2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe similar to the majestic humpback whales I encountered during my time as a deckhand on a whale-watching boat. Its lidded headlights, bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversize grille gave it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and rising to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive, the 3 Series was praised for its driving experience. The M340i xDrive, with nearly $14,000 in additional options, brought the total to $69,570. The interior, with off-white Ivory leather contrasting with a black cabin and Tanzanite Blue exterior paint, showcased BMW's commitment to quality.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, introduced as a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, maintained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and large functional air intake. The STI version added a large rear wing and aerodynamic components. Despite its racy touches, the non-STI version could be a sleeper, surprising those unaware of its performance capabilities. The WRX offered Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each with varying features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated front seats, and a power moonroof, while the Limited trim included leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series addressed previous criticisms of its driving dynamics with significant structural and suspension changes. The M340i trim featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, rear M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes enhanced its handling. The M340i's 8-speed automatic transmission, while not a manual, allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The car's various driving modes and paddle shifters provided a thrilling driving experience, even for those accustomed to manual transmissions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The WRX's steering was precise, with minimal turbo lag and excellent cornering capabilities. The WRX STI, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, featured Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for even sharper handling. However, the STI's taut handling resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple and supportive front seats, high-quality leather, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat entry and exit were awkward, but once inside, the seats provided excellent support. The car's controls were somewhat cryptic, but the widescreen infotainment system and natural voice recognition were highlights. Storage space was generous, with a covered bin forward of the shifter and a trunk measuring 17 cubic feet, though it appeared narrow.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent sightlines and visibility. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The first-row seating offered plenty of head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX's 12 cubic feet of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to other performance cars.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured the latest iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with menu pathways similar to a smartphone display. Gesture control allowed for volume adjustment and radio station changes with simple hand movements. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system responded to natural commands and could find local restaurants. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing easy navigation between menus. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, offering key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for the latest ADAS features. While the systems were accurate, they lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist system was abrupt, reminding drivers to stay attentive. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.