Civic Type R/Integra Type S

[BimmerMan33]

It’s been a while.., I wonder what the OP decided..
It’s understandable to get frustrated when things break on the E9x M3.. and you feel like moving on to a more reliable platform.
Been there, done that! I’m currently on my 3rd E9x M3!!
I bought my 2nd M3 after trading in a 335is because the engine didn’t feel special like the S65 V8 & the N54 had rev hang as well as turbo lag (manual transmission upshifts and full throttle, there is turbo lag). Enjoyed the M3 for 47,000 miles but then it needed the usual stuff & gasket leaks one after the other, on a whim test drove a 2020 BRZ tS during lock down, was blown away by the light weight & agile handling, bought it for 4K off MSRP, made the M3 feel too heavy on the street as well as track, M3 would just sit for weeks, so sold it.
Drove the BRZ tS for 15,000 miles and realized that while the chassis & handling was great, the engine simply was uninspiring (almost boring) and with all that road noise, started missing the M3 again!!
Rented a F80 M3 for 4 days, while fun when driving aggressively, did not feel special like the e92 M3 on most times, it was more like a modified version of N54 powered 335i..
Just bought my 3rd e92 M3 MT 2 months ago, after owning a 2016 Cayman MT, 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio & 2020 Camaro MT SS 1LE, drove each of them for 10-12,000 miles including 5 to 7 track days.
In my opinion the E9x M3 does most things well & feels special even though some of the above cars do some things much better than the M3!
I’m aware my M3 will be needing the usual stuff over time but can’t think of a better all rounder with NA V8 MT that sounds so good!
To the OP, I’d say keep the M3 and if possible get a low cost used reliable car to have a different experience!

Sorry for the long post..

[SSJVegita]

Originally Posted by 414bhp

I drove an IS500 this summer, and while it was fun, it didn't have the razor-edged engine response that we love from the M3. Unless maintained the M3 was breaking you, I couldn't see taking an IS500 over it.

Yea i wasnt ever planning on trading the m3 for an is500, what i been thinking is getting rid of the type r and getting a is500. I just need a somewhat fun daily and keep the m3 for the real spirited drives.

[DanMpower]

I have an FL5 as my daily driver.

My thoughts?
Positives: The new FL5 looks awesome, so much better than the FK8, and the new widebody has amazing road presence. The new interior is awesome too, with one of the best seats, controls are easy to use and overall the car is very well made. Love all the newer tech, wireless CarPlay, and all the lane keep/centering/adaptive cruise works perfectly. Driving position is bang on and the clutch is way better feeling compared to the E9x M3. The car gets lots of attention and and thumbs ups. I'm getting 25-27mpg on average, and the ride is very nice in comfort mode.

Negatives: Steering is accurate but a little numb compared to the E9x M3, fake engine noises with piped-in sounds, you can turn it off but then it sounds very uninspiring. The engine’s powerband is rubber band-like, it doesn't have that instant crisp throttle response of the S65, not even close. The shifter is nice and direct but I actually prefer the feel of the M3’s 6MT with the Autosolutions shifter, which feels more mechanical and precise. It's been a while since I've had a FWD car and while the Type R does cool party tricks to mask that it's FWD, it's still obvious it's a higher-powered FWD. It feels odd when giving it heavy throttle and turning, no torque steer but it has a weird sensation where it feels like it wants to go straight instead of turning.

Overall I think the FL5 is an amazing car and I love having it as a daily driver. Very fun, refined, easy to drive and I highly recommend one if it’s your only car. If you can afford the upkeep, terrible gas mileage, the M3 feels more raw and special, it has this immediate response and sheer theatrics the FL5 can’t match. Getting into the M3 and getting ready to drive feels like an event, but sometimes you just want to get in and drive without having to warm up the car for 10 minutes. The M3 definitely feels faster but the Type R is no slouch with meaty mid-range torque.

[patsbimmer1]

I recently had a chance to spend some time driving our 500whp FK8 at work and it was my first time driving an FK8. What I took away from driving it is this. I get it. I get why people like these. I also understand why people don't like them. It's fast, it makes turbo noises, brakes are good, shifter is satisfying and it handles wonderfully. It doesn't sound particularly good, the interior is fine, the looks are divisive and it attracts attention of all kinds.

If someone wants the best FWD car on the market this is it. I'm not the person that would replace my e9x with one of these or use it as a daily but I understand why someone would want one.

[BimmerMan33]

Just bought a 24’ Integra Type S, it’s probably the sportiest front wheel drive car out there & is very practical/easy to drive.. But it’s NOT to be compared to a rear wheel drive car, let alone an M3!
It’s apples & oranges, both are great but not comparable!!

[importraceram]

Originally Posted by BimmerMan33

Just bought a 24’ Integra Type S, it’s probably the sportiest front wheel drive car out there & is very practical/easy to drive.. But it’s NOT to be compared to a rear wheel drive car, let alone an M3!
It’s apples & oranges, both are great but not comparable!!

What are your thoughts on the ITS? Highly considering in the next 18 months or so. Went from an e90 to FK8 CTR and possibly considering ITS to replace the fk8. The idea to come back to the e9x platform ALWAYS creeps into my head…

[BimmerMan33]

Originally Posted by importraceram

What are your thoughts on the ITS? Highly considering in the next 18 months or so. Went from an e90 to FK8 CTR and possibly considering ITS to replace the fk8. The idea to come back to the e9x platform ALWAYS creeps into my head…

I’ve only put 500 miles (mostly highway) since I got the ITS, will come back & write a review in a couple months once I get a better feel for it including a track day.
I can’t compare to FK8 type R as I’ve never driven one. So far, the main thing I don’t like is that the steering seems to fight a little bit going straight under moderate acceleration but that could be an alignment issue, getting it checked out next week. Otherwise, engine feels really smooth for a 4 cyl & revs quickly like a proper sports car engine. Turbo lag is felt if you drive it like a NA car. Shifter & clutch feel is very nice/smooth/easy (typical Honda), minimal rev hang. Auto rev match is precise but sometimes doesn’t match at all down shifting into 4th.. Exhaust sound is ideal in loudness, not obnoxious at all & no drone. Intake sound seems to be played thru the speakers & feels a little synthetic, especially when I drive the M3 (cannot & should not compare!).
Feels lighter than the M3 which it is (400 lb). Steering is very sharp & precise, doesn’t feel numb. Chassis & suspension tuning is very good in comfort mode (taut/firm but never harsh), does not understeer easily at all, does not feel front heavy like most FWD cars. Road noise is slightly higher than M3, not bad at all as a daily driver. Seats feel a little too firm.. M3 seats are comparatively less firm. Seat bolsters are designed for daily driving & won’t be as supportive as type R for track use.