Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata

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Model Year	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2016	2016	2016
Model	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport	MX-5 Miata	MX-5 Miata	MX-5 Miata
Trim	2.5i	2.5i Premium	WRX	WRX Premium	WRX Limited	WRX STI	WRX STI Limited	Sport	Club	Grand Touring
Engines (hide)
OHV-v hp lb-ft
turbocharged 2.4L H4 DOHC-4v 271 hp@5600 258 lb-ft@2000
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 305 hp@6000 290 lb-ft@4000
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 181 hp@7000 151 lb-ft@4000
Transmissions (hide)
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
4-speed manually-shiftable automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
RWD
Tires (hide)
205/55VR16 tires
235/45WR17 tires
245/40WR18 tires
195/50WR16 tires
205/45WR17 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 80W, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 6 speakers
Unbranded, 100W, 10 speakers
Bose, 9 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
Cruise control
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Sound insulation, additionalOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Wind blocker, smallRemovable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area.   [?]
Removable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
911 assistAutomatically contacts 911 through a linked cell phone in the event of a severe collision.   [?]
Automatically contacts 911 through a linked cell phone in the event of a severe collision.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Blind spot warning systemMirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.   [?]
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Cross-traffic warning, rearWarns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.   [?]
Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Front side airbagsTorso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Hill start assistApplies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.   [?]
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.   [?]
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Performance braking system (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Roll bar
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo net
Console with shifter
Roof rackIncludes side rails and crossbars.   [?]
Includes side rails and crossbars.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Wiper de-icerHeating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.   [?]
Heating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.
Drivetrain (hide)
Adjustable center differentialThe center differential can be manually adjusted to vary the torque split front to rear.   [?]
The center differential can be manually adjusted to vary the torque split front to rear.
Limited-slip front differentialWhen one front wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.   [?]
When one front wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.
Limited-slip rear differentialWhen one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.   [?]
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.
Torque-sensing limited-slip rear differentialUnlike a conventional differential, a Torsen mechanically shifts torque to the wheel with the most traction. Unlike a conventional limited-slip differential, it doesn't have to lock to do this.   [?]
Unlike a conventional differential, a Torsen mechanically shifts torque to the wheel with the most traction. Unlike a conventional limited-slip differential, it doesn't have to lock to do this.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Oil coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Exterior (hide)
Body kitSide skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.   [?]
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.   [?]
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Convertible topManual opening.   [?]
Manual opening.
Hood scoopScoop on the hood, often not functional and purely decorative.   [?]
Scoop on the hood, often not functional and purely decorative.
Larger rear spoilerOnly listed if a second, smaller spoiler is also standard or optional. No additional value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if a second, smaller spoiler is also standard or optional. No additional value because no way to compare across models.
Mud guardsFlaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.   [?]
Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.
Paint, special red
Paint, special white
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Sport front fascia (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sport rear fascia, e.g. diffuser (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunroof
Tall rear wing-type spoilerLarge spoiler stands well above the trunk or hatch.   [?]
Large spoiler stands well above the trunk or hatch.
Infotainment (hide)
App supportTouchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.    [?]
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth audio streamingUses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.   [?]
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD player
CD player, remoteCD player located beyond easy reach of the driver.   [?]
CD player located beyond easy reach of the driver.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Portable navigation systemPortable navigation system, with a smaller screen than a fully integrated unit, that connects mechanically and electrically into the instrument panel.   [?]
Portable navigation system, with a smaller screen than a fully integrated unit, that connects mechanically and electrically into the instrument panel.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
Subwoofer (add on)No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
No value because no way to compare across models.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for audio systemSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming headlightsHigh beams automatically turned on and off.   [?]
High beams automatically turned on and off.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Automatic-off headlightsHeadlights automatically turn off.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn off.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
LED headlights, single projector or low beam only
LED tail lightsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Outside temperature display
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
All-weather floor matsAll-weather floormats.   [?]
All-weather floormats.
Center armrest extension, front row
Center armrest(s), front row
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual tilt adjuster, driver seatManually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Metal pedals
No leather in second row
Special interior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Synthetic suede inserts in leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.   [?]
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels
Alloy wheels, optional designSame value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Same value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models.
Power steering coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Strut tower brace (optional)Improves body stiffness, for more precise handling. Value of zero because resulting body stiffness not comparable model to model.   [?]
Improves body stiffness, for more precise handling. Value of zero because resulting body stiffness not comparable model to model.
Ultra-sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Wheel locksLug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.   [?]
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.
Wheels, dark finish
Transmission (hide)
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

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