VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
202 kW
Torque
670 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
—
9.9 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
—
Engine
electric cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the BYD Seal and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Seal delivers 390 kW while the Subaru WRX produces 202 kW. Pricing starts at R1 211 900 for the Seal and R899 000 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
390 kW
202 kW
Torque
670 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
—
Top Speed
179 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
—
boxer
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
82.6 kWh l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
—
225 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4800 mm
4670 mm
Width
1875-2150 mm
1825 mm
Height
1460 mm
1465 mm
Wheelbase
2920 mm
2675 mm
Ground Clearance
145 mm
135 mm
Kerb Weight
2185 Kg
—
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
50 front + 400 rear l
423 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Seal
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Seal
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
WRX
Practicality
Seal
Pros & Cons
BYD Seal
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price (R899 000)
Less power than rival (202 kW vs 390 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Seal or WRX?
The Seal produces 390 kW and 670 Nm of torque while the WRX delivers 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The Seal is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seal and WRX?
The Seal starts from R1 211 900 and the WRX from R899 000. The WRX is cheaper by R312 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seal or WRX?
The Seal has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the WRX can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seal or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.