Is the 2024 Acura Integra Type S Worth the Extra Cash Over the Honda Civic Type R?
Honda has a great way of sharing car models with its luxury brand, Acura. One recent example is the 2024 Integra Type S and the 2023 Honda Civic Type R. They’re based on the same platform, have the same powertrain and come with many of the same features. The price differential between the two cars, however, is pretty large.
The Integra Type S will have a starting price of $51,995 when it gets into dealer showrooms, which is over $8,000 more than the Civic Type R’s $44,890 (including the destination charge) starting price. The main question is: Is the Integra worth the extra cash?
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S has a little more power than the Honda Civic Type R
When it comes to sporty hatchbacks, horsepower, and torque are important. After all, why buy high-performance versions of cars if you don’t care about their power outputs? Fortunately, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S and the Honda Civic Type R share the same powertrain, but one has a little more power than the other.
Under the hood of both cars is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential. In true Honda fashion, both cars only transmit power through the front wheels. Speaking of power, the Integra makes 320 hp, and the Civic makes 315. Both cars make the same 310 lb-ft of torque rating. But why the slight discrepancy in power ratings? We think it’s for marketing purposes as many buyers would rather see more power in the more expensive car.
That said, we doubt there is a performance differential between the two.
Both of these hot hatchbacks have similar interior tech features
The Acura Integra Type S has a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. And guess what? The Honda Civic Type R has those same features as well. Additionally, the Integra comes with a better sound system.
Acura Integra Type S owners can groove to their tunes via a 16-speaker ELS premium audio system. Civic Type R owners, on the other hand, will be entertained by a 12-speaker Bose system. We have tested both of these systems in the past and can say that the ELS system sounds crisper and cleaner than the Bose.
The Integra’s interior is a little nicer than the Civic’s
The Acura Integra has always had a nicer interior than the Honda Civic. In the 90s, the Integra had the option for leather seats, while the Civic only came with the cloth variety. Fast forward to today, and the Integra still has a better interior. The Type S model comes standard with sport suede and leather seats with heating, while the Civic Type R has suede buckets.
Furthermore, the Integra’s seats are powered, and the rest of its interior is adorned with soft-touch leather surfaces and aluminum trim pieces. That’s stuff that the Civic does not have.
Is the Acura Integra Type S worth added cost over the Honda Civic Type R?
To revisit, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S costs over $8,000 more than the Civic Type R. For that money; you’re getting a nicer interior, a better sound system, five more horsepower, and heated front seats. If those things are worth the money to you, then by all means, get the Integra.
However, we don’t think that those amenities add up to the extra cost. Especially considering the Honda Civic Type R gets the same job done as the Integra. In that case, we know which one we would pick.
