Ford Mustang vs. Subaru WRX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Mustang and Subaru WRX contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Mustang and the Subaru WRX.
When we compare the Ford Mustang's and the Subaru WRX's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and base engine power. The Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Mustang's and the Subaru WRX's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX is a better car than the Ford Mustang.
Pricing: For a new model, the Ford Mustang's price is between $39,751 and $64,880, with the Subaru WRX priced between $33,493 and $44,163.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Mustang loses 43.5 percent of its value and the Subaru WRX loses 31.1 percent of its value. This means the Subaru WRX retains 12.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Mustang.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Mustang is 7.8 out of 10 while the Subaru WRX's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Ford Mustang being ranked 4 out of 6 Best Convertibles and the Subaru WRX being ranked 7 out of 37 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Mustang is 7.8 out of 10. For the Subaru WRX the reliability rating is 7.0 out of 10. This gives the Ford Mustang a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru WRX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 315 horsepower, and the Subaru WRX base engine makes 271 horsepower. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. This gives the Ford Mustang the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru WRX. The Mustang uses regular unleaded, and the WRX uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru WRX, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Mustang, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru WRX has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,751 - $64,880
Starting MSRP:
$39,020
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,493 - $44,163
Starting MSRP:
$32,735
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$53,095
Price Range:
$38,893 - $64,667
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,034
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,164
# Good or Great Deals:
287
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
134
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
8,861
# Good or Great Deals:
29
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,297
Depreciation %:
44.3%
Resale Value $:
$21,723
Residual Value %:
55.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
23.9% - 44.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,519
Depreciation %:
32.1%
Resale Value $:
$22,216
Residual Value %:
67.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Subaru WRX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Mustang
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru WRX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
14 out of / 14Subaru WRX Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
11 out of / 37Ranking
11 out of / 37Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Mustang Trim Levels
EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT Premium, Dark Horse, GT
Subaru WRX Trim Levels
Base, GT, Limited, Premium, TR
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.084 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.081 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 528 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
44.6 inches
Cargo Space:
10.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3747 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
189.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3329 lbs
Width:
79.3 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
183.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Atlas Blue / Grabber Blue / Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray / Dark Matter Gray
Red
Race Red / Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Yellow Splash Metallic Tri-coat
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl / WR Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Ignition Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Ceramic White
Yellow
Not available
Orange
Solar Orange Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black Onyx
Gray
Space Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black with Red Stitching
Gray
Not available
