**Based on current year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.
2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. Competitors
2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. Competitors
While much of the automotive world focuses on crossovers and SUVs, a handful of automakers remain committed to producing sedans. Some manufacturers go a step further, offering performance versions of this more traditional vehicle class. At the forefront is the Acura Integra Type S, the rev-hungry ride that debuted for the 2024 model year. But the Integra Type S isn’t the only game in town; Germany’s trio of premium brands have highly qualified players that offer stiff competition. With this in mind, let’s compare the Acura Integra Type S with the 2024 editions of the Audi S3, BMW M235i, and Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 35.
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Powertrain
Every driving enthusiast gets excited about what lies under the hood; after all, the engine is the main
thing that makes cars in this segment so thrilling to drive. Each model mentioned here features a
powerful turbocharged inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter engines, but the Integra Type S offers more. With
320 horsepower, it provides more power than the aforementioned rivals, whose output is as follows: S3
(306 hp), M235i (301 hp), or AMG CLA 35 (302 hp).
The Acura Integra Type S also stands apart with
the only manual transmission in this group; the others have automatics, which will disappoint most
automotive purists. Acura’s six-speed gearbox enables the driver to interact more precisely with the
car, making behind-the-wheel time much more engaging and enjoyable. The Integra’s front-wheel
drivetrain, which provides confident traction for most road conditions, also helps keep the weight down.
In fact, the Type S weighs about 300 to 400 pounds less than these competitors, allowing for more
spirited driving.
Suspension
The suspension is another crucial ingredient of a successful sport sedan formula. The Acura, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes all have optional upgrades beyond their respective base models’ standard equipment. However, Acura adds another level of performance by giving the Integra Types S a standard adaptive damper system for crisper handling and smoother travel. To get a similar component on the rival cars, you will have to pay for that upgrade.
Body Style and Cargo Capacity
While all four vehicles have four doors and two rows, the Integra Type S takes a slightly different approach. This Acura is a liftback sedan, meaning that it provides crossover-like cargo access via a rear hatchback. The result is substantially more cargo space: 24.3 cubic feet for the Integra versus 8.3 to 15.2 cubic feet for the trunk-based others. If you fold down the Acura’s rear seats, the Integra Type S can fit even more stuff, including oversized and awkwardly shaped items.
Cost of Ownership
All four vehicles come with four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper factory coverage, but
protection stops there for the German brands while Acura includes a powertrain warranty for six years or
70,000 miles. In addition, premium fuel is recommended for the Integra Type S, while it’s required for
the other sedans. This means that Acura owners can use a lower fuel grade to save money.
Edmunds
looked at estimated five-year ownership expenses for these vehicles and determined that the Integra
costs $0.92 per mile to operate, based on 15,000 miles per year. This compares to $1.04 for the BMW
M235i and $1.10 for the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 35. The differences are equally stark in specific areas.
Insurance costs over that five-year span for the Integra are estimated at $5,218 against $6,457 to
$8,387 for Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. There’s a similar gap with maintenance expenses: $4,627 for the Type
S versus $5,980 to $6,821 for the others. An average repair for the Integra Type S is estimated at $974,
while owners of the S3, M235i, and AMG CLA 35 are looking at an average shop bill of $1,994 to $2,558.
Interior Space
In almost every interior measurement, the Integra Type S outsizes its competitors. For instance, this Acura features 42.3 inches of front legroom, while the closest competitor, the AMG CLA 35, has 41.8 inches. At the same time, the Integra's 57.0 inches of front shoulder room far exceeds the 55.5 inches in the M235i, the runner-up. The difference is especially noticeable in the back seat. The Integra's 37.4 inches of rear legroom eclipses the amount found in the Audi (35.2 in.), BMW (34.4 in.), and Mercedes (33.9 in.). Rear shoulder room is also more generous in the Acura: 56.0 inches compared to 53.0 or 54.0 inches seen in the three German-made rivals.