Hey R lovers...

I'm in a dilemma here. I'm about to sell my 05 nbp rsx-s that has a couple mods (will be picked up Saturday). I originally was selling the car to free up cash by getting an e36 m3 (I've had a 95 in the past), or was gonna be boring and get an IS300. Then I figured ehh, I really want an awd car so I was browsing evo, sti, and vw R32. The R32 is what I decided on (had a 337 gti in the past), and there is one not too far away for a very good price.

Thennnn I started thinking about ITR. Before I got my RSX, I was actually trying to get a ITR, but found the rsx close, and it was clean so I got it. ITR will also free up cash like the e36 m3 but has way less upkeep, is rare, is something I've wanted to try for a while (had a dc2 and db8), and shouldn't get stolen where I live.

Anyone have both RSX-s and ITR, how do they compare... anyone have e36 m3 and ITR, which would your rather have? Or if you just want to comment on the situation, feel free. However, in the end I know it comes down to personal preference.

Phew, sorry for that long winded rant, but I figured I'd post this while I don't have much to do at work.

 

once you get an R and drive it for what it is and you keep browsing these forums, it may not "free up" as much cash as you think

 

Well I've driven a friends RSX and it's alright, it's no where near as raw and nimble as a Type R and it just doesn't have the same qualities at all, the R is a drivers car, GL with your decision

 

No I seriously wouldn't mod it ... and I'd only buy one with suspension mods. I do have self control. I've driven one before, just not crazy lol.

 

Yes, the rsx is not nimble at all... I am 100% sure that a stock ITR would simply annihilate a stock rsx on almost any track. The seats in the RSX are also too big for me, I don't like them... meanwhile itr seats are sooo comfy and fit me perfect. See, I'm sure I'd love the ITR, but do I really want a pure driver's car as a daily driver, and is it something that would annoy me sooner than later. How I'll decide this before owning one, I don't know lol.

 

You really don't need to mod it, I drove mine for 5+ yrs before I did any performance mods, it's that good of a car, go to auto-x and track events with it stock, that's the best way to learn how to really drive it

 

I've driven the 06 rsx-s. and it feels alot like my 98 r. other than it's alot newer. I didn't like the way the s shifts but then again my r has a short throw and clutch. the k20 pulls real nice and is very smooth. but c5 motor does the same in vtec

 

The trans in the R is smoother and feels better. K20 is definitely smooth, and with minor mods (race header CAI, it makes power alot easier than the c5). The ITR won't be as fast, but I don't care about that really. It handles alot better, brakes better, and is by far a more special car.

Thanks for the comments so far!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jm01dc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...It handles alot better, brakes better, and is by far a more special car...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Couldn't agree more. I'v enjoyed test driving the 04' and 05' models I looked at, but that just do not compare to the drive of an R.

 

If you really won't modify it at all, and wont get it to the track at all, then owning a R (except for if you just want a raw DD and weekend fun car) is worthless.

If you want fast, the R is not it, unless you want to mod it, which you don't.

Hands down, the R is more fun than any of the cars you have mentioned and will not let you down, but you cannot help the newer feeling of some of the other cars interior.

I would never trade my R for anything, I love it, as many do on here. Its rare, holding its value, and all true car lovers will respect you for owning it. And I believe it is still among the best cars EVER built according to reliable sources.

 

I've owned both. 05 Type S and 98 ITR.

The Type S is a daily driver. Nice stereo, heated seats, A/C, leather, sunroof. It's a late model GSR in every way. Power is so-so, and the tranny and shifter feels cheap in comparison to the R tranny. The seats are comfy but they're too big, and leather doesn't do well on bucket seats. Suspension is ok, but overly harsh without the payout. The steering wheel is my favorite thing about the car. Overall I was not overly impressed with the car out of the box. It felt light, cheap, I didn't like the power band of the K motor, and the tranny was terrible. 3rd gear synchro went at 10,000 Kms, replaced by Acura under warranty.

The R is an entirely different car. It's low, tight, lighter than the RSX, but the steering weight is heavy and precise. It's faster, has better road manners, less torque steer, faster turn in, better grip, better driver feedback, way better tranny, and is generally a ****-kicker. It feels like a race car.

If racing is your thing, than the R is your car. Throw on some R comps and you'll be hanging with the M3's at your local track. The RSX, although a very good platform, just didn't have the necessities to measure up to the DC2R. Not even the K20A Type R model did either. However, if I was shopping for a daily driver, I'd go for the RSX.

 

totsie and 98 itr... both very well put. Totsie, what you said is in the back of my mind. I probably would take the car to an autox (I couldn't resist)

 

I have both(sort of) the 05 RSX-S is my wifes car.....


My feeling is that the 05-06 RSX-S it the closet the U.S. ever got to the DC5 ITR....the 02-04 were just not raw enough....not that the 05 is that raw, but it is superior to the earlier years out of the box....

w/ revised suspension,
revised k-series,
exhaust ,
seats,
guages,
fd

etc.....

I feel that the Type-S chassis is superior to the DC2 ITR, however not necessarily the front suspension, but that can be changed....

the tranny to me feels smoother, and just as direct as the ITR...even if it is cable actuated....and 6 gears are better than 5

the interior feel/fit and finish is also superior to the dc2 integra...

the leather seats were upgraded in the 05 models, they are thicker/more durable leather...

I like the look of the guages better than the ITR, but that is neither here nor there....

personally i would recommend either, I think both are great cars....

 

To be blunt, rsx seats are a joke. Sure they look good, but they're made for your typical wide person (no offense). They're also hard without much bolstering. The ITR seats are so superior comfort and support wise that its a joke.

As said earlier, 05+ rsx's suspension is far too harsh for how poorly they handle. From the little bit I remember driving an ITR, it was sooooooooooo much more nimble. The fit and finish of the rsx is superior though, thats no question.


Back to another car choice - e36 m3. My reasoning is that the e36 m3 seem to actually be quite reliable once the typical repairs are done (rsm's, lca's, waterpump, thermo housing, radiator). Plus, they just feel like a very solid car (the german metal might have alot to do with that), have great balance, have great gearing and street driveability (from the I6).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jm01dc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">To be blunt, rsx seats are a joke. Sure they look good, but they're made for your typical wide person (no offense). They're also hard without much bolstering. The ITR seats are so superior comfort and support wise that its a joke.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I completely agree, I was just pointing out that they were upgraded in 05....

I think leather is a joke in any sports car..... I hate that my s2k has leather, I wish it had at least Alcantara.... but I cannot switch my seats for autox, because that would move me out of A-stock....


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jm01dc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
As said earlier, 05+ rsx's suspension is far too harsh for how poorly they handle. From the little bit I remember driving an ITR, it was sooooooooooo much more nimble. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I dont think the RSX handles that poorly.... I just think that it comes w/ the wrong set of tires from the factory....

also, the A-spec suspension is far better than stock too....

which is why I said that it could be changed.....

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jm01dc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> The fit and finish of the rsx is superior though, thats no question. </TD></TR></TABLE>

 

I am very interested in peoples thoughts on the ITR vs. M3. I am actually looking to sell my ITR for the M3. I love my car and have owned it since day one and am having a hard time thinking about parting with it.

 

I gave my personal opinion of the e36 .... It really is such a different car than the integra. Its smoother all around. Its quiet, the powerband is very smooth. The driveability of the I6 and rwd around town and on the highway is much better than the b18c5. The brakes are also quite good. With all the plusses, you'd wonder why I am considering an R. The main reason is that its a honda, the transmission is fantastic and the reliability is awesome. General cost of ownership of the R is less.

One thing to remember if you're looking for e36 m3's... MANY of them are crap and have not been maintained correctly (yet most look great on the internet). It is by far worth it to buy from an enthusiast who knows all the repairs that should be done.

 

The new M3's are heavy battle ships on wheels that are quick.

Older M3's are nice, but take a lot more time, effort, and money to make a fun well-rounded track car. The ITR is more raw and more forgiving because of the FWD.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR-00-1457 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am very interested in peoples thoughts on the ITR vs. M3. I am actually looking to sell my ITR for the M3. I love my car and have owned it since day one and am having a hard time thinking about parting with it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If you can handle the upkeep, then pick up an E30 M3. I think I remember reading in this month's Evo that the E30 M3's were what the M-series stood for -- "Motorsports"--light, well-balanced track machines, not the overweight pigs with big engines that they're putting out now.

 

E30 M3's are sooo expensive that you pretty much have to be a die hard to actually purchase one.

 

it depends...

how dedicated are you in preventing thieves from taking your type r?

 

talk to "Jackson" he had a itr, then e36, then a itr again

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NAB18CR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it depends...

how dedicated are you in preventing thieves from taking your type r?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Like I said, I live in an area where I seriously doubt this would happen, but you never know... shady people exist everywhere.

Right now the big issue is to whether or not daily driving the ITR would **** me off.... Theres no question it would be a tremendous weekend/fun car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jm01dc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Like I said, I live in an area where I seriously doubt this would happen, but you never know... shady people exist everywhere.

Right now the big issue is to whether or not daily driving the ITR would **** me off.... Theres no question it would be a tremendous weekend/fun car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe the general rule of thumb is, if you don't have a garage and a beater, the ITR is not for you.

 

So you're saying anyone on this forum who DD's there ITR shouldn't own one? lol....

If an itr gets stolen... it gets stolen, insurance will cover it. I'm not gonna not buy a car just cause I think it will get stolen. Don't bring theft into this equation.