I did not own a Type R. All of my feedback towards it is based on reviews and looks of course.Thanks for the feedback. Just to confirm, did you actually own the Type R? Sounds like you passed and picked up the Type S.
I did want the ITR for so many years. I would agree the Type-S name plate doesn't stir me the same way as a Type-R nameplate.I don't know that many would switch. I think the "Type-R" nameplate stirs people in a way "Type-S" does not. Also keep in mind that the Type-R is already relatively expensive in terms of hp / $, and it's a reach car for a lot of buyers. The Type-S, with its higher MSRP and creature comforts is marketed towards a slightly different audience. If you've spent your young years lusting after a Type-R, are focused on perf. over comfort, and are already stretching to get one, the Type-S is probably not something you'd pay more for -- perhaps even the same amount.
I disagree the Type-R is rarer. What we know of production numbers seems to indicate annual NA allocations for Type-Rs are similar to Type-S annual production numbers. Even if there is slightly higher Type-S production annually, we already have an entire year of Type-R production that the Type-S would have to catch up to, and that would take years. Certainly, worldwide, there are substantially more Type-Rs than Type-Ss. I believe NA only gets approx. 20% of Type-R production. So the reality is Type-Rs will be more common worldwide by a huge margin and likely more common in NA for at least a couple years -- albeit not by much, and I think we can expect overall NA production / allocation numbers to be similar when all is said and done.
Both cars are awesome. Mechanically, they are essentially the same. The Type-S has a marginally stiffer chassis, if you're chasing the best starting platform, $ aside, but it's something like 3-5%, so likely immaterial. It also has a more aggressive tune stock -- like up to 15 wheel hp and tq. The Type-R has stiffer rear springs, and the general consensus is it's overdamped (but if you want a Type-R and the dampers are the only thing giving you pause, just get one and swap the ITS damper module). The seats / dash are subjective, but I think generally the Type-R's are preferred (I prefer them).
Get what you want, and drive the shit out of it; be happy for your fellow XX5 owners, regardless of which platform you have, and take advantage of the perks of a shared platform (aftermarket development and driver experience).
Exactly my thinking. I would have been happy with either but glad I got the ITS. Would have been cool if they just made the ITS the ITR! I would have been fine with two "Type R's" in the world.I did want the ITR for so many years. I would agree the Type-S name plate doesn't stir me the same way as a Type-R nameplate.
HOWEVER, the "INTEGRA" name stirs and tickles me in ways that "CIVIC" does not. But that's just me lol
I mean the spiritually it is the new ITR, so dumb that Honda wouldn’t allow Acura to use at least for the DE5 or maybe Acura really wanted to differentiate more.Exactly my thinking. I would have been happy with either but glad I got the ITS. Would have been cool if they just made the ITS the ITR! I would have been fine with two "Type R's" in the world.