We’re big fans of the latest Acura Integra, and the new 2024 Type S in particular. But for some people, the fact that the new car has four doors and no Type R badge diminishes the credibility of its claim to be some kind of spiritual successor to the iconic B18-engined DC2 Integra Type R of the 1990s.
Sure, you could get a Acura Integra sedan in the ’90s in sporty GS-R trim and powered by a perky 170 hp (172 PS) version of the DOHC B18, but the North American Type R was only ever available as a two-door coupe. Some markets did get a Honda-badged Integra Type R sedan, though, and one or two of these extremely rare DB8-code machines have since found their way into the U.S.
The car you’re looking at is one. Finished in Honda’s classic Championship White paint and still rocking its original tiny 15-inch Enkei wheels and the hoop spoiler that towers over the trunk lid, this 1996 Type R manages to look tough as nails and demure at the same time. It’s rare, too, one of only 5,135 sedans produced between 1995 and 2000.
Related: 2024 Acura Integra Type S Delivers 320 HP For $50,800, Pre-Orders Open May 11
Being a Japanese import, the Momo three-spoke wheel is mounted on the right-hand side of the dashboard, but much of the interior is the same as you’d find in a U.S.-market DC2 coupe: Recaro bucket seats that cling to you like a needy boa constrictor, an elegant machined metal shifter for the five-speed manual transmission and a beautifully clear set of dials featuring a tach with an 8,400 rpm redline and an odometer that displays just 43,000 km (26,700 miles).
There’s inevitably a bit of wear on the Recaros’ bolsters, a scuff on the front spoiler and some chipping on the rear bumper, but this R looks great and probably drives even better. The engines in these JDM cars were rated at 197 hp (200 PS), and though the sedan body probably added a few pounds to the curb weight, we doubt the difference is big enough to spoil the fun.
Obviously the new 320 hp (324 PS) Acura Type S would leave it for dead, but would it be more fun and more communicative? We’d love to try them back-to-back to find out. If you want to put together your own comparison test you can start by getting your bids in on Bring-a-Trailer where this car is currently being auctioned. Acura is asking $50,800 for a 2024 Type S – how much do you think this Type R will go for?
