I was struck by the difference in size between the two Type-Rs

The best front-driver of all time’ (evo 095). ‘It takes 50 yards to remind me why the Integra is a fully paid-up member of the hero club’ (evo 128). Wow. With eulogies like these it’s small wonder that I’ve always thought the Integra Type-R must be some car. To top it all, last month it was placed 22nd in our list of the 100 greatest drivers’ cars. That’s higher than its bigger brother, the NSX Type-R. Above the much loved BMW M3 CSL even. Yet the Civic Type-R didn’t even get a mention…

So with all this hype, I really wanted to try an Integra and see what the fuss was about, and also find out just what the current Civic Type-R is missing in comparison. By a stroke of luck, staff writer Stephen Dobie’s housemate, Drew Dunlop, is the proud owner of a DC2 (his third Integra, no less) and  more than willing to let me drive his pride and joy. Happy days!

As I pull up next to Drew’s car in our Championship White Civic I’m immediately struck by the difference in size between the two Type‑Rs. The Integra looks lean, like it lives on a diet of rice crackers and skinless chicken, whereas the Civic looks like it has let itself go a bit and needs to get down the gym. Its bigger size means the Civic is 150kg heavier than the ’Teg, which isn’t bad considering it has masses of room in the back, more safety features, sat-nav and other toys, but taking Drew’s car for a spin the benefits of its lighter kerb weight are instantly obvious – the Integra feels like it’s constantly on its toes, ready to fight.

This raw nature is evident in other areas too. The Integra’s gearbox feels crude yet rewarding, its second cam profile punches its way in at 5500rpm (the Civic introduces its more smoothly) and its chassis has a fantastic appetite for corners.

The Civic needs to be driven to its limits to feel as alive as its ancestor. There is a drivers’ car in there, but you have to work hard to find it. Still, as you’ll have read earlier in this month’s issue, there’s good news for those of us who prefer our Type-Rs to be more hardcore more of the time, and it’s got a Mugen badge on the tailgate.