Add Yours: 2023 Acura Integra Reservation Tracking List

Integra A-Spec 6MT vs. 2018-2020 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T 6MT

5379 Views 19 Replies 8 Participants Last post by VTEC Goes Bwaah, May 25, 2022

houndrunner

Discussion Starter · May 2, 2022

Wondering if anyone here has compared these two -- as someone who wants some creature comforts to go with an engaging manual gearbox, it sounds like could be a great buy.

Accord Sport 2.0T cons:

Used instead of new, of course
Less upscale stereo
No LSD
Bigger than the Integra

Accord Sport 2.0T pros:

Engine provides a serious bump in power
A lot of similar amenities at a lower price
Sleeper appeal
Bigger than the Integra

I realize that the gearbox and handling may not be quite as snappy as the Integra, given the Civic Si underpinnings, but I'm curious as someone who's looking into an engaging family hauler. (And if you aren't married to a manual, you can still get a new Accord Sport 2.0T with 252hp and a 10-speed auto for about $3k less than the top-trim Teggy (based on MSRP).

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benzaccord

· #2 · May 2, 2022

houndrunner said:
Wondering if anyone here has compared these two -- as someone who wants some creature comforts to go with an engaging manual gearbox, it sounds like could be a great buy.

Accord Sport 2.0T cons:

Used instead of new, of course

Less upscale stereo

No LSD

Bigger than the Integra

Accord Sport 2.0T pros:

Engine provides a serious bump in power

A lot of similar amenities at a lower price

Sleeper appeal

Bigger than the Integra

I realize that the gearbox and handling may not be quite as snappy as the Integra, given the Civic Si underpinnings, but I'm curious as someone who's looking into an engaging family hauler. (And if you aren't married to a manual, you can still get a new Accord Sport 2.0T with 252hp and a 10-speed auto for about $3k less than the top-trim Teggy (based on MSRP).

Most reviewers do not like the shifter that they put in the Accord. Although I have driven neither, I'm hearing that the shifter in the Civic SI (and therefore Integra) is great.

Reactions: 1

BurningRed

· #3 · May 2, 2022

I driven a 19 SI and a 19 Accord 2.0T, I remember the Accord had more power and room, but it wasn't as fun as the Si. Si can handle way better, if you wanted more sporty in terms of handling stick with the SI/Integra. If you just like more power and room go with Accord.

If I had to choose, I'd pick the integra. I don't need that extra room because I know I won't use all of it. I have a stroller now and I drive a wrx and that's it. Also three car seats in the back. This is what I heard but my worker told me the manual 2.0t felt slower than the automatic 10 spd

houndrunner

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 2, 2022

How did you like the shifter in the Accord? I know the throws are longer and it’s not as good as the Si, but I am wondering if it’s actually bad or sloppy, or if it’s simply not quite as great.

benzaccord

· #5 · May 2, 2022

This is the reference for my Accord shifter comment:

Reactions: 2

houndrunner

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 2, 2022

Yeah, I watched that one and was frankly kind of shocked! Though I will say other car YouTubers were less harsh on it.

benzaccord

· #7 · May 2, 2022

houndrunner said:
Yeah, I watched that one and was frankly kind of shocked! Though I will say other car YouTubers were less harsh on it.

If I could find a 2016 or 2017 Honda Accord V6 coupe with a 6 speed with less than 50K on it, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Even though I don't want a coupe.

Reactions: 1

RUNN1N

· #8 · May 3, 2022

I'm fully committed to the Integra 6MT, but the Accord 2.0T was one of my frontrunners for a while and I'll share some of my thoughts:

New vs Used: Being the first to own something is exciting, and I frankly wouldn't want to be the second owner of a "fun car" like a Si (ok, so I bought a used Si once and had no issues) or a Type R, but a Certified 2.0T would be a better buy than a new one, in my opinion. The Certified warranty is GREAT. In a perfect world, you could even get a gently used Certified 2.0T for significantly less than one brand new... but we all know how things are now.

6MT vs Auto: Simply put, I wouldn't get the Accord with the 6MT. The reviews are pretty much unanimous in the shifter feeling loose and disconnected, and the manual transmission seems to hold the 2.0T back in performance (at least on a straight line). The 2.0T automatic transmission is great, and it eliminates the need for the LSD. If I'm going to do the shifting work, I want it to feel good, engaging, and worthwhile. The new Si gets rave reviews for its gearbox, and that means a lot for just about anyone who wants a manual.

Power: The Accord 2.0T lacks the track look and some of the capabilities you get with the Type R, but good luck finding this kind of power in something else for the price. I don't expect that I'll be able to make my Integra as quick as the 2.0T, and would hesitate to try knowing the 2.0T would put out well over 300hp for the same/less money.

Design: Fully stock the 2.0T is... not the worst thing that I've seen, but certainly not exciting. The interior features (minus the stereo) are comparable to the higher-end Integra models, but it's big. There's a strong community that's building on this car and a lot of low-cost ways to make it look and feel more exciting. That said, there are a lot of people out there ruining these cars in a lot of low-cost ways--the difference between a medicine and a poison is often the dose. With a little work, these can fit right in at car meets... but with no work at all, it can blend right into a nursing home parking lot.

Room/Practicality: The 2.0T is a larger vehicle altogether, and while I haven't sat in the Integra, a lack of room/comfort hasn't been an issue I've seen reviewers mention with any of the latest Hondas. The Integra roofline limits its back seat headroom vs the 2.0T, but I'll have a toddler back there and not Shaq. The usability of that hatch is worth the limited headroom, in my opinion.

Overall... the 6MT Integra and the 2.0T are very similarly priced, but the Integra is more stylish and should be a lot more fun to drive and throw around, even if it's not as fast. If the 2.0T had an engaging 6MT, it might be a coin toss between the two for me.

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houndrunner

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 3, 2022

That is a FANTASTIC and well-thought-out response -- thanks RUNN1N. Kind of touches on all of my concerns, including a couple that I didn't really emphasize myself. Specifically, a good stereo is perhaps more important to me than I let on, and although I can appreciate quickness and speed in a straight line, I am more on board with the idea of "slow-car-fast" engagement. And while there are things that can be done to an Accord to get it up to snuff (e.g. stereo speaker upgrades, short throw shift kits, etc. etc.), I'm looking to get something that I don't need to mod (read: ruin).

The smaller vs. larger pros and cons are more of a toss up. I have really enjoyed three of my former cars -- one was a little GD3 Fit with a manual, and the other two were... Crown Vics. So I can go either way. Right now I'm driving around a big dumb truck and my last two vehicles were 3rd gen 4Runners, so any sedan is probably going to feel pretty sweet. But yeah, I'm just carrying myself, a spouse, and a dog, so tons of headroom and legroom in back isn't a huge concern (though it can be nice to have).

Thanks again for your thoughts! Great stuff. Everyone here has been pretty dang helpful thus far, which is great to see.

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Reactions: 5

RUNN1N

· #10 · May 3, 2022

houndrunner said:
That is a FANTASTIC and well-thought-out response -- thanks RUNN1N. Kind of touches on all of my concerns, including a couple that I didn't really emphasize myself. Specifically, a good stereo is perhaps more important to me than I let on, and although I can appreciate quickness and speed in a straight line, I am more on board with the idea of "slow-car-fast" engagement. And while there are things that can be done to an Accord to get it up to snuff (e.g. stereo speaker upgrades, short throw shift kits, etc. etc.), I'm looking to get something that I don't need to mod (read: ruin).

We're probably pretty in line with what we're looking for--frankly, I like the idea of getting something that has pretty much everything I want straight from the factory, something I'll definitely be able to enjoy and have fun with as a daily driver, something I can play around with and tune up if I eventually want to, but something that'll also be harder and harder to find un-ruined as the years go on.

Reactions: 3

houndrunner

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 3, 2022

Joint Arm Cartoon Human body Mammal

Pretty much exactly the same wavelength! I also would ideally like to have my Integra from new and keep it for a good long while (although I will admit thinking "and then I can trade it in for the Type S!"... though that is admittedly putting the cart wayyyyy before the horse).

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RUNN1N

· #12 · May 4, 2022

I've traded the Integra I don't yet have for the new Civic Type R and Integra Type S that don't yet exist, so you're not alone.

I like the grown-up styling that should come with the new Type R (the fk8 is my wife's actual nightmare style-wise) and the performance is going to be unreal, but I don't want to feel the need to humor every DIY tuner who wants to see what it'll do while I'm toting my kid to school and the grocery store... but I do think it'd hold its value well since it'd be a weekend vehicle.

As for an Integra Type S... I suspect it'll get Acura's SH-AWD and a dual-clutch transmission (no manual), a few styling upgrades, all the niceties of the Integra A-Spec + Tech which the Type R lacks, and a less potent 2.0T for a MSRP of ~$42,500... but I just don't think many AWD + DCT setups are going to be as fun as a 6MT, even with more juice.

Reactions: 2

houndrunner

Discussion Starter · #13 · May 4, 2022

Hahahaha — sounds about right! I am curious about whether the Type S will end up offering a 6MT; I’d enjoy having AWD living in New England, but I think I’d be far less tempted if it only came with a DCT (though I understand why Acura would go that route). I’m sure it will be a fantastic car regardless, but in a way, a DCT-only Type S would make me retroactively even happier with a manual A-Spec. Win-win in that regard.

Reactions: 2

BurningRed

· #14 · May 4, 2022

houndrunner said:
How did you like the shifter in the Accord? I know the throws are longer and it’s not as good as the Si, but I am wondering if it’s actually bad or sloppy, or if it’s simply not quite as great.

I also had an auto 2.0t because the auto Verison was just overall better than the stick. Even that being said accord just has more power and space.

RSX

· #15 · May 19, 2022

houndrunner said:
Hahahaha — sounds about right! I am curious about whether the Type S will end up offering a 6MT; I’d enjoy having AWD living in New England, but I think I’d be far less tempted if it only came with a DCT (though I understand why Acura would go that route). I’m sure it will be a fantastic car regardless, but in a way, a DCT-only Type S would make me retroactively even happier with a manual A-Spec. Win-win in that regard.

I've been driving an '04 RSX type S in New England for 18 years. I put snow tires on it, and that alone makes it perform better than cars with all season tires, which is most others on the road. I'd like AWD also, but I don't expect to see it. However, if there's no 6MT in the type S, then I don't think they can call it a sports compact or an Integra 😀. I would be shocked if it doesn't have that option.

Reactions: 2

houndrunner

Discussion Starter · #16 · May 19, 2022

RSX said:
I've been driving an '04 RSX type S in New England for 18 years. I put snow tires on it, and that alone makes it perform better than cars with all season tires, which is most others on the road.

Fellow New Englander here, and my first planned purchase for the Integra is a new set of Blizzaks. Right there with you. And sure, I’m going to miss the capability of my truck and KO2s, but I sure as hell won’t miss the awful mileage. 😂

Reactions: 3

Integra23

· #17 · May 21, 2022

I can't find a current gen 6 spd manual Accord for under 30k. Crazy market we our in where new cars seem reasonable.

Reactions: 1

RSX

· #18 · May 21, 2022

Integra23 said:
I can't find a current gen 6 spd manual Accord for under 30k. Crazy market we our in where new cars seem reasonable.

It almost makes me want to find an auto body shop to remove rust and repaint my car. I could then spend a few hundred bucks and buy a new car radio from crutchfield, repair my torn seat cushion, and then be good as new. Probably a lot cheaper than buying a used car with same or worse performance. I wonder how much it would actually cost to repair?

5thGenTeg

· #19 · May 24, 2022

houndrunner said:
Wondering if anyone here has compared these two -- as someone who wants some creature comforts to go with an engaging manual gearbox, it sounds like could be a great buy.

Accord Sport 2.0T cons:

Used instead of new, of course

Less upscale stereo

No LSD

Bigger than the Integra

Accord Sport 2.0T pros:

Engine provides a serious bump in power

A lot of similar amenities at a lower price

Sleeper appeal

Bigger than the Integra

I realize that the gearbox and handling may not be quite as snappy as the Integra, given the Civic Si underpinnings, but I'm curious as someone who's looking into an engaging family hauler. (And if you aren't married to a manual, you can still get a new Accord Sport 2.0T with 252hp and a 10-speed auto for about $3k less than the top-trim Teggy (based on MSRP).

As an owner of '18 Accord 2.0T Manual, love the car. It's such a unicorn. Yeah the stock shifter setup is no worse than a standard Civic manual. Just added a short shift and new bushings cleaned it up tremendously. It's not going to be SI/TypeR level but it fixes it. Otherwise everything else is still stock, but still planning adding power.

Reactions: 5

VTEC Goes Bwaah

· #20 · May 25, 2022

5thGenTeg said:
As an owner of '18 Accord 2.0T Manual, love the car. It's such a unicorn. Yeah the stock shifter setup is no worse than a standard Civic manual. Just added a short shift and new bushings cleaned it up tremendously. It's not going to be SI/TypeR level but it fixes it. Otherwise everything else is still stock, but still planning adding power.

Welcome to the forum @5thGenTeg! How are you planning on adding power to your Accord? Are you thinking of getting an Integra to go along with the Accord?

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