Comparing Iconic Honda Sports Cars With New Civic Type R, Integra Type S

A Drag Race Showdown

In the world of high-performance cars, Honda and its luxury division, Acura, have built a legacy filled with iconic models such as the Civic Type R, S2000, Acura NSX, and more. Enthusiasts often wonder how these automotive legends compare in a head-to-head drag race. Recently, Hagerty, known for its love of classic cars, decided to answer this question by pitting a range of these sporty models from different eras against each other in a series of drag races. While the focus was solely on straight-line speed, the results provided an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of Honda and Acura's performance capabilities.

NSX, S2000, and Integra Type R

In the first showdown, Hagerty brought together classic models: the Acura Integra Type R, the first-generation NSX, and the Honda S2000 CR. The NSX quickly established dominance, surging ahead from the starting line and maintaining its lead throughout the race. The S2000 and Integra Type R, however, engaged in a fierce battle, with the convertible S2000 ultimately pulling ahead.

Timeless NSX Dominates the Quarter-Mile

The numbers told an interesting story: the NSX clocked a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds at a speed of 104 miles per hour. The S2000 claimed the second spot with a time of 14.2 seconds and a speed of 98 miles per hour, while the Integra Type R needed 15.2 seconds to cover the distance at 93 mph.

Modern Performers

The real excitement ensued when Hagerty decided to pit the classic NSX against the modern-day contenders: the Civic Type R and Integra Type S. Both newer models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with the Acura producing 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and the Honda boasting 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Nail-Biting Finish

In a surprising turn of events, the drag race proved incredibly close. The NSX took an early lead, but the Civic Type R and Integra Type S quickly caught up, resulting in all three vehicles clocking identical quarter-mile times of 13.5 seconds. The outcome was so tight that Hagerty decided to rerun the race from a roll, yet the result remained too close to call, leaving enthusiasts in awe of these modern powerhouses.

>>Join the conversation about this battle of old and new Hondas right here at S2Ki.com.

Legacy and Innovation

This thrilling drag race wasn't just a battle of horsepower; it was a clash of generations. The classic NSX, with its rear-drive midship setup and V6 engine, showcased its timeless appeal. In contrast, the newer Civic Type R and Integra Type S demonstrated the advancements in turbocharged technology, delivering impressive performance while maintaining practicality.