A New Chapter for a Legendary Badge

For many enthusiasts, the Acura RSX remains the spiritual successor to the original Integra. When Acura transitioned to alphanumeric naming in the early 2000s, the RSX served as the North American iteration of the fourth-generation Integra. However, when the iconic "Integra" nameplate was revived in 2023, it arrived on a vehicle with a vastly different character. Having spent a year with our long-term 2025 Acura Integra Type S, it is clear that this is a significantly more capable performance machine than its predecessors.


Shift in Format and Dimensions

The most immediate distinction between the two models lies in their architecture. The RSX Type-S was a nimble two-door 2+2 hatchback, whereas the current Integra Type S is a functional four-door, four-passenger liftback. This evolution highlights Acura’s shift from catering to a younger coupe-focused audience to creating a high-performance daily driver that balances excitement with practicality.


The technical specifications reflect this growth:

  • Length: The Integra is 13.6 inches longer.
  • Width: The modern model is 6.9 inches wider.
  • Wheelbase: The current generation spans 107.7 inches, compared to the RSX’s 101.2 inches.
  • Weight: Curb weight has increased from 2,840 lbs to 3,199 lbs.

Interestingly, the front-to-rear weight distribution remains remarkably similar, with the RSX at 63% and the Integra at 62% over the front axle.


Interior Comfort and Practicality

The expansion in size translates directly into improved cabin utility. While front-seat headroom has seen a modest increase, the rear seat experience has been transformed. Rear legroom has surged from 29.2 inches in the RSX to 37.4 inches in the new Integra, making it a viable vehicle for adult passengers, unlike the occasional-use rear bench of the older coupe.


Powertrain: From High-Revving to High-Boost

Both vehicles honor the traditional enthusiast formula: front-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, and a six-speed manual gearbox. However, the execution differs greatly:

"The RSX Type S was about wringing out every rpm, while the Integra Type S is about managing real turbocharged muscle."

The RSX Type-S utilized the naturally aspirated K20Z1 engine, which thrived on high revs, peaking at 8,100 rpm and producing 210 hp. In contrast, the new Integra Type S uses the turbocharged K20C8, delivering a substantial 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This shift means the modern car offers significantly faster acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, compared to the 6.7 seconds achieved by the earlier RSX models.


Handling and Performance Hardware

The performance hardware on the new Integra is a generation ahead of the RSX. While the RSX relied on its lightweight, simple chassis and a classic double-wishbone rear suspension to deliver a communicative feel, the Integra employs modern technology to manage its higher power output. Key upgrades in the new model include:

  • Adaptive damping systems.
  • Limited-slip differential.
  • High-performance Brembo braking hardware.
  • Significantly wider 265/30ZR19 summer tires.

The results of this mechanical evolution are evident in our testing, where the Integra Type S achieves 0.98 g of lateral acceleration compared to the 0.82 g of the original RSX, while stopping distances have been reduced from 134 feet to 105 feet.


Conclusion: Evolution, Not Imitation

The RSX Type-S is not made irrelevant by this comparison; rather, it reflects a simpler, analog era of automotive engineering that enthusiasts still cherish. The Integra Type S, however, operates on an entirely different level of capability. It manages to retain the spirit of the original through its manual transmission and K-series lineage while utilizing modern technology to surpass the performance benchmarks of its predecessors.