The Acura Integra Type S has emerged as a compelling option in the realm of daily driving performance cars, offering a sophisticated twist on the Honda Civic Type R formula. While sharing its performance DNA with the Civic, the Integra Type S distinguishes itself with a more mature and upscale demeanor. For enthusiasts and potential buyers alike, the question of performance metrics is paramount. Let’s delve into the specifics, focusing on the Acura Integra Type S 0-60 time and what it signifies for this exciting vehicle.
A Step Up from the Civic Type R: Luxury Meets Performance
The original article aptly points out the Integra Type S as a “stupendous, upscale offering of the Civic Type R.” This distinction is crucial. While the Civic Type R is undeniably a performance powerhouse, it leans towards a more raw and track-focused experience. The Integra Type S, on the other hand, aims for a broader appeal, blending exhilarating performance with enhanced comfort and refinement. Think of it as the grown-up sibling, retaining the athleticism but trading in some of the youthful exuberance for a touch of class.
Key improvements over the Civic Type R contribute to this elevated experience. The Integra Type S boasts a more handsome and subtly aggressive exterior, ditching the prominent rear wing for a cleaner, more sophisticated look. Inside, the cabin is noticeably more upscale, featuring softer materials, enhanced sound deadening, and a generally more premium ambiance. Perhaps most importantly for daily driving, the suspension is tuned for greater compliance, making it significantly more comfortable on everyday roads without sacrificing cornering prowess.
Engine and Performance: The 0-60 Sprint and Beyond
Under the hood, the Integra Type S packs a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, churning out an impressive 320 horsepower. This powerplant is shared with the Civic Type R, ensuring that the Integra Type S delivers on its performance promise. The turbocharger provides a significant boost of power, particularly in the mid-range, making for thrilling acceleration and effortless overtaking.
Regarding the crucial Acura Integra Type S 0-60 time, the original article quotes a figure of 5.2 seconds. While not record-breaking in the grand scheme of performance cars, this number is certainly brisk and highly respectable for a front-wheel-drive sedan. However, as the review notes, the Integra Type S often feels quicker than the numbers suggest. This is due to the engine’s responsiveness, the well-matched gear ratios of the six-speed manual transmission, and the car’s overall engaging driving dynamics.
The engine exhibits some turbo lag at lower RPMs, a characteristic that, rather than being a drawback, adds to the car’s personality. Waiting for the turbo to spool up and unleash its power creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. Once on boost, the engine pulls strongly all the way to the redline, accompanied by a decent, if not overly aggressive, engine note. The slick-shifting manual transmission further enhances the driving experience, offering precise and rewarding gear changes.
Handling and Driving Dynamics: Conquering Roads with Confidence
Beyond straight-line speed, the Integra Type S excels in the corners. The handling is described as “impossibly neutral,” instilling confidence and encouraging spirited driving. Wide 265-width Michelin tires at all four corners provide ample grip, contributing to the car’s planted and secure feel. The chassis is well-balanced, allowing the Integra Type S to carve through bends with remarkable poise.
While being front-wheel drive, the Integra Type S effectively manages torque steer, a common issue in powerful front-drive cars. It’s present primarily in lower gears under hard acceleration, but it’s not overwhelming and can even be seen as part of the car’s engaging character. A sophisticated limited-slip differential at the front axle plays a crucial role in maximizing traction and minimizing wheelspin, allowing drivers to confidently put down the power even when exiting corners aggressively.
Compared to the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S strikes a slightly different balance in handling. While both are highly capable, the Integra prioritizes a degree of comfort and compliance that makes it more suitable for daily driving. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road more effectively than the stiffer Civic Type R, without sacrificing agility or responsiveness.
Interior Comfort and Daily Drivability: Luxury for Everyday
Stepping inside the Integra Type S reveals a cabin that is a significant step up from its Honda counterpart. Soft-touch materials abound, and the faux-suede upholstery adds a touch of premiumness. The overall design is clean and modern, with well-placed controls and a user-friendly infotainment system.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the Integra Type S is its enhanced sound deadening. This, combined with the more compliant suspension and comfortable seats, makes it a genuinely relaxing car for long journeys and daily commutes. While the Civic Type R might be less forgiving on rough roads, the Integra Type S is designed to be a comfortable and enjoyable companion in a wider range of driving situations. Despite the added luxury features, Acura has managed to keep the weight increase over the Civic Type R to a minimum, further contributing to its nimble feel. Impressively, the fuel economy is also commendable for a performance vehicle, averaging around 26 MPG in the reviewer’s experience.
Price and Value: Is the Integra Type S Worth It?
The Acura Integra Type S occupies a price point above the Civic Type R, placing it in a competitive segment of performance sedans. While the price may seem steep for a front-wheel-drive vehicle, especially when considering the value proposition of cars like the Hyundai Elantra N, the Integra Type S offers a unique blend of performance, luxury, and daily usability that justifies its premium.
The Integra Type S is not simply a Civic Type R with a different badge. It’s a distinct vehicle with its own character and appeal. It caters to drivers who desire exhilarating performance but also appreciate a higher level of refinement and comfort. For those seeking a daily-drivable performance sedan that can deliver thrills on demand while remaining composed and comfortable in everyday situations, the Acura Integra Type S presents a compelling package. The Acura Integra Type S 0-60 time of around 5.2 seconds is just one piece of the puzzle, representing a car that is ultimately about the holistic driving experience, blending speed with sophistication.
