Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA vs Subaru WRX
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
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 527,888 | RM 286,245✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,991 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Power | 421 hp✓ | 271 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm✓ | 375 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.1 s | — |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 460 L✓ | 411 L |
| Fuel tank | 51 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 376✓ | RM 767 |
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.
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
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.