The 2023 Acura Integra is an all-new luxury model already garnering considerable attention from automotive critics. It’s based on the Honda Civic Si but comes with a more boisterous engine and sportier design elements. Plus, even though it’s made by a luxury brand, it has a relatively affordable base price.
Several years ago, the 2006 Acura RSX was renamed the Integra in certain international markets. We can definitely see some similarities between the RSX and the modern Integra, though the former was a coupe instead of a liftback. Let’s see how they compare in terms of price, features, and more.
Integra vs. RSX: Build and exterior design
The Acura Integra predictably looks the meanest of the two, incorporating sporty exterior elements and Acura’s luxury design language. It also comes standard with Jewel Eye LED headlights and sports the automaker’s latest wheel design.
Some might find the Acura RSX’s exterior outdated and plain in comparison. Still, we can appreciate its rounded body shape and distinctly pointed nose, which no doubt makes it more aerodynamic. As it’s a two-row coupe, the RSX only has two doors.
Integra vs. RSX: Seating and cargo capacity
The 2006 Acura RSX has room for four riders inside, but the second row is predictably cramped. According to a Honda press release, backseat riders barely have 29 inches of legroom. In comparison, the 2023 Acura Integra’s second row has over 37 inches of legroom.
The Integra also provides nearly 96 cubic ft of total passenger volume, according to Acura. Additionally, it has one extra seat in the rear row, plus over 24 cubic ft of storage capacity. The Acura RSX’s trunk is predictably smaller, only providing 16 cubic feet of space.
Integra vs. RSX: Performance specs
Acura says that the Integra has just one engine, a turbo-four with 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The standard trim comes with a CVT, but the A-spec models offer six-speed manual gearboxes.
According to Cars, the base 2006 Acura RSX is powered by a four-cylinder engine capable of 155 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. It could be optioned with either a standard five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The Acura RSX Type S’s four-cylinder generates 201 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and rides on 17-inch wheels. This model reportedly has a stiffer suspension, but the smooth-riding base model still has athletic handling.
Integra vs. RSX: Interior accommodations
The 2023 Acura Integra comes with standard faux-leather seats, smartphone integration, and a nice assortment of safety features. Still, Car and Driver felt that the Integra’s cabin was surprisingly basic at its price point.
The 2006 Acura RSX’s cabin gets two roomy bucket seats upholstered with fabric, while the Type S has genuine leather seats. It doesn’t have any advanced tech features, though it does include a CD changer with six slots.
How much do the 2023 Acura Integra and 2006 Acura RSX cost?
Acura lists the 2023 Integra’s starting price at $30,800, so it’s a little pricier than some of the automaker’s other options. You can get all its extra features on the A-Spec Technology trim, which retails for up to $35,800. Meanwhile, Car and Driver says that the RSX was the cheapest at the time of its demise.
According to Autoblog, the 2006 Acura RSX started at $20,325 when it was first released. Edmunds informs us that the Type S trim cost $23,845. While many used examples have over 100,000 miles on the odometer, Carfax shows a few available for under $15,000.
Since Honda is a fairly reliable brand, you can expect any given model to last many more years with proper maintenance. Even without all the latest technology, we’d say the 2006 Acura RSX is a worthy alternative to the 2023 Acura Integra.
