This summer, the reimaged Acura Integra will gain the Type S treatment, advancing into a different class of car. With a more powerful engine, pinned-down handling, and a well-trimmed cabin, it’s a worthy rival to the Cadillac CT4-V. As entry-level vehicles in the growing luxury sports sedan segment, both present assertive performance and snazzy styling. But does the Acura Integra Type S have the credentials to stand to the might of Cadillac?

What’s Acura up against with the 2023 Cadillac CT4-V?

Besides standard safety features and the spicy Blackwing variant, little has changed since its 2020 model year debut. Under the hood, 325 horsepower and 380 pounds-feet of torque are pumped out of the Cadillac’s dual-volute (two-channel) turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four. Power is put to the wheels through a 10-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission. Cadillac claims the CT4-V can hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 156 mph.

Electric power steering, magnetic ride control, and a rear multi-link give the CT4-V impressive handling. And with Brembo high-performance brakes at all four corners, it has plenty of stopping power. But it’s not all about speed and power; the CT4-V provides pretty decent highway fuel economy. The manufacturer says 29 mpg is possible, but Car and Driver observed 35 mpg cruising at 75 mph. In town, however, drivers should expect a rather poor 20 mpg.

2024 Acura Integra Type S performance specs

The all-new Integra Type S gains the Civic Type R K20C1 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. With a different exhaust system, power in the 2024 Integra is punched up to 320 ponies, and torque up to 310 pounds-feet. Since it won’t be released until June, straight-line speed figures are unavailable. Though, the mechanically similar Civic Type R will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 169 mph.

Adaptive dampers and an impressive torque steer-suppressing dual-axis strut front suspension are welcome features to keep the Integra stuck to the tarmac. Although the Integra’s engine is smaller, it doesn’t provide the fuel economy one would see in an average luxury compact. Drivers must manage with just 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

How do the Acura and Cadillac differ?

Despite its size, the Cadillac’s trunk is tiny. Potential buyers only get 11 cubic feet of space for the inevitable golf bags. This is where the Integra’s Honda parts-sharing comes into play for the better. Like any Civic, the 2024 Acura Integra boasts 24 cubic feet of cargo space with its liftback design, enough for more golf bags than passengers. 

Regarding powertrain performance, the Integra hits its peak horsepower 1,000 rpm above the Cadillac’s 5,500 rpm redline. But it has 80 pounds-feet less torque that comes in at 2,600 rpm, whereas the CT4-V has its full 380 at 1,500 rpm. Nevertheless, there is a roughly 500-pound weight gain from the Acura to the Cadillac, which will show during aggressive cornering.

Sadly, the Integra is front-wheel drive only. The Cadillac CT4-V comes with standard rear-wheel drive, but remarkably, all-wheel drive is a $500 optional extra. That’s right—only $500. However, Acura does have a leg up on the Cadillac.

Only the CT4-V Blackwing is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, that means spending roughly $15,000 over the normal CT4-V. On the other hand, the Acura Integra Type S is only available with a six-speed rev-matching stick shift.

How much are the sporty sedans?

The current 2023 Cadillac CT4-V has a starting MSRP of $47,990 before destination fees. Acura has yet to release pricing figures for the 2024 Integra Type S. Considering the Honda Civic Type R’s $43,295 MSRP, it will likely compete closely with the CT4-V.

Both cars prove their bargain luxury car prices through their interiors. The Acura Integra Type S and Cadillac CT4-V rely heavily on mass-market materials from Honda and General Motors, respectively. If potential buyers can overlook seemingly out-of-place plastics, either should be a fantastic entry-level sports sedan.