I was wondering which car handles better? rsx type s or integra type r? rsx base or integra ls? rsx type s or ls? etc.

 

Type R will handle better than a Type S
Type S will handle better than a GSR due to a bigger rear sway bar
Base and LS/GSR will probably be on the same level

 

If I remember hearing correctly, the Integra Type R was and still is the best handling front wheel drive car in the world. So I doubt the RSX-S is better. As the for others, I don't know.

 

In stock trim, my research shows these numbers (this a VERY mild may to attempt to judge handling performance)

SKIDPAD

GSR: .84-.85G
RSX TYPE-S: .86-.88G
TYPE-R(teg): .90-.91G

The R is the winner here, but there are sooo many other factors to determine. But in my experiences in all of these rides, the Type-R is just magical!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jadebellyt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If I remember hearing correctly, the Integra Type R was and still is the best handling front wheel drive car in the world. So I doubt the RSX-S is better. As the for others, I don't know.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I read one magazine (I think it was Car and Driver), and the Mazdaspeed Protege actually beat the ITR in handling. It was slower on the straight line, though.

 

psh..if its not a R then ITR is very well made car

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by erikiksaz1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I read one magazine (I think it was Car and Driver), and the Mazdaspeed Protege actually beat the ITR in handling. It was slower on the straight line, though.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wow really?

 

yeah i heard that too..also i think that dodge ACR neon is supposed to be good at handling too

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by erikiksaz1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I read one magazine (I think it was Car and Driver), and the Mazdaspeed Protege actually beat the ITR in handling. It was slower on the straight line, though.</TD></TR></TABLE>
they only said they liked the 'speed protege better than the 'R because they don't have to rev it for some grunt. losers. i like revving for power. you get great-sounding engines that way.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by erikiksaz1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I read one magazine (I think it was Car and Driver), and the Mazdaspeed Protege actually beat the ITR in handling. It was slower on the straight line, though.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's the first time I've heard also. Got a link to the article?

 

i wouldnt be suprised, the handling in a stock protege es is amazing! i was looking for one for a while, but bought an integra for better resale value, and readily availible performance parts.......

 

Lateral-G numbers are worthless unless they are done on the same tire compound, which they are not. And even then they are far from the one and only measure of handling. It's not much more than a marketing trick.

Actual performance depends on the driver anyway. The average car enthusiest will suck equally if he's in a Type-R or in a Kia, no matter how much street "experience" he has. There's a hell of a lot more to it than driving agressively and pushing the car really hard... that's actually counter-productive. He also cannot really judge which car handles better... only what feels better to the average joe, which is just silly. The truth is that it really doesn't matter for street driving... even in stock form, you aren't even close to using it's full potential. An experienced racer in a stock car will destroy the average enthusiest with even the most heavily modified suspension. Go to a competition event like an autocross, where you don't need any experience or licensing to participate, and you'll see that happen a lot.

But from what I've seen in my racing, good drivers in RSX Type-S' do very well on the road course, while those same drivers in the same cars don't do so well at autocross (ie tight low speed turns). Their drivetrain and brakes are a part in their road racing success, but those are definately not the only factor. Cars handle differently at different speeds, and some will be better suited for high speed while others are capable of destroying the rest in the low speed turns. The same goes for drivers. The low speed turns are generally more valuable in competition, since that's where you spend most time, but they certainly aren't the only important parts of the track.

What car will win the race depends on the track, the conditions, the car's entire setup (power, gearing, brakes, suspension, weight, aero, etc), the competition, and most importantly, the driver.