Honda Integra Type R Drive Article: Front-Drive Icon
Celestar Islands - There are many categories of sports car that people all around the world will fight to settle which vehicle is best in that category. Ask the questions "What is the best rear drive car?" or "What is the best hot hatchback?" or "What is the most important car in the automobile industry?" and you're sure to have countless individuals fighting to settle the debate.
However, if you ask "What's the best Front drive car?" and many petrolheads will look at each other, nod and tell you that it is the Honda Integra Type R DC2. It probably doesn't need to be a group of Japanese-biased individuals to tell you that this generation of Integra Type R is one of the best in the Front Drive sports car category to ever grace the world.
Now, I'm sure that you've likely already seen those Best Motoring videos of Honda's and especially the DC2R trumping the competition such as the Italian Fiat Coupe 20V or keeping neck and neck with a Nissan Skyline GTR R32. In other words, for a front drive performance car, this isn't a slouch.
Now to set the context, I have been friends with the owner of this Integra for a while, ever since I joined the Inspiron Area Driver's Club and the local street racing scene. Back then, he was driving another Honda Integra Type R of this generation, with the difference being that his was a American market unit which was Left-Hand Drive and had the four circular headlights. When the Certificate Of Entitlement (COE) of that vehicle was fast approaching expiry, he sold it off and purchased this unit, a rare Milano Red unit, which was sitting on jack stands when purchased.
Mechanically, the car was not sound. Although being able to move on its own after a set of AZEV wheels, a lack of power, no exhaust and rock-solid suspension meant that much was required to get the car road worthy. However, as inspection requirements are extremely lenient, the car was able to be re-registered.
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| Image of the car a week after it was registered. |
The owner himself would say that the frantically sourced parts weren't up to par with, really any standard at all. The suspension was dodgy, the exhaust both sounded awful and had a couple of leaks unbeknownst to him.
It would take close to a year of restoration work for the Integra to be in its current state. Like me, the owner does not have extensive mechanical knowledge, so it was brought to a reputable workshop to undergo a partial restoration.
Context aside, what is the car like to drive?
Unlike most front driven cars, the Integra is a force to be reckoned with on mountain roads. Its modest power output of a hair under 200 horsepower stock out of the box (Older model year ones are) will not keep up with modern Honda offerings especially the current-generation Civic Type R, but I do suspect that with a superb driver behind the wheel, its merciless grip on the road will keep up with such modern Type R's.
Steering is communicative and direct, and the short gear ratios will mean that you generally won't be down on power. However, if you want to drive fast, it means that you'd need to push the engine into its VTEC range. Anything less and you won't have sufficient power to keep with whatever car you're trying to chase. The owner believes that the car is making slightly over its original output but hasn't felt sufficient breakneck performance to feel any significant difference.
In terms of interior, it is no different than what's expected of a 1990's Japanese economy car of its generation. The only difference that you'd see is the plush Recaro SR3 bucket seats and red Honda emblem on the steering wheel which this unit unfortunately lacks.
With the owner looking to import a Spoon tuned engine, I suspect that this will be the last time I can sample a internally stock DC2R. The Honda Integra Type R DC2 generation is a sports car with a well-earned reputation. With prices of these slowly climbing in value, it might be time to buy one before prices shoot through the roof, and frankly, these cars will be on my shortlist.
~Emira
Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
Engine: 1797cc Inline-4, B18C Engine code, Naturally Aspirated
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Kerb weight: 1125 KG
Power: 197 HP @ 8000 RPM
Torque: 133 lb.ft @ 7500 RPM
Fuel Consumption: Est. 7.8 L / 100 KM
0-100km/h: 6.2 s
Top Speed: Est 233 KM/H (180 KM/H Electronically limited)
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