Ha, holster your flame throwers! Just kidding around.

I'm actually looking for inputs from people who've had an Integra (3rd Gen DC2/GSR, specifically) and a 6th gen Accord. My story:

Currently, I've got a DC2. I've also got a new born baby. Coupe and a baby don't match too well, I found. Also, it would be nice to own a car without worries of it getting stolen all the time. I've had an ITR as well, and it's not as bad as that, but still makes me nervous at times.

So, this is where the Accord comes in. I found a 99 locally with the original owner. 2.3L, 5-sp, less than 100k miles, and seems to be in great shape. It's got 4-doors, and it's bigger/more comfortable. The theft worries are almost non-existent, as well (it helps the car is Gold).

My question to you former/current Integra and Accord owners is, how much am I going to hate driving this car, if at all? I haven't had much time behind an Accord (come to think of it, none, I think). I'm sure it's a great reliable car, but the fun factor? Is there a smidgen of it left in there that trickled down from the Prelude and Civic Si during that era? Keep in mind, this will be left 100% stock (maybe Eibach Prokits? But probably not even that). I'm not looking for what I have in my GSR or old ITR. I just don't want to roll it off a cliff 3 months down the road from pure hatred towards the car.

BTW, before anybody says, "why not a 4-door Integra/Civic?" I feel the Accord is better suited for my needs right now---hardly any theft issues, lower insurance, bigger/comfortable, etc. I am also considering some non-Honda brands (Mazda and Nissan), but my incline is the stay with Honda.

Thanks for any input.

 

I say go for it if you want it or feel that way. Whatever suits your need. But, the Accord will never beat a Integra off the line on drag race cause the Accord is alot heavier than the DC2.

 

Heh, yeah, I know about the whole speed thing. I was just kidding around with that. But I don't really care too much if the Accord isn't too fast---but really wondering about the fun-to-drive factor (or lack thereof?). Just never spent much time behind the wheel of an Accord. I'd love to have one set up like yours one day with an H22.

 

My two cents..go with the Accord. We were in the say situation (waaaay back in the day) with our first child. A small fun-to-drive coupe, then moved up to a '86 Acc 4dr LX. Hmmm, auto trans-no fun, but nice to have; 4 doors-how un-cool, but way handy; large(r) trunk....it was the best purchase we've made. It lasted forever (well until we had 3 kids....) and it was very cost effective. My wife hated the idea of car payments (we actually bought it from Spreen in '88, long before I got into OEM parts biz), but after the first day, she was in love. Get the Accord, it is a great DD.

 

my wife's '01 F23 5spd accord coupe is plenty of fun. it doesn't feel as "urgent" as my civic, but long gears and extra weight will do that.

an after market intake helps the experience during spirited driving.. even if it adds nothing to the output. they did a great job quieting the mechanical noise in the cabin of these cars, but that's not always a good thing when you want something to be engaging and fun to drive. it's still nearly silent below 3,200 rpm. i would also suppose swapping an H23 trans would help, but you may not want to do that in a family car...

now i don't know off the top of my head the intricate differences between the coupe and the sedan. i believe the coupe has a slightly shorter wheelbase, maybe quicker steering.. stiffer suspension..?

 

Dude get the accord.

Get some function forms and some other suspension things.. Sure its slow but It can out handle a lot of newer cars in a mid90s 4 door.. Its funny to see how they look at you.

Plus they look good. 5 lug swaps are cheaper compared to civics/tegs..

And if you really hate how slow it is, drop an H22A in there to liven things up.

Good luck with your journey! I think you will enjoy it.

 

you have a kid...grow up, buy the accord

/thread

 

Dude I went from a fully build 95 special edition gsr to a 96 accord wagon.had it auto got bored and swapted to stick with an h23a vtec engine.it's a great family car with a little power lol , get the car man u will enjoy.

 

You found a 5 speed model with less than 100k on the odometer? You almost can't afford NOT to buy that haha! But seriously...

My 98 has been very reliable. The suspension left a bit to be desired (of course this was for the 98, which sat higher) so you might want to go with something aftermarket (and if you hate body roll get some sway bars, the stock ones don't do a whole lot). You may feel they are adequate when you drive the car though, this is just what I felt.

I wouldn't say it doesn't have theft issues. It still ranks high on being stolen (or it did). Though it isn't nearly as high as an Integra. I would say you will be safe unless you are in an area with a lot of professional thieves (as far as having the whole car stolen). I've personally never had any problems and I've taken it to all sorts of "interesting" areas.

Intake definitely makes it sound MUCH better.

Wheelbase is the same and as far as I know so was the suspension (or at least the differences are almost insignificant). No idea either about the steering though.

 

I don't think they're too much fun in stock form. They're plush cruisers that get decent gas mileage. More torque than the Integra, but heavier with tall gearing. I swapped an H and lowered it on coilovers. It's a completely different car now. Feels like a bigger version of my Civic.

 

Thanks so much for the inputs. Ok, so I made an appointment to go look at that Accord that same day. About an hour before, he calls. I see the caller ID and I know exactly what that means. I pick up an sure enough, it was sold right out from under me. I was pretty ticked. So scrambled for the last couple days. I couldn't find another clean Accord. And the kid that bought my Integra picked it up yesterday. So this morning, in desperation (not the best way to shop), I picked up a 97 Civic EX sedan. It's pretty clean and 100% stock. I'll probably hang on to this until next year and then pick up an 8th Gen Accord sedan.

Thanks again for all the inputs. Much appreciated.

 

That sucks to hear about that happening. You're not the only one in that situation. Was gonna pick up a completely stock 00 Si for $3,500 clean title 98k miles. He said he was gonna sell me it, then last minuet he called and said he sold it already.

So I picked up an 01 accord for my mom instead, but she liked he 05 civic better. So we swaped. I guess no turning back now haha.

My .02. The accord is alot of fun to drive, decent torque, just a bit on the heavy. It's a nice big car that is perfect for a family, as yourself. But for my needs, I just need something decent to get around with decent gas mileage and not in high theft rate .

 

LOL the Dude sounds like a kid himself.

 

now that i have my FSM in front of me...

wheelbase:
106.9 inch - 4dr
105.1 inch - 2dr

only 1.8 inches difference but still..

 

Well then... I'll take 20% of the blame for that and edmunds (I should have learned my lesson before) can take the other 80% haha!

You're right though, it's not much but sometimes it's the small things that can make a difference.