Compare the2024 BMW 3 Series SedanVS 2024 Subaru WRX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The 3 Series Sedan’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The WRX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The WRX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The WRX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The WRX only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the WRX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW 3 Series Sedan is safer than the Subaru WRX:

	3 Series Sedan	WRX
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	145	250
Neck Injury Risk	23%	24.5%
Neck Stress	207 lbs.	348 lbs.
Neck Compression	32 lbs.	65 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	201/230 lbs.	284/524 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	33%	34.4%
Neck Stress	170 lbs.	227 lbs.
Neck Compression	74 lbs.	151 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW 3 Series Sedan is safer than the Subaru WRX:

	3 Series Sedan	WRX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	107	152
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1 inches
Hip Force	252 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	305	357
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	66 G’s
Hip Force	532 lbs.	839 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	544 lbs.	819 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The 3 Series Sedan comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The WRX’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The 3 Series Sedan’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the WRX’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 3 Series Sedan for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Subaru doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the WRX.

Reliability

The battery on the 3 Series Sedan is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 3 Series Sedan’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The WRX’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Subaru is rated below average.

Engine

The 330i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The 330e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 17 more horsepower (288 vs. 271) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The M340i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 111 more horsepower (382 vs. 271) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the 330i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Subaru WRX (automatics tested):

	3 Series Sedan	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	5.1 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13.8 sec	14.1 sec
Top Speed	155 MPH	134 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 3 Series Sedan running on electricity gets better mileage than the WRX:

			MPGe
3 Series Sedan
RWD	Auto	30e Electric Motor	69 city/78 hwy
AWD	Auto	30e Electric Motor	64 city/75 hwy
WRX
			MPG
AWD	Manual	2.4 turbo flat-4	19 city/26 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.4 turbo flat-4	18 city/25 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the 3 Series Sedan running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the WRX:

			MPG
3 Series Sedan
RWD	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/34 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/32 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/31 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/33 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/31 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	22 city/32 hwy
WRX
AWD	Manual	2.4 turbo flat-4	19 city/26 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.4 turbo flat-4	18 city/25 hwy

The 3 Series Sedan can travel with zero emissions for 20 to 22 miles (dependent on model). The WRX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the 3 Series Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The WRX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 3 Series Sedan’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The WRX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 3 Series Sedan higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Subaru WRX (3). This means the 3 Series Sedan produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the WRX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The BMW 3 Series Sedan comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the WRX.

The 3 Series Sedan’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The WRX doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 3 Series Sedan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the WRX:

	330i	M340i	WRX	WRX TR
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12.4 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	11.4 inches	12.8 inches

The 3 Series Sedan stops shorter than the WRX:

	3 Series Sedan	WRX
70 to 0 MPH	151 feet	153 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	112 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 3 Series Sedan has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the WRX.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 3 Series Sedan can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The WRX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the WRX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 3 Series Sedan’s wheelbase is 7.1 inches longer than on the WRX (112.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

The 330i handles at .99 G’s, while the WRX Limited pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis

The front grille of the 3 Series Sedan uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The WRX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the 330i is quieter than the WRX Limited:

	3 Series Sedan	WRX
At idle	38 dB	49 dB
Full-Throttle	74 dB	79 dB
70 MPH Cruising	69 dB	71 dB

Cargo Capacity

The 3 Series Sedan has a larger trunk than the WRX (13 vs. 12.5 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 3 Series Sedan easier. The 3 Series Sedan’s trunk lift-over height is 26.7 inches, while the WRX’s liftover is 28.7 inches.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the 3 Series Sedan’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The WRX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 3 Series offers cargo security. The WRX’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the 3 Series Sedan offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The WRX doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Subaru. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 14% lower rating, Subaru is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the 3 Series Sedan, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The WRX doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The WRX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 3 Series Sedan’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The WRX has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the 3 Series Sedan and the WRX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the 3 Series Sedan is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The WRX prevents the driver from operating the rear windows just as it does the other passengers.

The 3 Series Sedan’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The WRX’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the 3 Series Sedan the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the WRX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 3 Series Sedan has standard Comfort Go that allows you to start the car without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the WRX Premium/Limited/GT/TR offers Keyless Access and Start.

The 3 Series Sedan’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The WRX’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the 3 Series Sedan has standard extendable sun visors. The WRX doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Subaru only offers heated mirrors on the WRX Premium/Limited/GT/TR.

When the 3 Series Sedan is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The WRX’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the WRX offer available heated front seats. The 3 Series Sedan also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the WRX.

On extremely cold winter days, the 3 Series Sedan’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The WRX doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the WRX Premium/Limited/GT/TR.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the WRX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the 3 Series Sedan has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The WRX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW 3 Series has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The WRX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The 3 Series Sedan’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The WRX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The 3 Series Sedan is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The WRX doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW 3 Series Sedan and the Subaru WRX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW 3 Series outsold the Subaru WRX by 38% during 2023.