Close.
GTI has 241 HP vs the WRX’s 271.
The utility the WRX offers is one of the biggest draws for me. I ride bicycles and dirt bikes, and really enjoyed the Torqlift trailer hitch receiver I had mounted.
The WRX is unique for its ability to have a hidden hitch mounted (even a standard 2” receiver, as I had). It’s completely invisible when not in use and the pop-out panel is installed. Very handy for a hitch-mount bike rack or cargo carrier, or towing a small trailer.
Heres my 2016:
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And then you have the roof free for a cargo carrier.
Couple all that with the overall balance of the car, due to the symmetrical boxer powertrain and surefootedness of AWD in inclement weather, and you have a unique combination of features - A car that’s quick, handles very well, an available 6-speed manual gearbox, very fun to drive, AND the ability to carry loads of gear, bikes, cargo, etc.
And, at $30 grand before taxes (MSRP), it’s a good value. Not quite as good as the $25,500 plus taxes I paid for my 2016 back then, but, hey, the car is all-new, with a new engine, chassis, suspension, etc, and it’s 6 years later.