2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded a sense of elegance and power reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, contributed to an aquatic appearance that was both striking and unique. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort and quality, making it a luxurious choice for those who could afford it.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX maintained its aggressive styling, with a wider stance and functional air intake, making it the most boldly designed vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was somewhat understated, with a focus on practicality and functionality. The WRX offered several trim levels, each with varying features, from basic amenities to advanced options like Brembo brakes and Recaro seats in the higher trims. The WRX's design was a blend of performance-oriented features and everyday usability, appealing to those who appreciated a sleeper car with hidden performance capabilities.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, was a testament to BMW's commitment to driving dynamics. With a 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, it delivered a thrilling performance. The M340i's engineering, including variable sport steering and a robust AWD drivetrain, ensured a sporty handling experience. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters provided a seamless driving experience, making it a joy to drive in various conditions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, offered 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists. The WRX's AWD system varied based on transmission choice, with the manual offering a 50:50 torque split and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The WRX's precise steering and minimal turbo lag made it a fun car to drive, especially on winding roads. The WRX STI variant, with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 horsepower, offered even sharper handling but at the cost of a stiffer ride.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a comfortable and supportive interior, with high-quality leather seats and a heated steering wheel. While rear-seat access was somewhat awkward, the seating provided excellent support. The infotainment system was well-integrated, though some controls were less intuitive. The trunk offered 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and functional design. The cabin was practical, with straightforward controls and ample storage. The front seats offered plenty of space, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on shorter trips. The WRX's 340 litres of cargo space was modest but comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu pathways and a responsive touchscreen. The optional gesture control added a unique, albeit gimmicky, element to the experience. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, offering natural command responses.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen. The system was straightforward and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not as advanced as some newer systems, it provided all necessary features without overwhelming the user. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash, offering key driver information.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package with various safety features. While effective, the lane-keeping assist was notably abrupt, reminding drivers of the car's sporty nature. 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 essential safety features and offered the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.