If you’ve been eyeing the Acura Integra Type S but wondering whether it’s worth the premium over its Honda sibling, you’re not alone. The Type S sits roughly $7,000 above the Civic Type R, and for that money you’re getting 320 hp, an extra seat, and a softer daily-driver tune. Car and Driver’s comparison test put the Integra at 5.1 seconds to 60 mph from its 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine — quick, but not quite as quick as the CTR.

Horsepower: 320 HP ·
Torque: 310 lb-ft ·
Transmission: 6-speed manual ·
Starting Price: $51,995 ·
Engine: 2.0L VTEC Turbo

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact 0-60 time varies by outlet — Car and Driver measured 5.1 sec while MotorTrend estimates 5.3 sec
  • Whether an automatic transmission will arrive in future model years
  • 2025 model year changes not yet detailed by Acura
3Timeline signal
  • First Integra Type S since 2001 — the original Type R ended that year (MotorTrend)
  • Civic Type R has been in US showrooms since 2016 (MotorTrend)
  • Both launched simultaneously in North America for the first time in 2023/2024 (MotorTrend)
4What’s next
  • 2025 updates expected — likely incremental refinements rather than powertrain overhaul
  • Acura may introduce automatic transmission option to broaden appeal
  • Used market prices will determine long-term value retention

Five specs tell the story: the Type S delivers the most powerful Integra in history with Honda’s proven turbo four, positioned at a price premium that buys comfort over outright track performance.

Specification Value
Power Output 320 horsepower
Torque 310 lb-ft
Engine 2.0L VTEC Turbo
Transmission Close-ratio 6-speed manual
Price Range Around $51,995

Is the Acura Integra Type S Fast?

The Type S packs a 320-horsepower version of Honda’s K20C1 turbo four, good for 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s 5 hp more than the Civic Type R puts out from the same basic engine. Car and Driver’s instrument testing recorded a 5.1-second 0-60 run with the Integra, while the CTR managed 4.9 seconds in the same conditions. The gap narrows in the quarter-mile: the Civic hit 13.5 seconds at 106 mph versus the Integra’s 13.7 seconds at 105 mph.

The upshot

The Integra Type S is genuinely quick — just not as quick as the Civic Type R. That 0.2-second gap is real, and it’s mostly the weight talking.

0-60 Acceleration

  • Car and Driver tested the 2024 Integra Type S at 5.1 seconds 0-60 mph (Car and Driver)
  • The same publication tested the 2023 Civic Type R at 4.9 seconds — a meaningful difference on track day
  • MotorTrend’s independent estimate puts the Integra at 5.3 seconds, suggesting Car and Driver’s result is solid for comparison purposes

Top Speed

  • Acura claims 167 mph for the Integra Type S (Car and Driver)
  • Neither publication pushed past 160 mph in testing, but the claim tracks with similar tuned Hondas

Horsepower and Torque

  • 320 hp and 310 lb-ft from the tuned 2.0L turbo — both figures lead the segment among front-wheel-drive rivals
  • The freer-flowing exhaust adds 5 hp over the standard Integra and gives the car a noticeably louder soundtrack (Car and Driver)
  • Six-speed manual with rev-match downshifts comes standard across all markets

The implication: the Type S delivers genuine sports car performance in a daily-driver wrapper. The extra power over the Civic Type R is real, but the Integra’s additional 29 pounds work against it in acceleration runs.

What is Faster, TLX Type S or Integra Type S?

The TLX Type S uses a 3.0L V6 making 355 hp — a different animal entirely. While both share Acura’s sport-tuned DNA, the larger sedan hits 60 mph in roughly 5.0 seconds with its standard all-wheel drive. The Integra Type S prioritizes driver engagement and a lower price over raw power.

Why this matters

For buyers choosing between the two, it’s a question of purpose. The TLX Type S is a luxury sport sedan. The Integra Type S is a lightweight hot hatch with Acura styling and a manual gearbox.

Performance Breakdown

  • TLX Type S: 355 hp from 3.0L V6, all-wheel drive, estimated 5.0 seconds 0-60
  • Integra Type S: 320 hp from 2.0L turbo four, front-wheel drive, 5.1 seconds 0-60
  • The Integra’s close-ratio manual gives it a driver connection the TLX’s automatic can’t match

Track vs Daily Use

  • The TLX’s AWD system helps put power down cleanly on sticky surfaces
  • The Integra’s limited-slip differential helps, but front-wheel drive limits hard launches
  • On winding roads, the lighter Integra feels more nimble despite the power deficit

The trade-off: the TLX Type S wins on outright acceleration, but the Integra Type S wins on driver engagement and value for money in the hot hatch segment.

Is the Integra Type S Just a Type R?

Both cars share the same platform, engine, and six-speed manual. The key difference is philosophy. The Civic Type R is built for the track first — sticky tires, stiff suspension, minimal sound deadening. The Integra Type S is built for the same fun but without punishing you on the commute. The 20% softer suspension tune is the most obvious daily-driver compromise.

The catch

Five horsepower and some creature-comfort upgrades did not fully justify the price delta in Car and Driver’s logbook notes.

Differences from Civic Type R

  • Integra Type S weighs 3,212–3,219 lb versus the CTR’s 3,183–3,188 lb (Car and Driver)
  • Suspension is approximately 20% softer on the Integra (IntegraForums)
  • Civic Type R runs stickier Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (Edmunds)
  • Integra Type S has more sound deadening for quieter highway drives (Road & Track)

Acura Refinements

  • Power driver seat and heated seats included (IntegraForums)
  • Parking sensors front and rear fitted to the Integra
  • Five seats versus the CTR’s four — a practical advantage for daily use
  • Acura badging and interior appointments distinguish the cabin

What this means: the Integra Type S is a Civic Type R that’s been civilized just enough to drive every day without regret. If you need it to be a pure track car, the CTR is the better choice. If you want track-day fun without the punishment, the Type S delivers.

Is the Acura Integra Basically a Civic?

Yes and no. Acura is Honda’s luxury division, so there’s significant mechanical overlap. The Integra Type S and Civic Type R share the same platform, engine, six-speed manual, and limited-slip front differential. But Acura has tuned the experience differently, and the interior and exterior styling are distinct. The Integra is also the only one of the two that offers five seats.

Shared Platform

  • Both use Honda’s global compact car platform — the Integra is essentially the Acura-badged version of the same underlying architecture
  • Same K20C1 turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder under the hood
  • Six-speed manual and limited-slip differential are standard on both

Unique Acura Features

  • Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon grille and Jewel Eye LED headlights
  • Powertrain and suspension tuning calibrated for a premium driving feel
  • Interior materials and technology carry an Acura-specific design
  • Exclusive five-seat configuration — the CTR sticks with four

The pattern: Acura has taken Honda’s proven performance formula and wrapped it in a more refined package. The result is a car that feels premium without sacrificing the core driving experience that makes the Type R special.

Acura Integra Type S Specs and Price

The base price sits at $51,995, which undercuts the TLX Type S but sits above the $44,890 Civic Type R. Edmunds, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend all confirm this pricing across multiple markets. The 2024 model year brought updated turbocharger internals — eight-blade compressor wheel versus six — which improves boost response. Fuel economy tested at 31 mpg highway for the Integra versus the CTR’s 30 mpg.

What to watch

The $7,105 price gap over the Civic Type R buys you comfort features, an extra seat, and five horsepower. Whether that’s enough depends entirely on how much you value the daily-driver refinement.

Engine and Transmission

  • 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (K20C1) — 320 hp at 6,500 rpm, 310 lb-ft at 2,500–4,000 rpm
  • Six-speed manual with rev-match function — no automatic currently offered
  • Updated turbocharger with eight-blade compressor wheel for better response (MotorTrend)
  • Limited-slip front differential is standard

Pricing and Availability

  • Base MSRP: $51,995 (Car and Driver)
  • Available now at US Acura dealers — no waitlist as of late 2024
  • Destination charge adds approximately $1,125 to out-of-pocket cost
  • No automatic transmission option — six-speed manual is the only choice

Why this matters: the Integra Type S fills a gap in Acura’s lineup for buyers who want Honda performance with a premium badge. The manual-only approach limits the audience, but it signals Acura’s commitment to driver engagement over volume sales.

Integra Type S vs Civic Type R vs TLX Type S

Three Acura/Honda performance models compete for your attention, each targeting a different buyer. Here’s how they stack up across the key metrics that matter most.

Specification Integra Type S Civic Type R TLX Type S
Engine 2.0L Turbo I-4 2.0L Turbo I-4 3.0L V6
Horsepower 320 hp 315 hp 355 hp
Torque 310 lb-ft 310 lb-ft 354 lb-ft
0-60 mph (tested) 5.1 sec 4.9 sec 5.0 sec
Drivetrain FWD FWD AWD
Base Price $51,995 $44,890 $59,000 est.
Seats 5 4 5
Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed auto
Tires Summer Pilot Sport Cup 2 All-season

The pattern is clear: the TLX Type S leads on power and practicality, the Civic Type R leads on track performance, and the Integra Type S sits in the middle as the civilized choice for someone who wants the badge without the compromise.

Acura Integra Type S Specifications

Beyond the headline numbers, a deeper look at the spec sheet reveals where Acura made its engineering choices — and where it made compromises to hit the price point.

Component Specification
Engine Configuration 2.0L Inline-4, DOHC, VTEC Turbo
Displacement 1,996 cc
Bore × Stroke 86 × 86 mm
Compression Ratio 9.8:1
Redline 6,800 rpm
Turbocharger 8-blade compressor wheel (updated 2024)
Power 320 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque 310 lb-ft @ 2,500–4,000 rpm
0-60 mph 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver tested)
Quarter-Mile 13.7 sec @ 105 mph
Top Speed 167 mph (claimed)
Curb Weight 3,212–3,219 lb
Weight Distribution 62/38 front/rear
Suspension Front Dual-axis strut
Suspension Rear Multi-link
Brakes Front 13.8-inch ventilated disc
Brakes Rear 12.0-inch solid disc
Tires 255/30R19 summer (front), 265/30R19 (rear)
Fuel Economy (highway) 31 mpg tested
Fuel Tank 12.4 gallons

Upsides and Downsides

Upsides

  • 320 hp in a practical five-seat package — rare in this segment
  • More refined daily-driver tune than the Civic Type R with comparable power
  • Sound deadening and luxury features justify the Acura badge premium
  • Six-speed manual with rev-match is genuinely enjoyable to shift
  • 31 mpg highway tested — better than the CTR’s 30 mpg

Downsides

  • 0.2 seconds slower to 60 mph than the Civic Type R despite higher price
  • 20% softer suspension costs track performance for daily comfort
  • No automatic transmission limits buyer pool
  • 29 pounds heavier than the CTR — noticeable on twisty roads
  • Price gap of $7,105 over the Civic Type R is hard to justify for most buyers

What We Know — and What We Don’t

Confirmed facts

320 hp and 310 lb-ft from the 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine. Base price of $51,995. Five seats. No automatic option. Built on the same platform as the Civic Type R. First Integra Type S since 2001.

What’s unclear

Exact 0-60 time consensus across multiple outlets. Whether a future model year will add an automatic transmission. The precise nature of 2025 model year updates — if any are coming at all.

What People Are Saying

“The Integra Type S has to prove that it is worth the extra cash when compared to the Civic Type-R.”

— YouTube reviewer

“Five horsepower and a few creature-comfort upgrades did not justify the price delta.”

— Car and Driver logbook

“For the first time ever, Honda’s decided to offer both a Civic Type R and a similarly bonkers Acura… at the same time in North America.”

— MotorTrend

For enthusiasts who want the Acura experience with Civic Type R performance, the Integra Type S delivers — just not at a price that makes the math easy. The buyer who needs a practical daily driver with track-day potential will appreciate what Acura built. The buyer chasing tenths on the stopwatch should look directly at the CTR.

Related reading: Civic Type R comparison · current pricing

The Integra Type S delivers quicker 0-60 sprints than the 2025 Honda Civic Type R while matching its track-honed handling DNA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Acura has 500 hp?

No current Acura model produces 500 hp from the factory. The TLX Type S makes 355 hp from its V6, while the Integra Type S peaks at 320 hp from its four-cylinder turbo.

Is Acura owned by Honda?

Yes. Acura is Honda Motor Co.’s luxury division, launched in 1986. The Integra Type S and Civic Type R share significant mechanical components as a result.

Which Integra model is most stolen?

Insurance theft data varies by region and model year, but the original 1990s Integra Type R models command significant collector premiums that may attract theft interest in high-crime areas.

What engine powers the Acura Integra Type S?

A 2.0L turbocharged inline-four (K20C1) making 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 model year brought an updated turbocharger with an eight-blade compressor wheel.

Does the Acura Integra Type S come with an automatic transmission?

No. The six-speed manual with rev-match is the only available transmission for the Integra Type S as of the 2024 model year.

What is the 2026 Acura Integra Type S price?

2026 pricing has not been officially announced as of this writing. The 2024 model starts at $51,995 MSRP before destination charges.

Is the Integra faster than the Civic?

The Civic Type R is faster in raw 0-60 times — 4.9 seconds versus the Integra Type S’s 5.1 seconds in Car and Driver’s testing. The Civic’s lighter weight and stickier tires account for most of the difference.