Subaru Impreza vs. BMW 328xi - Which Is The Better AWD Wagon?

Seriously? I’m going to put the modest Subaru Impreza wagon up against the BMW 328xi uberwagon? The same 3-series that has made mincemeat of the luxury division? That has set the standard for sporty opulence? That has made Car & Driver’s Top Ten list for the last decade? Yes, I am. Why would I do it? Not to embarrass the little ’Ru, but quite the contrary.

If the all-wheel-drive 328xi is the gold standard, then at $20,000 less than King Bimmer, the AWD Impreza is simply the best bargain in all of Autodom.

My Subaru versus Bimmer test is not really a buyer’s guide, as shoppers for these cars will likely never step on the other’s lot. Rather, like comparing a Timex and Rolex, this face-off weighs the value of brand name and engineering in two products that occupy opposite poles of the midsize, C-wagon segment. It’s a diverse-price segment that, at its core, provides sporty, all-wheel-drive transportation to carry a family of four over the river, and through the woods (and up a steep, snowy driveway) to grandmother’s house.

Patronus - 12/19/2013 2:41:29 PM

+1 Boost

Uh, the picture you posted on this page is not the Impreza in the test. The pic you posted is of the previous generation WRX.

Do you guys ever proofread what you post?

JDMUSMuscle - 12/19/2013 6:11:34 PM

-3 Boost

"Why would I do it? Not to embarrass the little ’Ru, but quite the contrary."

Uh, what? As soon as I read the title, I simply thought you guys were trying to embarrass BMW, as we all know BMW 3 series (lol) is just a Corolla wannabe (Did you guys hear about the new FWD BMW? I TOLD you BMW was serious about competing against Hyundai!!!)

Comparing Subaru to this cheap junk is ridiculous, really. Subaru was made by the REAL professionals, when BMW 3 series is something that is sold at Wal Mart, something like Made in China ;)

scenicbyway12 - 12/19/2013 8:07:36 PM

+3 Boost

What a silly little troll you are.

MorePower - 12/20/2013 12:59:34 AM

+1 Boost

The linked article is garbage!

If this were a straight up comparison between a WRX wagon manual with a BMW 328xi wagon manual, maybe, but the Subaru is not trying to be luxury wagon, err "near/entry luxury wagon.

vogeygolf - 12/20/2013 3:35:03 PM

+1 Boost

That's an insult to trolls.

Seriously, it's a rediculous article, trying to compare the two cars. Two totally different markets, $20k difference between the two. One has a 240HP engine. The other maybe 140HP.