2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 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. The car's design, with 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 for a base 330i and rising to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive, the 3 Series was praised for its driving experience, especially the M340i trim. The interior offered a variety of colors and materials, with my test car featuring off-white Ivory leather and Tanzanite Blue exterior paint. The cabin's quality and purposeful appearance helped justify its sticker price.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often criticized for its adolescent aesthetic, though it appeared tamer compared to the racier WRX STI. The WRX's wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a speedy appearance, even when stationary. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, with plenty of hard plastics contributing to its immature reputation. The base WRX came with 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, heated seats, and a larger 7-inch screen, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and additional driver-assistance features.

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 contributed to its impressive handling. The M340i's 8-speed automatic transmission, while a departure from traditional manual gearboxes, allowed for a launch-controlled 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The car's various driving modes and paddle shifters made it a joy to drive, even in Los Angeles traffic.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful in its class, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The manual transmission's vague clutch was a letdown, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring and well-weighted steering made it a joy on winding roads, though its stiff ride was less comfortable than competitors like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple and supportive front seats, comfortable for long drives and spirited handling. The M340i xDrive test car featured 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 sometimes hard to find, 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 17-cubic-foot trunk, though it appeared smaller than typical family sedans.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a 12-cubic-foot trunk, more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI's cargo space. The WRX's interior packaging showed its age, with limited in-door bottle holders and obstructive center console cupholders. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with decent rear seat space for four adults. The sedan layout provided more practicality compared to coupes or sports cars.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured the latest iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system offered four main ways to interact, making it user-friendly. The touchscreen was intuitive, and the "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was excellent. Gesture control, though gimmicky, added a fun element. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, a notable improvement.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim's option package included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX's tech felt dated compared to newer competitors.

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

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.