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Subaru WRX
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Instant Overview
2016 Subaru WRX / WRX STI VA
The 2016 VA family splits into the FA20DIT WRX and the EJ257-powered WRX STI. WRX is the better daily-driver entry point for many owners, while STI is the rawer, shorter-geared answer for buyers who specifically want the old-school Subaru performance formula.
Open vehicle pagePowertrain
2.0-liter turbo flat-four WRX or 2.5-liter turbo flat-four WRX STI
Transmission
WRX offers 6-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic CVT. WRX STI is 6-speed manual only.
Drivetrain
Symmetrical all-wheel drive
Body Style
Four-door sport sedan
What Matters First
WRX is the broad-use daily and tuning platform. STI is the more hardcore driveline and chassis package.
The biggest ownership split is modern DI WRX behavior versus older EJ STI fragility and tune sensitivity.
A clean Premium WRX or a carefully documented STI is usually a better buy than a cheaply modified example of either.
Likely Next Tabs
Related Searches
2016 Subaru WRX tire size
2016 Subaru WRX STI common problems
2016 WRX vs STI
Ownership notes
Fast Overview
Output
WRX: 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. WRX STI: 305 hp and 290 lb-ft.
Trim ladder
WRX: Base, Premium, and Limited. STI: standard and Limited, plus special-package context depending on market timing.
Transmission mix
WRX splits between 6MT and CVT. STI keeps the 6MT only.
Hardware split
WRX uses the FA20DIT and a more modern daily-driver setup. STI uses the EJ257, DCCD, and the more serious factory performance hardware.
Trim Comparison
WRX trims
Base is the cleanest entry point, Premium is the value play, and Limited is for daily owners who care more about equipment and comfort.
WRX manual vs CVT
Manual is the enthusiast default. CVT makes daily traffic easier, but owners should be much more conservative with power-adders and heat management.
WRX STI
STI is the search target when the buyer wants the six-speed STI gearbox, center-diff control, and more serious factory brakes and chassis hardware.
Specs Block
Oil capacity
WRX: 5.4 US qt / 5.1 L. WRX STI: 4.5 US qt / 4.3 L.
Bolt pattern
5x114.3
Wheel and tire notes
WRX commonly starts at 17x8 with 235/45R17 or moves to 18-inch fitment. STI centers on 18x8.5 and 245/40R18.
Coolant capacity
About 8.2 US qt / 7.7 L
Fuel note
Both cars belong in the premium-fuel lane, and STI owners usually research knock and tune quality earlier.
Common Problems
EJ257 tune sensitivity
STI buyers need to care about tune history, fueling, and detonation risk immediately, not after the purchase.
The fast question is whether the car was modified well, not whether it was modified at all.
FA20DIT carbon and intake-side upkeep
WRX owners can end up chasing roughness, reduced response, or uneven boost when the intake side gets dirty or a leak develops.
Separate this from simple maintenance items like plugs and coils.
Clutch, bearing, and driveline wear
High-mileage or abused cars often advertise themselves through clutch feel, gear engagement, and noise more than through a warning light.
A pre-purchase drive tells you a lot here.
Modding Notes
WRX tune and tire package
This is the highest-value first move when the car is healthy and the goal is a quicker street car rather than a dyno-only build.
Tires and alignment make the power easier to use.
STI reliability-first upgrades
Cooling, fuel, and monitoring upgrades belong near the front of the plan before ambitious power targets.
The right build is conservative early and expensive for a reason.
Brake fluid, pads, and suspension refresh
A fresh braking and suspension package pays off on every drive and often matters more than a louder exhaust.
Especially effective on mixed street and canyon use.
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