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Honda Civic Type R vs. Acura Integra Type S: Which one should you choose?

 

 

Today, while working on some driving videos for clients, I noticed a sleek vehicle rolling into our parking lot. From a distance, it looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite make out what it was. As I walked closer, I realized it was the sister car to the 2024 Acura Integra Type S we added to our inventory a week or two ago—the 2023 Honda Civic Type R. One of the perks of my job is the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of vehicles daily. Inspired by last week's blog post where I compared two family haulers from 1998, the Chevrolet Blazer and the Ford Explorer, I seized this chance to compare and contrast two of the newest and hottest cars on the market: the Honda Civic Type R and the Acura Integra Type S.

 

 

Exterior Styling

Starting with the exterior, the two vehicles may appear very different at first glance, but they actually have only minor differences. The Honda opts for a more traditional rear hatch setup, with the license plate mounted on the hatch, whereas the Integra takes a different approach by raising the top lip of the rear bumper and placing the license plate below the hatch’s opening. The Civic features a more aggressive stance, with a wider track and unique honeycomb grille pattern that complements its sporty demeanor. In contrast, the Integra has a more refined aesthetic, featuring angular lines, distinct fender flares, and a deeper contour on the lower side profile.

While the Civic maintains its aggressive appearance without the same angular design cues, it makes a bold statement with its massive carbon fiber rear wing, which stands out from nearly any other production vehicle on the road, perhaps except for a ZR1. Acura’s design choices for the rear taillights are particularly appealing to me, opting for a sleeker look compared to the Honda's more bulbous design. Additionally, the Civic Type R’s rear diffuser is not just for show; it contributes to real aerodynamic downforce, enhancing its performance.

 

 

Interior Styling

Moving on to the interior, the similarities between the two vehicles are striking, yet they also display key distinctions. Both Honda and Acura used similar vent designs, but altered the vent patterns to differentiate their brands. The vent designs in both the Integra and the Civic remind me of the early 2000s Saabs in both form and function. The Civic’s interior leans more towards a performance-oriented ethos, featuring red accents and suede-like upholstery that enhances grip during spirited drives. In contrast, the Integra combines sporty elements with a more refined, luxury feel.

Overall, the interiors of both vehicles are exceptionally comfortable and come equipped with modern features like CarPlay, automatic climate control, steering wheel audio controls, automatic power windows, various drive modes, a digital gauge cluster, and more. Yet, their digital gauge clusters highlight a difference in design philosophy. Acura replicates traditional analog circular gauges, while Honda adopts a more contemporary approach with a linear tachometer layout and a numerical speed readout. 

Another notable difference lies in the seats. The Civic’s seats have significantly more bolstering, providing excellent support for spirited driving through corners without feeling too tight during daily drives or making entry and exit cumbersome. The Integra’s seats, while also comfortable, prioritize a balance of support and comfort for more refined ride, aided by additional sound deadening that reduces road and drivetrain noise. For a touch of luxury and improved grip, Acura adds an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience in a subtle yet impactful way.

An instance of where the two vehicles distinguish themselves is in their audio systems. The Integra features a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering a richer, more immersive sound experience that is ideal for those seeking top-tier audio quality on the go. In comparison, the Civic is equipped with a 12-speaker Bose system, which, while still fantastic—especially compared to the blown-out speakers in my 2002 Lexus LX470—doesn't quite match the Acura's audio prowess.

 

 

Driving Characteristics

Both vehicles feature six-speed manual gearboxes, each controlled via a leather-wrapped shift knob, offering an exceptional driving experience. These gearboxes feel incredible, with clearly defined gates that make each shift precise and satisfying. Both also feature automatic rev-matching during downshifts, allowing you to feel like a professional driver even during routine maneuvers like turning into a parking lot. 

In terms of performance, the horsepower figures are nearly identical, making them formidable contenders in the front-wheel-drive segment. The Integra Type S produces 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Civic Type R delivers 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when running on 93 octane fuel. These power figures are not just for show—the Type S leverages its slightly higher horsepower for a more linear power delivery, offering a refined yet exhilarating acceleration experience. Meanwhile, the Civic Type R uses its power for a raw, spirited performance that’s immediately responsive and engaging, reflecting its more aggressive tuning. 

Both cars utilize Honda’s celebrated K20C1 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, renowned for its high-revving nature and strong power output. This engine is a marvel of modern engineering, providing substantial torque across a broad RPM range, enhancing drivability whether you're cruising on the highway or carving up a back road. The dual-axis front suspension setup, inherited from the Type R, reduces torque steer effectively, allowing both the Integra and Civic to maintain composure and deliver power smoothly to the ground. The Adaptive Damper System in both cars adjusts the suspension stiffness in real-time based on driving conditions, providing a versatile balance between comfort and performance. This system, combined with the precise gearboxes, ensures that both vehicles not only excel on the track but also provide a dynamic and engaging drive in everyday scenarios.

Overall, I’m partial to the Acura due to its larger emphasis on a refined daily driving experience. That being said, I would gladly take the keys to either as I thoroughly enjoyed being able to explore both models. If you are interested in purchasing either of these vehicles or have a special vehicle of your own that you’re looking to sell, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team here at GR Auto Gallery!