My Integra Type S First Drive Review

[SolarTrans]

Great point, I have NOT driven a turbo before, hadn't really thought about that.

Find a demo ITS that you can drive flat-out. Maybe find a different salesperson at the place you test drove with before. There is no official break in period with mandatory oil change like on an M3. My local dealer had one salesperson who let me drive it with no limits, and another who insisted upon babying it.

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[optronix]

Find a demo ITS that you can drive flat-out. Maybe find a different salesperson at the place you test drove with before. There is no official break in period with mandatory oil change like on an M3. My local dealer had one salesperson who let me drive it with no limits, and another who insisted upon babying it.

Or an FK8. It'll be as close as makes no difference the same experience. Should actually be easier to find one in theory, and you might even be able to take one out without someone sitting next to you.

The only 4 cyl turbo car that I know of that delivers that "old school" torque delivery is a Focus RS. Mine had a very mild tune and yielded 440 lb- ft of torque at 3000 rpm...an amazingly easy car to drive car without ever needing to go beyond 6000 rpm.

That's not remotely what I'm talking about. You still have to build boost in a turbo car. That's scientific fact. Try doing that at 1/4 throttle.

I've driven a Z before and actually thought it to have very little torque in the lower rev range. I'm actually... not a huge fan of that engine. I figured something was wrong if someone coming from a 350Z thinks this car is slow, and I might be onto something...

I just remember the first time I experienced actual turbo boost. It was in an SR20DET-powered '91 Sentra SE-R, slightly modified but probably making ~200 whp. What an awesome car. At first I thought it was slow and then all of a sudden it was like WHAM, and compared to the near-stock 240SX I had at the time it did really blow my mind. Probably changed my life actually lol.

But no, modern cars aren't like that... but not everyone may know what to expect if they've never driven a turbo car before ever. Just thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[SolarTrans]

Or an FK8. It'll be as close as makes no difference the same experience. Should actually be easier to find one in theory, and you might even be able to take one out without someone sitting next to you.



That's not remotely what I'm talking about. You still have to build boost in a turbo car. That's scientific fact. Try doing that at 1/4 throttle.

I've driven a Z before and actually thought it to have very little torque in the lower rev range. I'm actually... not a huge fan of that engine. I figured something was wrong if someone coming from a 350Z thinks this car is slow, and I might be onto something...

I just remember the first time I experienced actual turbo boost. It was in an SR20DET-powered '91 Sentra SE-R, slightly modified but probably making ~200 whp. What an awesome car. At first I thought it was slow and then all of a sudden it was like WHAM, and compared to the near-stock 240SX I had at the time it did really blow my mind. Probably changed my life actually lol.

But no, modern cars aren't like that... but not everyone may know what to expect if they've never driven a turbo car before ever. Just thought it was worth mentioning.

FK8/FL5 torque curve is quite different from an ITS. The ITS gets much more torque much earlier. It feels more powerful, especially coming out of corners. But yes, probably easier to find an FK8 to drive!

 

[lumper]

FK8/FL5 torque curve is quite different from an ITS. The ITS gets much more torque much earlier. It feels more powerful, especially coming out of corners. But yes, probably easier to find an FK8 to drive!

Well, Id like to drive another one, I wasnt impressed BUt it was a short drive so cant really judge anything by that IMO.
My Z has a ton of torque, snap you back in your seat torque, from 0 to 3k it just pulls.
But it is a different car, I never expected the ITS to pull the same as a v6, but I have seen so many videos on throttle I guess I just expected more.
Honestly test driving the car had the opposite effect on me, I'm only now considering other options after driving it.
Based on looks and hype I was sold, but after driving it I dunno.

 

[Understeer]

Well, Id like to drive another one, I wasnt impressed BUt it was a short drive so cant really judge anything by that IMO.
My Z has a ton of torque, snap you back in your seat torque, from 0 to 3k it just pulls.
But it is a different car, I never expected the ITS to pull the same as a v6, but I have seen so many videos on throttle I guess I just expected more.
Honestly test driving the car had the opposite effect on me, I'm only now considering other options after driving it.
Based on looks and hype I was sold, but after driving it I dunno.

no 2L turbo is going to have the response and immediate torque as a bigger n/a engine. You wont even hit full boost in first cause of engine load. above 2nd gear and 3k rpms, it should pull harder than the Z.

 

[DukeFrisbee]

I think it's as much about how its tuned as anything else. Our MK7.5 Golf R will absolutely pin you back. In fact, I'd say 0-50 or even 60 is its performance sweet spot for daily driving. When I test drove the ITS, the fact that it was turbo'd didn't jump out at all. I thought power delivery was pretty linear - though I really didn't push it hard since it only had 25 miles on it.

 

[optronix]

Well, Id like to drive another one, I wasnt impressed BUt it was a short drive so cant really judge anything by that IMO.
My Z has a ton of torque, snap you back in your seat torque, from 0 to 3k it just pulls.
But it is a different car, I never expected the ITS to pull the same as a v6, but I have seen so many videos on throttle I guess I just expected more.
Honestly test driving the car had the opposite effect on me, I'm only now considering other options after driving it.
Based on looks and hype I was sold, but after driving it I dunno.

To be clear, I thought the car's power was fine and I'm coming from a 4.0 liter Porsche that does 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. Probably because I know what to expect with a car like this.

Instrumented tests have been out for a while, and based off a quick google search looks like the ITS and Z are about neck and neck from a straight line performance perspective. Honestly I was a little impressed with how quick the Z is... but anyway, if your expectations were for it to "feel" faster then yes, you're going to have to drive it differently to extract that. And it won't be actually faster.

Based on what I'm seeing, you're not the target audience for the ITS. It's a nuance that isn't easy to articulate... but if you're not the kind of guy who wakes up on a 60 degree and sunny Sunday morning and your first thought is to go find some nice roads to drive, you should probably just go buy a TLX. Or an Audi. Or what's wrong with the new Z?

You don't get the car and won't use it for what it's actually good at.

 

[Hakmamba]

When it comes to cars, its best to manage "expectations". Drive different cars till you find what you want out of a car. (fwd, awd, rwd, I4, V6, V8, etc) Judging by your response, if your baselines is your 350z its comparing apple to oranges. In the end go with your gut, if this car isn't for you, the search moves on. It's alot of $$ for something that your not sold on.

As others have mentioned, the lack of experience with a turbo is prob contributing your negative impression. There are alot of variables to turbo cars (auto vs manual, size of engine etc) if you want a car to straight line push you back in your seat, an I4 Turbo manual isn't like that of a Naturally Aspirate huge Motor Manual car.

Some cars I've owned that all give their own unique experience:

1995 Acura Integra LS (manual) <-my first and fav car of all time, stolen, i hope those thieves rot.
2001 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro (manual) <- 4 cycl turbo awd w/chip tuning mods, tons of torque but that turbo lag, retired with over 200K miles
2005 S2000 (manual) <- need i say more VTEC, don't drive it much anymore sadly, not the fastest car statistically but absolutely fun when pushed, oh and this has zero torque, my Integra LS had more oomph to my butt dyno than this.
2019 Audi RS3 <- Dual Clutch awd 2.5 cyl rocket, tbh was just too fast and got way too much attn for a daily, this is a car that will put you in your seat, if this had a Manual instead and better handling i would still own this.
2020 Miata ND2 RF Club (manual) - Current Daily, Miata is always the answer...or till the ITS

One has to also understand this is a FWD platform, and there is a point that any more HP (past 300+) cars driving dynamics will change. Like the post above this, it does seem you maybe more inclined to want to try a German Car, although that will significantly cost more and most like be less reliable. The ITS most likely wouldn't be a good fit, personally i can't wait to get one. I've been saving for a Porsche but that Porsche tax is real.

 

[Lflouie]

Building on what others have said, if more "grunt" and instant power is what you want another non-turbo'd car may satisfy your desires, or a supercharged V6 (or V8) will give the low end power.

There is also the learned " memory" aspect. If you're used to the 1/8" throttle pedal movement giving you instant torque and power you will feel the ITS is slower. If you drive a car like the ITS, you'll need more pedal travel to get similar levels of power. Your mind will think its slower....and at the same initial pedal travel it will be......or at least like it based on what you're used to.

I too favor low to mid range torque vs the power delivery from an S2000. Ironically in my first awd 4cyl turbo car ( 2005 STI) I felt it lacked the power I got from my prior non-boosted cars. My tuner said that is due to 2 things, turbo lag/low boost and muscle memory relative to throttle pedal displacement. He simply reprogrammed my throttle pedal movement programming so that 1/8" travel equaled 1/4".....all of a sudden if "seemed" faster. In fact all he did was calibrate the throttle position to my my muscle memory......lesson learned! No faster, but the mind can make it feel like it.

 

[lumper]

To be clear, I thought the car's power was fine and I'm coming from a 4.0 liter Porsche that does 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. Probably because I know what to expect with a car like this.

Instrumented tests have been out for a while, and based off a quick google search looks like the ITS and Z are about neck and neck from a straight line performance perspective. Honestly I was a little impressed with how quick the Z is... but anyway, if your expectations were for it to "feel" faster then yes, you're going to have to drive it differently to extract that. And it won't be actually faster.

Based on what I'm seeing, you're not the target audience for the ITS. It's a nuance that isn't easy to articulate... but if you're not the kind of guy who wakes up on a 60 degree and sunny Sunday morning and your first thought is to go find some nice roads to drive, you should probably just go buy a TLX. Or an Audi. Or what's wrong with the new Z?

You don't get the car and won't use it for what it's actually good at.

Well I disagree with your assumptions, I do enjoy waking up with no plans other than to go find some twisties to enjoy in my car or on my bike.
The ITS would be a nice addition for me to enjoy this, spirited driving, where I live we have some incredible roads to get lost on and have a fun time.
The ITS is the car I have been hoping for, practical enough, reliable enough, quick enough yet fun to drive while still hauling a Mt bike and friends to the trails, for me, if I can only have one car, the ITS is it.
I just expected a little more aggressiveness in Sport + mode, I'm not putting the car down, I'm expressing my experience with the car is all.

 

[Integra23]

Well I disagree with your assumptions, I do enjoy waking up with no plans other than to go find some twisties to enjoy in my car or on my bike.
The ITS would be a nice addition for me to enjoy this, spirited driving, where I live we have some incredible roads to get lost on and have a fun time.
The ITS is the car I have been hoping for, practical enough, reliable enough, quick enough yet fun to drive while still hauling a Mt bike and friends to the trails, for me, if I can only have one car, the ITS is it.
I just expected a little more aggressiveness in Sport + mode, I'm not putting the car down, I'm expressing my experience with the car is all.

Sounds like you would be a great candidate for a tune.. hopefully we see some development soon.

 

[Estoril]

Well I disagree with your assumptions, I do enjoy waking up with no plans other than to go find some twisties to enjoy in my car or on my bike.
The ITS would be a nice addition for me to enjoy this, spirited driving, where I live we have some incredible roads to get lost on and have a fun time.
The ITS is the car I have been hoping for, practical enough, reliable enough, quick enough yet fun to drive while still hauling a Mt bike and friends to the trails, for me, if I can only have one car, the ITS is it.
I just expected a little more aggressiveness in Sport + mode, I'm not putting the car down, I'm expressing my experience with the car is all.

It's totally fine to have your own opinions about the car and the experience regardless of how they differ from other's. Could be you need another go at it or just to get used to the new power band. Definitely don't let people gate keep a car or put you off from owning something or convince you that you do or dont want something, that's actually insane.

I had a big adjustment period going from the power delivery of a supercharged 6 cyl to the 2.0t manual. In the latter you had to be in the right gear at the right time to stay spooled and in boost.

My current car is an NA 6.2L and you have to rev it out to see peak power. The GT350 is a great example of on paper vs real world power delivery. On paper you'd think it'd be mind bending quick vs the std mustang but around town the coyote feels more usable. Dyno sheets can be very helpful for understanding how a car feels but don't tell the full story of responsiveness and in my opinion the smoother the power delivery the "slower" it feels

 

[optronix]

It's totally fine to have your own opinions about the car and the experience regardless of how they differ from other's. Could be you need another go at it or just to get used to the new power band. Definitely don't let people gate keep a car or put you off from owning something or convince you that you do or dont want something, that's actually insane.

I had a big adjustment period going from the power delivery of a supercharged 6 cyl to the 2.0t manual. In the latter you had to be in the right gear at the right time to stay spooled and in boost.

My current car is an NA 6.2L and you have to rev it out to see peak power. The GT350 is a great example of on paper vs real world power delivery. On paper you'd think it'd be mind bending quick vs the std mustang but around town the coyote feels more usable. Dyno sheets can be very helpful for understanding how a car feels but don't tell the full story of responsiveness and in my opinion the smoother the power delivery the "slower" it feels

What's insane is paying $50k+ for a car you don't like! I'm trying to do the guy a favor.

He also literally said in another thread that he doesn't track, has no interest, and likes comfort or something like that. I know that's what Acura's marketing would want you to believe, but we should know by now that doesn't sound like the type of buyer the ITS would attract, but it's his money!

 

[Estoril]

What's insane is paying $50k+ for a car you don't like! I'm trying to do the guy a favor.

He also literally said in another thread that he doesn't track, has no interest, and likes comfort or something like that. I know that's what Acura's marketing would want you to believe, but we should know by now that doesn't sound like the type of buyer the ITS would attract, but it's his money!

People pay much more than that for things they don't end up liking whether it be cars, houses, schooling, etc. Also doesnt necessarily mean that they lose the value of what they spent just to see if its something they can fall in love with. Financial risk tolerance is different for everyone.

Maybe im misunderstanding but to me it seems he didn't say he didn't like it but that his experience was different than his expectations. I don't have a problem with that, what I am saying is he shouldn't put much weight on what either of us has to say because everything is so subjective.

Marketing aside the type S will attract different types of buyers, imo it seems perfect for someone who wants an engaging roomy comfortable daily. Basically exactly what he described for his desire in a car. Frankly if I was tracking more than a couple times a year I'd probably go a different direction but, again, personal preference. I'd respect anyone who felt different. It would just frustrate me if I listened to someone with drastically different views than myself and ended up not pursuing something I would have ended up loving

 

[lumper]

Building on what others have said, if more "grunt" and instant power is what you want another non-turbo'd car may satisfy your desires, or a supercharged V6 (or V8) will give the low end power.

There is also the learned " memory" aspect. If you're used to the 1/8" throttle pedal movement giving you instant torque and power you will feel the ITS is slower. If you drive a car like the ITS, you'll need more pedal travel to get similar levels of power. Your mind will think its slower....and at the same initial pedal travel it will be......or at least like it based on what you're used to.

I too favor low to mid range torque vs the power delivery from an S2000. Ironically in my first awd 4cyl turbo car ( 2005 STI) I felt it lacked the power I got from my prior non-boosted cars. My tuner said that is due to 2 things, turbo lag/low boost and muscle memory relative to throttle pedal displacement. He simply reprogrammed my throttle pedal movement programming so that 1/8" travel equaled 1/4".....all of a sudden if "seemed" faster. In fact all he did was calibrate the throttle position to my my muscle memory......lesson learned! No faster, but the mind can make it feel like it.

To be clear I never said it wasn't enough or I wanted more, I was just saying it wasn't quite what I had expected BUT again it was a super short drive, not enough to make any judgement, but the few miles we drove it, just was softer then I expected.

I put it in Sport + for engine and everything except suspension and steering, both those in sport.
Anyway, I want the Honda/Acura reliability as well as premium performance this will be my first jdm car new, and I'm excited about it and getting to know the car better once I own one.
I have no interest in other cars right now.
It is either a Civic sport, a civic Type R or an ITS and I am leaning 95% ITS.

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