'm quite familiar with both systems. With snow tires the Golf R is an absolute snow plow and you will not be able to get it stuck unless there is more snow than the ground clearance affords. I've tried and I invite you guys to try as well and make a video of that. There are endless videos of Tiguans and Volvos offroad doing all sorts of crazy stuff with their Haldex systems. This myth that it's not a capable system needs to stop. The haldex is also more fuel efficient, which is quite important for 99.99% of the driving anyone would do with either of those two cars.

[@jamesengelsman9369]

I don't think that's fair. I think we pointed out its shortcomings compared to the Subaru's system, and then clearly demonstrated that it was incredibly capable in the snow.

[@loxlover1714]

@@jamesengelsman9369 you guys jump on Haldex every chance you get. Like I totally get having a beef with it on the RS3 right, being that it's a performance first vehicle. On the A3 however? After describing all the shortcomings Thomas (reluctantly) did show that it goes quite well in the snow, you're right. That said I would have also mentioned that the EPA millage for the WRX is 21/27 mpg and the A3 it's 27/36. That's a very substantial difference and not in small part due to the AWD system, considering that these vehicles weigh about the same. Don't get me wrong like I said I own a Subaru (Forester), I appreciate the AWD system. But the Haldex is a very good system that excels in several key areas. Hence why it's so popular and has so many applications.

[@jamesengelsman9369]

@@loxlover1714 Agreed. I mention that its small, cheaper and that the fuel economy is better in this review

[@antisocialblender9505]

Thank you for the tip about the Ohlins. I'll have to look into getting some for my base WRX.

[@antisocialblender9505]

Definitely would buy them used damn those are expensive.

[@aminbajrektarevicab]

Wait for the new A3 coming this year

[@colinpastuch]

Buy a used M235 xi with a heated steering wheel for $25k CAD! Best decision I ever made. Signed: Former WRX, BRZ owner. I've driven all the A3s and S3s, they understeer like mad. The M235 also has better seats.

[@BlackKnight_217]

"17 kilometers to the mile" -James,,, or Thomas 2020

[@simontimperley802]

What Thomas says about Ohlins is so true. I've had two sets of Ohlins Road and Track coilover on two different cars and they are simply amazing. They are stiffer than stock yet more comfortable to drive every day due to the dampening.

[@a2x-c6y]

Would they help with the bounciness he mentioned?

[@simontimperley802]

Most likely. Ohlins are like magic on the street and they're excellent on the race track.

[@alexisjordanschreiner1471]

6 speed manual seals the deal. You dont get LOVE or a manual with the a3

[@Komnis21]

But you do. I have an 2018 A3 6spd manual but really i think DSG is much more fun. It all comes down to personal preference

[@Slowwagonftl]

#savethemanuals

[@Kilrathal]

@@Komnis21 doing less =/= more fun. Unless you're bad at shifting

[@Ziegfried82]

@@JG-ge3ui only bad in rush hour traffic imo. Otherwise automatics are just less fun period.

[@octaviangeorge5455]

@@Ziegfried82 automatics yes. Dsg-s not so much. I used to be a manual maniac until I put my hands on an awesome dual clutch car. Now I like only manual and dtc and hate just the conventional automatics.

[@rreichar1]

I recently traded my 2017 VW GTI manual for a 2017 A3 Quattro. Definitely less fun to drive. Mainly because of the transmission. But about 95% of the time I like just as much, or more. Until I try to put something in the trunk. The trunk isn’t large but the real limiting factor is the size of the opening. I don’t sit in the back seat so that’s not an issue for me. When I do have people back there it’s typically just going to lunch or dinner so not a big problem. It’s a reasonably nice car without being a large car. That’s kind of a rare combination. After a couple of months it’s growing on me. I don’t think I could go for the WRX at this point in my life. An S3 would probably do the trick but I’ve decided to stop buying more expensive cars than I need. My A3 Quattro with a manual would be fun. Or just a better tuned DSG.