Readers Pick Sides: 2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. 2023 Honda Civic Type R

The Integra Type S and Civic Type R are basically the same car, with the same platform, dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension, and four-seat sedan-ish body style. The Acura's longer and heavier, but makes up the difference with five more horsepower from what's otherwise a near-identical drivetrain. Both share a six-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential, though there is where features start to diverge.

By the looks of things, the Integra may lack the Civic's rev-match and engine sound options and appears to trade the Civic's shift lights for a head-up display. The Integra's front seats are heated and power-adjustable, but aren't as well-bolstered as the Civic's buckets, according to my colleagues. (That said, the Type R's seats have been recalled for bad welds.) The Acura will likely feature a better sound system too, as it ought to for a car that's practically guaranteed to start in the upper forties if not more than $50,000.

While I think they're pretty close on paper, our commenters overwhelmingly favor the Acura. Merovingian1685 summed up their sentiment best, favoring the Integra's color choice and greater refinement. It's probably because the people the Integra's nameplate appeals to is approaching or at middle age, and values heated seats more than rear downforce.

The same pragmatism informs jeff check and AW's choice of whatever comes in at MSRP, though there was still a small Civic contingent. Thomas Anastasiadis put his name in for "Civic all day," though his allies were less dedicated, and wished for a car combining the best of both worlds. Guess that means there's still room for an Integra Type R, then.