The Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S are closely matched in performance, sharing the same engine, transmission, and chassis. While the Integra offers a more refined and feature-rich experience, the Civic Type R appeals to enthusiasts with its aggressive, unapologetic tuner car persona, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and a symbol of automotive camaraderie.
Road & Track's Performance Car of the Year event featured nine high-performance cars with internal-combustion engines, including hybrids, and a variety of engine configurations and drivetrains. The Acura Integra Type S won in the under $100,000 category, offering impressive performance and practicality. In the over $100,000 category, the Ferrari 296 GTB emerged as the winner, showcasing a thrilling driving experience and exceptional performance, despite some usability criticisms.
An attempted flip for an Acura Integra Type S failed when the auction received only two bids, with the highest bid falling below the car's sticker price. This failure highlights the cooling of the auto market, even for performance versions of mass-produced cars. The market for these cars has stabilized, with dealers now selling them at MSRP instead of pushing markups. The article advises against car flipping and encourages enthusiasts to enjoy their cars instead.