FL5 Type R vs DE5 Integra Type S | Savagegeese

[TypeRD]

I wonder if the ITS was tuned more aggressively due to the quality of the gas (91/93) available in US/Canada vs other Markets that the CTR is sold in?

Though there are different octane rating systems, unleaded fuel is largely the same worldwide.

I think they tuned the ITS more aggressively just so there’s at least some slight product differentiation compared to the CTR…and to make the price tag slightly easier to swallow.

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[TypeRD]

Are emissions and warranty the primary reasons why they dont come with a more aggressive tune stock? Kind of wasted potential.

Yeah, those are typically the 2 main reasons. Otherwise we’d maybe be on the other side of the fence with more power under the hood, but also dealing with things like blown head gaskets…cough, cough, Focus RS. It’s a balance and I appreciate Honda’s tendency to be technically on-point, if rather conservative, with engines.

 

[crepr12]

just to keep it real...I had 92K very hard miles on my Ford Focus RS before the ITS...Head gasket was replaced at around 17K because the knuckleheads in Germany used the wrong gasket from the start... facts....

 

[TypeRD]

@crepr12 OK…but I will still cough towards the RS.

 

[ne_typer]

Though there are different octane rating systems, unleaded fuel is largely the same worldwide.

I think they tuned the ITS more aggressively just so there’s at least some slight product differentiation compared to the CTR…and to make the price tag slightly easier to swallow.

I took a look through the factory tunes in Flashpro Manager. The ITS factory tune is running a few degrees more timing across the board and has higher torque targets top end. This is where the power difference is coming from.

 

[Blade]

I cannot choose. I’m next on the list for an FL5 and an Integra Type S at MSRP. Here is Canada there is only an $8k cdn price difference between the two. I really like the Type S looks, luxury, exhaust but the Type R is a Type R.

 

[spectre186]

I cannot choose. I’m next on the list for an FL5 and an Integra Type S at MSRP. Here is Canada there is only an $8k cdn price difference between the two. I really like the Type S looks, luxury, exhaust but the Type R is a Type R.

Have you sat in both? As soon as I sat in the Type R, I could instantly tell it was special. Incredibly sporty. The ITS, while very nice and more upscale, does not feel as special to me.

Can’t go wrong with either, if you want something more hardcore - type R. More daily driver friendly - ITS.

 

[Blade]

Have you sat in both? As soon as I sat in the Type R, I could instantly tell it was special. Incredibly sporty. The ITS, while very nice and more upscale, does not feel as special to me.

Can’t go wrong with either, if you want something more hardcore - type R. More daily driver friendly - ITS.

That is actually very helpful. I haven’t had a chance to sit in either one. So it’s great to hear from people that that experienced both. I had the S2000 and loved it. One of my biggest regrets selling it.

 

[Timmmmmm13]

I'm biased.....but type R all day, especially at MSRP. Compared to the S you will have cooler seats, a dope wing, the R mode gauges, and money left over to play with. Not to say the S isn't awesome, but to me it's more of a debate when it's type R over MSRP vs type s at MSRP.

 

[RUNN1N]

I cannot choose. I’m next on the list for an FL5 and an Integra Type S at MSRP. Here is Canada there is only an $8k cdn price difference between the two. I really like the Type S looks, luxury, exhaust but the Type R is a Type R.

So I decided to read through the whole thread for the first time before responding (just to know what I missed, something I rarely do, honestly), and wow. Nicely done to all involved.

I bought an ITS at MSRP on the launch day in June (MBP/Ebony), then lucked into having my name drawn at a nearby Honda dealer for a CW FL5 at MSRP around 6 weeks later. I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to leave the dealership without buying the FL5, but I decided to check it out anyway, and I was right. My total loss was about $3k, so less than the average FL5 markup, and I have the unique honor of having owned one of each. Woo.

When I bought the ITS, I wanted an FL5, but I knew I'd have no trouble getting an ITS at MSRP as I got on the list of a few dealerships really early on. I shopped HARD for a FL5, and while I preferred MSRP, I wasn't even having any luck finding one for less than $7,500 in ADM. I would've done $5,000, but that was my limit. When dealer markups make the FL5 and ITS effectively the same price, my logical side says it makes more sense to get the little bit of extra "stuff" that comes with the ITS.

If you can get either one at MSRP, I'd get the FL5. That's just me.

My ITS had a handful of rattles and buzzes inside which my '23 A-Spec + Tech Integra never had. My panel gaps were pretty good, but it was early in production and there were photos circulating of issues in misalignment and color mismatch. Sounds aside, I considered myself lucky. The FL5, however, even on the showroom floor, just felt like a more solid package overall. A few months down the line, I have no regrets with either purchase, but I'm glad I landed in the FL5. Others have been satisfied trading their FL5's for the ITS and they're glad they did.

You can't go wrong with either car... unfortunately, that makes the decision all the more difficult.

Don't let the stiffer ride of the CTR scare you away--a $200 ADS module swap will make the CTR ride like the ITS. The sound systems are virtually identical, in my opinion. The ITS' HUD is a nice feature, but I love the +R gauges even more, personally. The ITS exhaust was fun, I guess, but I'm honestly indifferent about 4-cylinder exhaust sounds.

Exterior styling aside (aka wing vs no wing, integrated widebody vs tack-on), the biggest difference between these two cars is the seating. If you fit in the FL5 seats and find them comfortable, get the FL5. I think they feel glorious, but they don't to everyone. My dad hates them, but he's a bigger guy.

The ITS seats feel almost identical to the A-Spec + Tech. Slightly more bolstering, but I'd rather Acura left the extra bolstering out and gave the ITS memory seating. Oh well.

Hope you share what you decide on!

 

[Blade]

So I decided to read through the whole thread for the first time before responding (just to know what I missed, something I rarely do, honestly), and wow. Nicely done to all involved.

I bought an ITS at MSRP on the launch day in June (MBP/Ebony), then lucked into having my name drawn at a nearby Honda dealer for a CW FL5 at MSRP around 6 weeks later. I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to leave the dealership without buying the FL5, but I decided to check it out anyway, and I was right. My total loss was about $3k, so less than the average FL5 markup, and I have the unique honor of having owned one of each. Woo.

When I bought the ITS, I wanted an FL5, but I knew I'd have no trouble getting an ITS at MSRP as I got on the list of a few dealerships really early on. I shopped HARD for a FL5, and while I preferred MSRP, I wasn't even having any luck finding one for less than $7,500 in ADM. I would've done $5,000, but that was my limit. When dealer markups make the FL5 and ITS effectively the same price, my logical side says it makes more sense to get the little bit of extra "stuff" that comes with the ITS.

If you can get either one at MSRP, I'd get the FL5. That's just me.

My ITS had a handful of rattles and buzzes inside which my '23 A-Spec + Tech Integra never had. My panel gaps were pretty good, but it was early in production and there were photos circulating of issues in misalignment and color mismatch. Sounds aside, I considered myself lucky. The FL5, however, even on the showroom floor, just felt like a more solid package overall. A few months down the line, I have no regrets with either purchase, but I'm glad I landed in the FL5. Others have been satisfied trading their FL5's for the ITS and they're glad they did.

You can't go wrong with either car... unfortunately, that makes the decision all the more difficult.

Don't let the stiffer ride of the CTR scare you away--a $200 ADS module swap will make the CTR ride like the ITS. The sound systems are virtually identical, in my opinion. The ITS' HUD is a nice feature, but I love the +R gauges even more, personally. The ITS exhaust was fun, I guess, but I'm honestly indifferent about 4-cylinder exhaust sounds.

Exterior styling aside (aka wing vs no wing, integrated widebody vs tack-on), the biggest difference between these two cars is the seating. If you fit in the FL5 seats and find them comfortable, get the FL5. I think they feel glorious, but they don't to everyone. My dad hates them, but he's a bigger guy.

The ITS seats feel almost identical to the A-Spec + Tech. Slightly more bolstering, but I'd rather Acura left the extra bolstering out and gave the ITS memory seating. Oh well.

Hope you share what you decide on!

Brother! I really appreciate you taking the time and writing such a well written post. I think you guys cemented it. FL5 it is. I’ll keep you guys posted how it goes.
Thank you again! H

 

[ILX6SPEED]

I cannot choose. I’m next on the list for an FL5 and an Integra Type S at MSRP. Here is Canada there is only an $8k cdn price difference between the two. I really like the Type S looks, luxury, exhaust but the Type R is a Type R.

Im a fellow Canadian in exact same scenario. I have seen both cars in the flesh and I have sat in the FL5 but only an A-Spec Integra. Seats were very special in the FL5. Im leaning towards the FL5 due to the specialness and guaranteed rarity up here. Thanks to those that responded in here with experience in both cars your input is really helpful!

 

[RUNN1N]

Im a fellow Canadian in exact same scenario. I have seen both cars in the flesh and I have sat in the FL5 but only an A-Spec Integra. Seats were very special in the FL5. Im leaning towards the FL5 due to the specialness and guaranteed rarity up here. Thanks to those that responded in here with experience in both cars your input is really helpful!

If you were blindfolded, you wouldn't be able to tell the DE5 and A-Spec seats apart. The FL5 seats are incredible for some, and unbearable for others. I think the two have similar styling (aka fun/slightly overstyled), but the DE5 has a broader range of color options, some of which are arguably more mature.

I cannot choose. I’m next on the list for an FL5 and an Integra Type S at MSRP. Here is Canada there is only an $8k cdn price difference between the two. I really like the Type S looks, luxury, exhaust but the Type R is a Type R.

I think they'll both be hard to find/coveted for years to come, especially if kept in good condition. I didn't mention it before, but I've found there's (a lot) more happening in the aftermarket for the FL5, probably since it's available worldwide. That's not a big deal to everyone, and I haven't made many modifications to mine, but it's nice to have options to make your car your own.

Also, and this is admittedly a silly thing to get excited about... but diecast FL5's are pretty widely available, and what human has never wanted a Hot Wheels-size version (or larger) of their actual car? The DE5 may follow eventually, but I'm impatient.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Brother! I really appreciate you taking the time and writing such a well written post. I think you guys cemented it. FL5 it is. I’ll keep you guys posted how it goes.
Thank you again! H

Great perspective from @RUNN1N . It's always helpful to hear from someone who has lived with and experienced both. Not sure if you saw it, but I started a thread around the same time on the Integra Type S. Just more data points from the community. I'm certain you know this: there's no firm right or wrong, only right or wrong for your use case.

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/2024-acura-integra-type-s-observations.52167/

 

[samster231]

If you were blindfolded, you wouldn't be able to tell the DE5 and A-Spec seats apart. The FL5 seats are incredible for some, and unbearable for others. I think the two have similar styling (aka fun/slightly overstyled), but the DE5 has a broader range of color options, some of which are arguably more mature.



I think they'll both be hard to find/coveted for years to come, especially if kept in good condition. I didn't mention it before, but I've found there's (a lot) more happening in the aftermarket for the FL5, probably since it's available worldwide. That's not a big deal to everyone, and I haven't made many modifications to mine, but it's nice to have options to make your car your own.

Also, and this is admittedly a silly thing to get excited about... but diecast FL5's are pretty widely available, and what human has never wanted a Hot Wheels-size version (or larger) of their actual car? The DE5 may follow eventually, but I'm impatient.

Fantastic post. I agree with everything that you have said. I was in the exact same position and had my ABP ITS or about 2 months when I got the call that an SGP FL5 was available.

I also walked into the dealership 80% sure that I would be keeping my ITS, but sitting in the seats of the FL5 sealed the deal for me.

Putting aside from all of the points that others have brought up, for me the differences really came down to just a critical few:

a. the seats in the FL5 are just superb if you fit in them, but I completely understand why you would pass on this car if you don't as the DE5 seats are great (even if the cornering grip of the car can have you moving around in them)

b. IMO the ride in the DE5 is 10% softer (my number) when all is set like for like noting that I had my DE5 individual suspension set to Sport whereas my FL5 individual is set to Comfort

c. the audio system in the FL5 is decent and better than I expected, but the system in the DE5 is better

d. the final point was really a pleasant surprise as I did not know about it until AFTER I traded in my ITS, but it has become my favourite difference - the turn in on the FL5 is even sharper than it was on the DE5; if I hadn't driven the DE5 for as long as I had I would not have noticed (the turn in on the DE5 is also really good, it's just noticeably better in the FL5) - it turns in with the eagerness of a crack mad mongoose

Small note here if it matters, but the attention that the ITS got was crazy and I've only seen 2 others on the road, but people notice this car. The CTR gets some attention (and I have not seen another one on the road), but it is somehow more discreet in traffic. A real case of "there's a million other Civics out there", but obviously if you know you know.

Either of these cars will give you smiles for miles and you really cannot go wrong with either. You (and I) are REALLY lucky to have been given the choice.

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