In The Market for ITS

[Jay_K]

I picked up my ITS last monday. I traded in my 2022 M240. While it wasn't a full M car, it was definitely quick with the B58/ZF with bolt ons.

I loved certain options/features of the car and the power was effortless. I describe it as being built like a tank and accelerates like a missile from a dig. However, if I wasn't thrashing on it, it was just like every other car. While some people want that split personality, it made the experience dull after awhile. I had the car almost 2 years, and thats a long time for me. I usually swap them every year or so.

I gravitated to the ITS because its everything my former FK8 wasn't. I missed a manual and practicality. But I also wanted the creature comforts in a daily driver like heated seats/steering wheel, nice sound system, subtle but still aggressive styling, and blind spot. To me the ITS is the perfect blend of performance, fun, and quality. Even when I'm driving slow, having a manual is more fun than an auto for me.

I do miss those wild launch control jaunts but its a small price to pay for more fun and practicality.

Sponsored

 

[QUIKAG]

I currently own a 670rwhp '10 ZR1 I've owned since new and a 620rwhp bone stock CT5-V Blackwing six-speed. I LOVE driving my ITS. Of course, it's not as fast as the ZR and 5BW, but it's fun as hell around town. It has good power and the handling is amazing, especially for a FWD car. Great quality, reliability, performance, and fun for $50kish. It's a winner in my book.

I was offered a test drive before I bought mine, but I declined. I knew what I wanted when I went to the Acura dealer after working numbers via phone and text. It was a matter of signing paperwork, handing over a check, and hitting the open road.

That said, if a dealer won't allow a test drive, then go find another dealer. These things aren't Faberge eggs.

 

[VarmintCong]

I drove the 6MT version, wouldn't even think about the CVT. Honestly while I was driving the car it reminded me the fun of the 6MT in my 440i, which is why I'm itching to get back into a manual again. I honestly hated the manual when I owned it, it was my first manual car and I just didn't want to deal with is so I got DCT for the M4.

so you liked or hated the manual 440i?

BMWs aren’t involving any in normal driving anymore, lots of power doesn’t help. That’s why I went back to Hondas. The light weight and manuals make them fun to drive day to day. You need to be on a track for modern BMWs to come alive.

 

[alvinmpower]

The 2022 Macan GTS replaced the turbo with more hp, so it cost a kidney to buy. I'm looking into 20-21 which is updated from the 18 and more hp. TBH the 2.9V6 never impressed me that much. I test drove the RS5 before purchasing the M4 and thought the RS5 power was underwhelming and the transmission was no match for the DCT. I also test drove S7 earlier this year and the power was even more underwhelming, the only reason I like the S7 is because of the styling and air suspension.

I never tracked my M4 so I dont know if I ever going to track ITS. I moved from RI to Lynchburg a year ago, maybe I will take the trip down to VIR this summer. The TLX Type S is nice but the struct bar in the trunk really kill the practicality for me, no through loading kills a lot of space. I used to load 4 wheel along with 4 tires in my 440i and that was all thanks to folded back seat, being it's going to be the only car I have I think through loading is a must.

The M240i and M340i are practically the same with G42 being smaller and less practical, but if I get a sedan/coupe I would like to get back to a manual. Yes, I hate the manual for a daily, but since speed is not satisfying me anymore I think the manual will bring more satisfaction. Like I said previously, test driving the A-Spec really made me appreciate the fun of a manual. If I get the SQ5 I might get a miata/brz/86 for fun, I don't think I can just live with a dull SUV even if it has the V6 with healthy hp.

I didn't end up going to the dealer because when I called them before they had SQ5 on site. They said I can test drive the SQ5, but can't test drive the ITS which I was going to be cool with. I called again on Saturday before I was gonna go they said the SQ5 is sold, I wasn't going to make a hour and a half drive just to check out a car. They tried to work number with me so now I'm just waiting to see what other dealership around me is offering. They got back to me on Monday said they are selling it at MSRP. There is a "demo" with all the carbon and upgraded gold wheel having a huge discount, going for 57K instead of 64K, that still sounds like too much money. I'm just wondering what y'all paid for your ITS. MSRP? Mark ups? or Discounted?

 

[ABPDE5]

The 2022 Macan GTS replaced the turbo with more hp, so it cost a kidney to buy. I'm looking into 20-21 which is updated from the 18 and more hp. TBH the 2.9V6 never impressed me that much. I test drove the RS5 before purchasing the M4 and thought the RS5 power was underwhelming and the transmission was no match for the DCT. I also test drove S7 earlier this year and the power was even more underwhelming, the only reason I like the S7 is because of the styling and air suspension.

I never tracked my M4 so I dont know if I ever going to track ITS. I moved from RI to Lynchburg a year ago, maybe I will take the trip down to VIR this summer. The TLX Type S is nice but the struct bar in the trunk really kill the practicality for me, no through loading kills a lot of space. I used to load 4 wheel along with 4 tires in my 440i and that was all thanks to folded back seat, being it's going to be the only car I have I think through loading is a must.

The M240i and M340i are practically the same with G42 being smaller and less practical, but if I get a sedan/coupe I would like to get back to a manual. Yes, I hate the manual for a daily, but since speed is not satisfying me anymore I think the manual will bring more satisfaction. Like I said previously, test driving the A-Spec really made me appreciate the fun of a manual. If I get the SQ5 I might get a miata/brz/86 for fun, I don't think I can just live with a dull SUV even if it has the V6 with healthy hp.

I didn't end up going to the dealer because when I called them before they had SQ5 on site. They said I can test drive the SQ5, but can't test drive the ITS which I was going to be cool with. I called again on Saturday before I was gonna go they said the SQ5 is sold, I wasn't going to make a hour and a half drive just to check out a car. They tried to work number with me so now I'm just waiting to see what other dealership around me is offering. They got back to me on Monday said they are selling it at MSRP. There is a "demo" with all the carbon and upgraded gold wheel having a huge discount, going for 57K instead of 64K, that still sounds like too much money. I'm just wondering what y'all paid for your ITS. MSRP? Mark ups? or Discounted?

MSRP. If you're willing to wait, and search around, you can get it for that.

Honda tacks the accessories on -- they don't replace the originals, so: (i) if you get a model w. accessories, make sure you get your standard wheels, etc. on the side; (ii) you are paying for both the original and accessory parts, so they are not price-efficient.

Makes more sense to explore aftermarket options for wheels, etc. imo.

 

[optronix]

The 2022 Macan GTS replaced the turbo with more hp, so it cost a kidney to buy. I'm looking into 20-21 which is updated from the 18 and more hp. TBH the 2.9V6 never impressed me that much. I test drove the RS5 before purchasing the M4 and thought the RS5 power was underwhelming and the transmission was no match for the DCT. I also test drove S7 earlier this year and the power was even more underwhelming, the only reason I like the S7 is because of the styling and air suspension.

I never tracked my M4 so I dont know if I ever going to track ITS. I moved from RI to Lynchburg a year ago, maybe I will take the trip down to VIR this summer. The TLX Type S is nice but the struct bar in the trunk really kill the practicality for me, no through loading kills a lot of space. I used to load 4 wheel along with 4 tires in my 440i and that was all thanks to folded back seat, being it's going to be the only car I have I think through loading is a must.

The M240i and M340i are practically the same with G42 being smaller and less practical, but if I get a sedan/coupe I would like to get back to a manual. Yes, I hate the manual for a daily, but since speed is not satisfying me anymore I think the manual will bring more satisfaction. Like I said previously, test driving the A-Spec really made me appreciate the fun of a manual. If I get the SQ5 I might get a miata/brz/86 for fun, I don't think I can just live with a dull SUV even if it has the V6 with healthy hp.

I didn't end up going to the dealer because when I called them before they had SQ5 on site. They said I can test drive the SQ5, but can't test drive the ITS which I was going to be cool with. I called again on Saturday before I was gonna go they said the SQ5 is sold, I wasn't going to make a hour and a half drive just to check out a car. They tried to work number with me so now I'm just waiting to see what other dealership around me is offering. They got back to me on Monday said they are selling it at MSRP. There is a "demo" with all the carbon and upgraded gold wheel having a huge discount, going for 57K instead of 64K, that still sounds like too much money. I'm just wondering what y'all paid for your ITS. MSRP? Mark ups? or Discounted?

A kidney is accurate. Somehow though still worth it but I digress...

The 2.9 is a great engine but things are always relative... it's a great engine compared to the 3.0 in the SQ5 and old Macan S, no denying that. But compared to a true M engine in the S55, not so much. To my ears it sounds better, but that's subjective and the S55 gets a lot of hate for its sound that I don't necessarily agree with... in any case, the 2.9 is a fantastic match for the Macan and not a small part of it is that it's mated to a dual clutch. I'm not 100% but I do believe the SQ5 has a traditional automatic, which would be a downgrade from the RS5 as it still has the 3.0 (plus more weight). Actually now that I think about it... if you didn't like the RS5 you definitely won't like the SQ5. The RS5 is going to be a categorically better driving experience... but what killed the RS5 for me was the steering. I don't imagine the steering will be any better at all in an SQ5.

If you're not a track guy then that opens up quite a few options for you... but one more thing I'll add since you're sort of tracking in this direction anyway- the manual in the ITS is by far the best manual I've ever driven, which includes being stuck in terrible traffic. I've been around the Lynchburg area a few times and realize it can get congested, but I promise it's nothing like what we experience up around the DC beltway. I've had a ton of manual cars over the years and found them all fatiguing as hell to drive in heavy traffic- except the ITS. I somehow don't mind it at all, and it has everything to do with the attention to detail put in to the pedal box, clutch, gearing, and shifter. It is S tier, my argument for best manual gearbox at any price point. You do have to drive it to experience this though.

As for price, if you're not locked in on dealer-installed accessories I'd do what I could to avoid them. I sort of had to sign up for a few to make sure I got mine without a markup; I got my dealer's very first non-demo allocation and I sort of lucked into it, but they weren't going to let it go without getting at least some residual profits off accessories. I did manage to walk out at "only" ~$55k though, to include things like the carbon wing, pet liner, floormats, and heated wheel, to name a few. I'm generally not shy about options having come from the Porsche world but I agree that unless you just really like the wheels and don't plan to change them ever, aftermarket offers better options.

These days it's much easier to get them without a markup; this tool can be super helpful and don't be afraid to call around:

https://www.motoringobsession.com/stock/integra-type-s

 

[alvinmpower]

A kidney is accurate. Somehow though still worth it but I digress...

The 2.9 is a great engine but things are always relative... it's a great engine compared to the 3.0 in the SQ5 and old Macan S, no denying that. But compared to a true M engine in the S55, not so much. To my ears it sounds better, but that's subjective and the S55 gets a lot of hate for its sound that I don't necessarily agree with... in any case, the 2.9 is a fantastic match for the Macan and not a small part of it is that it's mated to a dual clutch. I'm not 100% but I do believe the SQ5 has a traditional automatic, which would be a downgrade from the RS5 as it still has the 3.0 (plus more weight). Actually now that I think about it... if you didn't like the RS5 you definitely won't like the SQ5. The RS5 is going to be a categorically better driving experience... but what killed the RS5 for me was the steering. I don't imagine the steering will be any better at all in an SQ5.

If you're not a track guy then that opens up quite a few options for you... but one more thing I'll add since you're sort of tracking in this direction anyway- the manual in the ITS is by far the best manual I've ever driven, which includes being stuck in terrible traffic. I've been around the Lynchburg area a few times and realize it can get congested, but I promise it's nothing like what we experience up around the DC beltway. I've had a ton of manual cars over the years and found them all fatiguing as hell to drive in heavy traffic- except the ITS. I somehow don't mind it at all, and it has everything to do with the attention to detail put in to the pedal box, clutch, gearing, and shifter. It is S tier, my argument for best manual gearbox at any price point. You do have to drive it to experience this though.

As for price, if you're not locked in on dealer-installed accessories I'd do what I could to avoid them. I sort of had to sign up for a few to make sure I got mine without a markup; I got my dealer's very first non-demo allocation and I sort of lucked into it, but they weren't going to let it go without getting at least some residual profits off accessories. I did manage to walk out at "only" ~$55k though, to include things like the carbon wing, pet liner, floormats, and heated wheel, to name a few. I'm generally not shy about options having come from the Porsche world but I agree that unless you just really like the wheels and don't plan to change them ever, aftermarket offers better options.

These days it's much easier to get them without a markup; this tool can be super helpful and don't be afraid to call around:

https://www.motoringobsession.com/stock/integra-type-s

I don't mind SQ5 not being as fast because I mainly eyeing on the air suspension and better AWD system, if that wasn't the case X3 M40i would have been my first choice. B58 is just on another level compare to any other 6 cylinders in the class. Under 1k(downpipe and tune) you can juice so much power it's not even fair. People are already running high 3s/low 4s 0-60 on stock, you probably looking at mid 3s with a stage 2 tune. I agree with the s55 not sound as good as other engine, my 440 sounded way better. () This is my 440 exhaust sound clip, also have M4 sound clip as well in the channel, big difference.

I don't really mind driving the manual in traffic. I lived in Rhode Island which there isn't much traffic, but I do travel to NYC a lot, driving it from NY to NJ too. Through Manhattan and Lincoln tunnel, traffic is horrific, but I survived. All I do is open up the exhaust and listen to it pop in traffic lol. The car also had all kind of assistant like hill assist and auto rev match, had no issue driving it for a first time manual driver. What I didn't like driving the A-spec was the clutch travel took forever. My 440 clutch bite instantly when I start to release the clutch. I did install a clutch stop which made this possible, but I feel like it made the car more "auto" because the clutch basically acted like brake. I didn't need to rev the car to 1-2k rpm for it to move at 1st gear, when I release the clutch it just goes, which made it so much easier driving in traffic.

I will keep looking for the best deal out there, not really in a hurry. I do prefer the blue and tiger eye pearl, my past 3 cars are black and white. I don't know what resale value is going to be but I doubt it will be anywhere near Type R's resale value, might even drop like any other luxury car in the category like TLX Type S.

 

[optronix]

I don't mind SQ5 not being as fast because I mainly eyeing on the air suspension and better AWD system, if that wasn't the case X3 M40i would have been my first choice. B58 is just on another level compare to any other 6 cylinders in the class. Under 1k(downpipe and tune) you can juice so much power it's not even fair. People are already running high 3s/low 4s 0-60 on stock, you probably looking at mid 3s with a stage 2 tune. I agree with the s55 not sound as good as other engine, my 440 sounded way better. () This is my 440 exhaust sound clip, also have M4 sound clip as well in the channel, big difference.

I don't really mind driving the manual in traffic. I lived in Rhode Island which there isn't much traffic, but I do travel to NYC a lot, driving it from NY to NJ too. Through Manhattan and Lincoln tunnel, traffic is horrific, but I survived. All I do is open up the exhaust and listen to it pop in traffic lol. The car also had all kind of assistant like hill assist and auto rev match, had no issue driving it for a first time manual driver. What I didn't like driving the A-spec was the clutch travel took forever. My 440 clutch bite instantly when I start to release the clutch. I did install a clutch stop which made this possible, but I feel like it made the car more "auto" because the clutch basically acted like brake. I didn't need to rev the car to 1-2k rpm for it to move at 1st gear, when I release the clutch it just goes, which made it so much easier driving in traffic.

I will keep looking for the best deal out there, not really in a hurry. I do prefer the blue and tiger eye pearl, my past 3 cars are black and white. I don't know what resale value is going to be but I doubt it will be anywhere near Type R's resale value, might even drop like any other luxury car in the category like TLX Type S.

Ok, so I'm not up to speed on the 440i admittedly; is the one in your clip an N55 or B58? Either way, it sounds ridiculously good.

Resale value too early to tell, but I don't imagine it should be far off the Type R. We're still in a bit of a weird phase in the market where some people haven't figured out that markups are going away so they're still more or less expecting to pay a markup, which in turn is artificially inflating the used car market. There's just too much inventory out there to justify this, so I think the Type Rs will see a plummet in resale soon. No promises... but also my philosophy is to not worry at all about resale when buying sports cars.

 

[alvinmpower]

Ok, so I'm not up to speed on the 440i admittedly; is the one in your clip an N55 or B58? Either way, it sounds ridiculously good.

Resale value too early to tell, but I don't imagine it should be far off the Type R. We're still in a bit of a weird phase in the market where some people haven't figured out that markups are going away so they're still more or less expecting to pay a markup, which in turn is artificially inflating the used car market. There's just too much inventory out there to justify this, so I think the Type Rs will see a plummet in resale soon. No promises... but also my philosophy is to not worry at all about resale when buying sports cars.

Yes, all bmw designated with 40i/upra at the end have the b58 engine. I miss the sound of the 440 a lot, I always come back to this video whenever I need a dose of it.

The reason I think about resale value is because I don't keep cars more than 2-3 years. My 440 only lasted 2 years and M4 is about a year and a half old. I don't like buying new cars especially luxury sports car because they depreciate too much new. Buying used allow me to have fun for couple years and get into another one without losing too much. If I hold up like the Type R it would make sense for me to buy new so if I decide I really need a SUV in the next couple years I can trade it in with minimum lost. I'm turning 30 soon and might be looking to buy a house in the next couple years, so I might need a SUV lol. Just trying to think about the future, hence why I'm thinking about SQ5.

 

[ABPDE5]

Ok, so I'm not up to speed on the 440i admittedly; is the one in your clip an N55 or B58? Either way, it sounds ridiculously good.

Resale value too early to tell, but I don't imagine it should be far off the Type R. We're still in a bit of a weird phase in the market where some people haven't figured out that markups are going away so they're still more or less expecting to pay a markup, which in turn is artificially inflating the used car market. There's just too much inventory out there to justify this, so I think the Type Rs will see a plummet in resale soon. No promises... but also my philosophy is to not worry at all about resale when buying sports cars.

Last year there were approx. 3,500 Type-Rs allocated to US and 1,800 Type-Ss produced. Of course, it was a partial year for the Type-S, but those figures average out to similar annual NA allocation / production, and the Type-R has 12 addtl. months of total production that the Type-S doesn't. I wouldn't be surprised, knowing how Honda treats Acura, to see Type-S allocation end first, either. Regardless, overall annual production / US allocation seems to be close to 1:1.

I think the Type-R "value" was a result of dealers playing up the limited availability narrative in pursuit of high ADMs. (We are now seeing that Type-Rs are trending towards MSRP.) On the other hand, because the Type-S shares its nameplate w. fairly high production, "softer" models like TLX and MDX, it didn't have the same initial perception. Over time, I expect that will be irrelevant, and the ITS will be regarded as a Type-R, since: (i) it literally is; (ii) production numbers will likely be equivalent or lower to US Type-R allocations, and certainly substantially lower worldwide (note the NSX has a Type-S variant, which is far more akin to the ITS in terms of what it means for the potency / character of the trim and availability / production than it is to MDX / TLX).

 

[SlippyFist]

um what dealership was that? ive never heard of any dealership anywhere refusing to let someone test drive a (non-supercar) vehicle. in my opinion that was just some lazy shitbag who didn't feel like doing 5 minutes of paperwork. hell when i went to the acura dealership to pre-order my car, i originally put in my pre-order for a TLX Type S and I asked about the ITS and they threw me the keys and told me to take it out and have a good time without even bothering me with the paperwork.

anyway, as for your post... i personally like the ITS, but when you say you're "disappointed" with a 550hp M4, i wouldn't recommend it to you. this will be noticeably slower, and it's going to sound a lot worse than the glorious S55 engine you're used to. honestly the car sounds worse than my 2015 Si which had a bigger engine & VTECH, and it's probably just me because i'm a pretty amateur driver, but it barely feels any faster too. also, while being 8 years newer than your M4, your m4 probably still has QOL features that the ITS doesn't have- like seat memory, powered seat adjustments for the passenger, center console rear a/c vents & usb ports, heated but not cooled seats etc, so it will be quite a downgrade for your passengers if you have any

if you only care about the driving experience, it's probably easily one of the best manual cars to drive. it shifts like a dream and the handling is superb.

 

[ABPDE5]

um what dealership was that? ive never heard of any dealership anywhere refusing to let someone test drive a (non-supercar) vehicle. in my opinion that was just some lazy shitbag who didn't feel like doing 5 minutes of paperwork. hell when i went to the acura dealership to pre-order my car, i originally put in my pre-order for a TLX Type S and I asked about the ITS and they threw me the keys and told me to take it out and have a good time without even bothering me with the paperwork.

anyway, as for your post... i personally like the ITS, but when you say you're "disappointed" with a 550hp M4, i wouldn't recommend it to you. this will be noticeably slower, and it's going to sound a lot worse than the glorious S55 engine you're used to. honestly the car sounds worse than my 2015 Si which had a bigger engine & VTECH, and it's probably just me because i'm a pretty amateur driver, but it barely feels any faster too.

if you only care about the driving experience, it's probably easily one of the best manual cars to drive. it shifts like a dream and the handling is superb.

The NA VTEC engines sound better for sure. Most NA motors do, and the NA PI K series, w. VTEC on both cams (should be noted the 9th gen Sis only had VTEC on one cam, like the ITS -- albeit intake instead of exhaust) are considered among the best sounding 4 cylinders ever.

I have to disagree with you on the "it doesn't feel faster", though. Having driven many 9th gen Sis (still have an 8th gen @180k as my winter car now), they are nowhere near as fast, in feel or on paper. Stock for stock, the ITS has more than 80% more power / torque to the wheels and only weighs a hair over 5% more; you can tell as soon as you put your foot down, lol. (And obviously the ITS has way more potential w. just a tune, d/t FI).

That said, the NA VTEC motors are a blast. I still smile every time I cross 5800 rpm in my '07, and I don't blame anyone for having fun in a 9th gen; they're fantastic cars.

 

[SlippyFist]

The NA VTEC engines sound better for sure. Most NA motors do, and the NA PI K series, w. VTEC on both cams (should be noted the 9th gen Sis only had VTEC on one cam, like the ITS -- albeit intake instead of exhaust) are considered among the best sounding 4 cylinders ever.

I have to disagree with you on the "it doesn't feel faster", though. Having driven many 9th gen Sis (still have an 8th gen @180k as my winter car now), they are nowhere near as fast, in feel or on paper. Stock for stock, the ITS has more than 80% more power / torque to the wheels and only weighs a hair over 5% more; you can tell as soon as you put your foot down, lol. (And obviously the ITS has way more potential w. just a tune, d/t FI).

That said, the NA VTEC motors are a blast. I still smile every time I cross 5800 rpm in my '07, and I don't blame anyone for having fun in a 9th gen; they're fantastic cars.

we can disagree then lol i like this car a lot but other than the low-end torque and power available, which feels like emperor palpatine yelling UNLIMITED POWER the first time you drive it after driving the Si for 9 years, the "feel" peters off as you go higher up the tach. i mean the ITS is 1.3 seconds faster to 60mph (1.3 seconds faster) despite having ~56% more hp and ~78% more torque. and again, i'm just an amateur joe driver. i suppose a whole second and some change is significant to people who track/race their cars, or are serious drivers, but to amateur joe drivers like me the difference "feels" pretty minimal.

if i could swap out the current engine with my old 2.4L K24 for the extra displacement and sound i would be so happy, though i still wish it had a bit more power/torque higher in the revs

 

[ABPDE5]

we can disagree then lol i like this car a lot but other than the low-end torque and power available, which feels like emperor palpatine yelling UNLIMITED POWER the first time you drive it after driving the Si for 9 years, the "feel" peters off as you go higher up the tach. i mean the ITS is 1.3 seconds faster to 60mph (1.3 seconds faster) despite having ~56% more hp and ~78% more torque. and again, i'm just an amateur joe driver. i suppose a whole second and some change is significant to people who track/race their cars, or are serious drivers, but to amateur joe drivers like me the difference "feels" pretty minimal.

if i could swap out the current engine with my old 2.4L K24 for the extra displacement and sound i would be so happy, though i still wish it had a bit more power/torque higher in the revs

0-60 times for these cars are not an effective barometer of speed. Because of the FWD layout, both cars are terrible from a dig, and they will struggle significantly in the 0-30 range before they can effectively start putting power down. From a 30, 40 roll, etc. there is absolutely no comparison. The K20C equipped Hondas will smoke the NA K series Hondas from a roll. (And, in turn get smoked by plenty of cars in the same price range.) Check 40-80 and 60-100 times, not 0-60, if you want useful metrics... the K20C cars are nearly 30% quicker than their older NA cousins.

That said, I do understand what you are talking about in terms of driving experience. The K20C in the FL5/DE5 does not build power through the upper end of the power band (the turbo is too small). So, yes, power is essentially flat from 4-6k RPM, and as you climb past 6.5k RPM power will actually drop. Whereas w. the NA K series motors, power continues to build linearly as RPMs climb. As a result, the character of the motor is completely different, and you do not get the climbing excitement in conjunction with climbing RPMs. Don't confuse the different engine power curve with faster vs slower, though. The car is accelerating much more quickly, it's just that how you experience that power over time relative to how RPMs change over time is completely different.

Think of it this way... if a passenger was sitting in your 9th gen, and you floored it at 6k rpm, they wouldn't hit the seat half as hard as they would sitting in your ITS if you got on it at 4k. But, you'd be eagerly chasing the next RPM as you reach 7k in your 9th gen, and with it that next increase in power, whereas in your ITS, you'd be experiencing no change in power as RPMs climb after 4k. The acceleration difference is palpable; the excitement difference is not (at least for me, and it sounds the same for you).

Personally, I much prefer the experience of a high revving NA motor (which is why I've still got an old 8th gen lying around). The motor in the ITS offers its own brand of fun, and I enjoy it (particularly the psuedo rubber-band / slingshot effect you get if you push through spool, coast / blow off, and repeat), but I'm an NA guy at heart.

TLDR: K20C-equipped Hondas are much faster than the NA K-series Hondas, but the power is located in a different portion of the RPM band, so the driving experience is different, and, personally, I would argue that the NA motors are more fun.

Edit: if you loved the 9th gen feel, try an 8th gen sometime... the change in character from the 8th to the 9th gen is similar to that from the 9th to 10th+... the low / top end Jeckyl / Hyde character on 8th gens w. VTEC on both cams and the 8300 RPM redline is much more pronounced than on 9th gens, and the sound is fantastic (although the 9th is a much better overall car, and the 8th gen transmissions especially are notoriously fragile, have synchro issues, etc.).

Edit 2: done hijacking this thread, lol.

 

[optronix]

Yeah... the Si "feeling" as fast... I don't know how to react to that other than to simply disagree. My son has a 2012 Si for reference.

And point out that 0-60 is a pretty terrible barometer for speed, and even still 1.3 seconds is A LOT. 1/4 mile time is a better metric and the ITS is 1.5 seconds faster. That's like... 4-5 car lengths.

Is your foot all the way down?

Kidding aside, I suppose to a typical driver who isn't really doing anything special with the car other than normal commuter stuff, the driving experience wouldn't really be mind-blowingly different from the Si. In all honesty, an Si is a better pick for someone like that...

But get it out on a good back road and the difference is very, very clear.

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