The Acura Integra Type S isn’t just another sports car – it’s a thoughtfully crafted machine that bridges the gap between track-ready performance and everyday luxury. If you’ve been eyeing performance cars but want something you can actually live with daily, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Makes the Integra Type S Special
At its heart lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s serious power, but what’s more impressive is how Acura delivers it. Unlike its Honda Civic Type R cousin, the Type S focuses on refinement without sacrificing the fun factor.
The six-speed manual transmission is mandatory here – there’s no automatic option. Before you run away, consider this: the shifter is genuinely satisfying to use, with perfectly judged throws and an optional rev-matching system that makes you look like a driving pro.
Performance That Actually Works on Real Roads
You’ll find Brembo brakes at all four corners, a limited-slip differential, and adaptive suspension that transforms personality based on your chosen drive mode. In Comfort mode, it’s surprisingly civilized for highway cruising. Switch to Sport+, and the exhaust growls while the suspension firms up for serious backroad carving.
The 0-60 mph sprint takes 5.2 seconds, which isn’t earth-shattering on paper. But here’s the thing – this car feels quicker than those numbers suggest because the power delivery is so accessible and usable in real-world driving.
Interior and Daily Living
Comfort Meets Sport
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice the difference from typical performance cars. The seats are supportive enough for spirited driving but comfortable enough for long trips. They’re heated too – something you won’t find in the Honda Type R.
The cabin feels genuinely premium with soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and a driver-focused layout. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster displays information clearly, while the 9-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Sound and Technology Features
The 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system delivers concert-quality sound that makes every drive more enjoyable. Combined with improved sound deadening over the Civic Type R, highway cruising becomes genuinely relaxing.
Key Specifications & Features
| Engine & Performance | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged VTEC |
| Horsepower | 320 HP @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 2,600-4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual Only |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/28 hwy/24 combined |
| Interior & Tech | Details |
| Audio System | 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D |
| Display | 10.2″ digital cluster + 9″ touchscreen |
| Seating | Heated sport seats with Ultrasuede |
| Safety | AcuraWatch suite standard |
| Starting Price | $52,600 |
| Brakes | Brembo 4-piston front calipers |
How It Compares to Alternatives
Against the Honda Civic Type R
While both cars share basic architecture, the Integra Type S takes a more mature approach. It’s about $7,000 more expensive but includes heated seats, premium audio, better sound deadening, and a more refined ride quality. The Type R is track-focused; the Type S is life-focused.
Luxury Competition
Compared to the Audi S3, BMW M235i Gran Coupe, or Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, the Integra Type S offers competitive performance at a lower price point. Plus, you get genuine Honda reliability and lower long-term ownership costs.
Who Should Consider This Car
The Integra Type S makes sense if you want a performance car that doesn’t compromise daily usability. It’s perfect for enthusiasts who’ve outgrown boy-racer aesthetics but still want genuine driving thrills.
The manual-only transmission might seem limiting, but it’s actually liberating. In an age of flappy-paddle automatics, there’s something pure about rowing your own gears, especially when the gearbox is this good.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
The front-wheel-drive layout means you’ll never have the balanced handling of a rear-drive sports car. However, the sophisticated suspension and limited-slip differential manage the power remarkably well.
At over $50,000, it’s not cheap, but the feature list and build quality justify the price when compared to European alternatives that cost significantly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the manual transmission difficult for daily driving?
A: Not at all. The clutch is light, the shifter is smooth, and the rev-matching system makes it very user-friendly.
Q: How does it compare to the Honda Civic Type R?
A: Same basic performance but with better comfort, refinement, and premium features for about $7,000 more.
Q: What’s the fuel economy like in real-world driving?
A: Expect around 26 mpg in mixed driving, which is impressive for a 320-horsepower performance car.
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