Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA is the harder-hitting car: 421 hp and 500 Nm versus the Subaru WRX’s 271 hp and 375 Nm, with a 4.1-second 0-100 km/h time and a wet dual-clutch auto rather than a manual. It also has the bigger 460-litre boot. At RM527,888 against RM286,245, though, the gap is RM241,643. The WRX answers with a five-year warranty, a larger 63-litre fuel tank and the involvement of a manual gearbox, but its road tax is higher at RM767 versus RM376.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA if you want the stronger, quicker C-segment AWD sedan with an automatic gearbox, AEB and more boot space.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want a manual AWD sedan with a much lower entry price, longer warranty and a larger fuel tank.
Key differences
- Power: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 421 hp, Subaru WRX 271 hp
- Torque: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 500 Nm, Subaru WRX 375 Nm
- Transmission: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA wet dual-clutch automatic, Subaru WRX manual
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 460 L, Subaru WRX 411 L
- Warranty: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 2 years, Subaru WRX 5 years
- Road tax: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA RM376/year, Subaru WRX RM767/year
AMG CLA
- 421 hp and 500 Nm
- 4.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- 460-litre boot
- Costs RM527,888
- Two-year warranty
- Smaller 51-litre fuel tank
WRX
- Manual gearbox
- Five-year warranty
- Larger 63-litre fuel tank
- 271 hp and 375 Nm trail the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA
- Smaller 411-litre boot
- No AEB listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM527,888 | RM286,245✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM376✓ | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing and lift | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,991 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 421 hp✓ | 271 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm✓ | 375 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed sports transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.1 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,701 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,999 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,413 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 1,600 kg | 1,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 51 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 460 litres✓ | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/35R19 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 6 | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control, Adaptive dampers, AMG Dynamic Select | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 colours) | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Mercedes me connect, Touchpad, Voice Control, Burmester Sound System, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 10-Speaker 225W Sound System | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | No | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used AMG CLA & WRX for sale
AMG CLA vs WRX FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA or Subaru WRX better?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA is better for outright performance, automatic convenience and boot space. The Subaru WRX is better if you want a manual gearbox, a longer warranty and a lower purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA costs RM241,643 more than the Subaru WRX. That gap buys 150 hp more, 125 Nm more, a dual-clutch automatic and a larger boot.
Which one has lower annual road tax?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA has lower annual road tax at RM376, despite its higher output. The Subaru WRX is rated at RM767 per year.
