2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. Integra A-Spec: A Real-World Big Brother Comparison
The 2024 Acura Integra is a fun four-door hatchback that’s as practical as it is sporty. The Integra comes in five trim levels for the current model year. However, choosing a manual transmission means opting for the two highest trim levels – the A-Spec or the Type S. I have had a chance to drive both of these trim levels; here is a real-world comparison between them.
2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. Integra A-Spec: The powertrains are the biggest difference
The main difference between the 2024 Acura Integra Type S and A-Spec is their powertrains. The A-Spec is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that makes 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Any die-hard Honda fans will know that this is the same powertrain found in the current Honda Civic Si, albeit in a more expensive package.
The Acura Integra Type S, on the other hand, is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine found in the current Honda Civic Type R.
As you can imagine, the Integra Type S is the far better performer between the two trims. But that’s not to say the Integra A-Spec is a slouch – it’s not. I found the turbo 1.5-liter to produce adequate power for street driving, which made the drive exciting even at the speed limit. The Integra Type S powertrain was far more potent and delivered more smiles per mile, but it was also able to nearly get me in trouble with the law at some points.
Both Integra trim levels come with an adaptive suspension
Both the Acura Integra A-Spec and the Type S have an adaptive suspension. They both have four modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. However, I found the A-Spec model to be more comfortable when driving around town.
The lower trim level wears 18-inch Shark Gray wheels wrapped in Michelin tires, which proved to be quieter at every speed. By comparison, the Integra Type S comes standard with 19-inch Shark Gray alloys wrapped in sticky tires, which leads to a lot more road noise at every speed.
That said, the Integra Type S handles tight corners much better and would undoubtedly excel on a race track, but the Integra A-Spec felt better for regular driving.
The Acura Integra A-Spec is the trim to choose for fuel efficiency
Although no one buys a sporty compact car for fuel efficiency, the Acura Integra returns decent numbers. If you choose the A-Spec trim level, you can look forward to fuel economy returns in the low 30-mpg range. During my time with the Integra Type S, I averaged 21.5 mpg, which isn’t too far off, but still pretty low for a four-cylinder car.
Both trim levels come well-equipped
Buyers of either of these Acura Integra trim levels won’t miss out on anything in terms of tech features. They both come with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a premium ELS audio system with 16 speakers. The A-Spec model also comes with a power moonroof and Amazon Alexa capabilities.
2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. Integra A-Spec: Is the sportier bigger brother worth the extra cash?
The most shocking difference between these two Acura Integra trim levels is the price. The Integra Type S costs a whopping $14,000 more than the Integra A-Spec. Considering the largest difference is the powertrain, I would suggest going for the lower trim if you don’t need 320 hp.
However, either choice will do at the end of the day, depending on what your wallet allows.
