What made the WRX such a unique car at the time… is its combination of rally-bred performance and affordability. In the 1990s, it was rare for a car at its price point to offer turbocharging, all-wheel-drive (AWD), and sport-tuned suspension, all of which contributed to impressive acceleration, grip, and handling. The WRX brought a level of performance typically reserved for more expensive sports cars to a wider audience, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and rally fans alike.

And also, how is it different from the STI? The Subaru WRX STI (Subaru Tecnica International) is a more extreme, performance-oriented version of the WRX. The STI features upgrades like a more powerful engine, better brakes, stiffer suspension, and a more advanced AWD system with driver-controlled differentials. Additionally, the STI often includes more aggressive styling cues and performance enhancements like larger turbochargers and stronger transmissions, making it even more track- and rally-ready compared to the standard WRX.

The Subaru WRX stands for “World Rally eXperimental” or sometimes “World Rally Cross”. The name reflects its heritage and design as a high-performance vehicle intended for rally racing. “WR” references its rally racing roots, and the “X” denotes experimentation or development, pointing to Subaru’s goal of creating a road car inspired by their success in the World Rally Championship (WRC). This rally connection is reflected in the car’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, turbocharged engines, and sporty handling, which are hallmarks of the WRX model.