The Acura Integra Type S may share some features with the Honda Civic Type R, but it makes more sense price-wise because it’s a premium, luxurious car
Honda has been making some of the most desirable sports cars in the world. Whether it’s a Honda or an Acura, the Japanese carmaker has been ensuring that things still make sense, even the pricing of its products. Interestingly, the price of the Acura Integra Type S seems making more sense than the tag of the awesome track beast called Honda Civic Type R.
In not one but several ways, the Integra Type S carries on the formula that Honda implemented with the Civic Type R. This isn’t entirely surprising, since in making a hotter, performance version of the Integra, Acura need not look at another car. The Civic Type R could well provide a benchmark by which Acura could work on for the Type S model of the Integra.
The Integra Type S isn’t an exact copy of the Civic Type R, but the Acura car offers a more premium option with a performance similar to its Honda counterpart. Nevertheless, it is quite safe to assume that the more premium price of the Integra Type S makes more sense than that of the Civic Type R.
Honda Civic Type R Heads Into A New Generation
Honda gave the Civic Type R a new lease on life by unveiling its sixth iteration in 2022. Bound as a 2023 model, the next-gen Civic Type R came into life following the revelation of the 11th generation of the Civic in 2021. Te 2023 Civic Type R is the second car of its kind to arrive in the United States.
Set for production on the other side of the world in Saitama, Japan, the 2023 model is the most powerful model in Type R’s three-decade history. What made this possible is a more potent version of Honda’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that could deliver 315 hp of max output and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Type R may not be as powerful as Hellcats or Mustangs, but it does offer a rewarding driving experience not just on the road but also on the track.
Essentially the hottest hatch that Honda has ever produced for and sold in America, the all-new 2023 Civic Type R even managed to set a new track record for a front-wheel drive car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. Although the record was a little bit controversial – at 7 minutes 44.881 seconds – it demonstrated the potency of the most powerful Civic Type R.
Honda has made the new Civic Type R available to the public for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,895. When taking the $1,095 destination charge into account, the
Civic Type R comes with a tag of $43,990.
Acura Integra Becomes Sportier With New Type S Model
Just a month ago, Acura launched its fourth Type S model in two years. This model turned out as the Integra Type S, thereby becoming the hotter version of the luxurious nameplate. While the reveal somehow disappointed Acura fans who wanted an Integra Type R, it quickly fanned out the flames of disappointment with specs akin to that of the Civic Type R.
Essentially a revival of the nameplate that died around 15 years ago, the Intergra is seeing sales far better than its luxury rivals in its segments in the first few months of market launch. While the 2023 Integra practically checked all boxes in terms of proportions, exterior, interior design, and wind-cheating aerodynamics, it needed some boost in terms of power.
A typical Integra delivers 200 hp of max output and 192 lb.-ft. of peak torque from its VTEC-enhanced 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It also lags behind the Civic Type R in terms of dynamics, sportiness, and agility. But the soon-to-be-sold Integra Type S gets rid of these weaknesses, thereby giving Honda customers a luxurious alternative to the Civic Type R.
Acura will sell the 2024 Integra Type S for an MSRP of $50,800 plus $1,095 destination charge. Against the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S carries a premium of nearly $8,000.
Integra Type R Is A More Luxurious Model With A Premium Price
Indeed, the Integra Type S and the Civic Type R have the same or similar features. For instance, these cars share the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, although the Integra Type S is a bit more powerful than the Civic Type. Both cars have their mills mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Both also feature a limited-slip differential up front.
In terms of performance, the Integra Type S may have a slight power advantage, but the Civic Type R is a bit lighter by nearly 40 lbs. Drivers may expect an on-the-road performance from their Integra Type S similar to that of the Civic Type. Interestingly, the Integra Type also borrows the Civic’s dual-axis front suspension and Adaptive Damper System.
Being a liftback with the proportions of a sedan, the Integra Type S offers a little of cargo space and less rear headroom. But it makes up with a premium interior that borrows the Honda’s 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.0-inch touchscreen, although with Acura-specific graphics. The Integra Type S, however, boasts of a better sound system – an ELS 3D Studio audio with 16 speakers.
Material-wise, the Acura Integra Type S features a luxurious leather interior with sport leather seats with suede inserts and heating. Leather also covers various sections, including the steering wheel, dash, and door panels. Aluminum trim pieces are also present throughout the interior. Essentially, the Integra Type S is a more mature version of the Civic Type R These and other premium elements make the price of the Integra Type S more sensible than that of the Civic Type R.
Source: Acura, Honda
