Honda
The Integra Type R DC2 is widely considered the best front-wheel drive driver car ever made. Six-figure used prices reflect that reputation.
The Honda Integra is a compact sports coupe and sedan produced from 1985 to 2006 (first three generations) and revived in 2022 as a modern Acura Integra. The first three generations of Integra (DA, DB, DC) defined Honda performance approach in the affordable segment. The DC2 chassis (1994-2001) is the most legendary, particularly in Type R form. The Integra Type R DC2 (1997-2001 in North America, longer in JDM) used a hand-ported B18C5 engine making 195 horsepower from 1.8 liters naturally aspirated. The chassis was stripped of weight (around 2,650 pounds), fitted with a helical limited-slip differential, and tuned at the Tochigi test track for sharp handling response. The result laps tracks faster than many rear-drive sports cars of the era and is widely regarded as the high-water mark of front-wheel drive performance. Other Integra Type R variants include the JDM-only DC2 Type R (with slightly different specifications) and the EU-spec DC2 Type R. The DC5 (2001-2007) was the next-generation Integra Type R, JDM-only with a K20A engine. The Acura Integra Type S of 2024 returns the Type R-spirit nameplate to the modern Acura lineup using the FL5 Civic Type R powertrain. On WhipJury, Integra submissions span GS-R cars (B18C1 engine, lightweight chassis), Type R DC2 cars (Championship White, stripped chassis), and JDM imports of various trims. Clean Type R cars reliably top voting; modified GS-R builds with engine swaps are common.
The DC2 Integra Type R is widely considered the best front-wheel drive driver car ever produced. Honda built it by stripping weight (deleted soundproofing, lighter wheels, unique seats), stiffening the chassis with extra bracing, fitting a hand-ported B18C5 head, adding a helical LSD, and tuning the suspension specifically for the chassis. The result is a 2,650-pound car with 195 horsepower that handles like a much more focused sports car.
DA (1985-1989). First Integra. Available as three-door hatchback or four-door sedan. ZC engine.
DB (1990-1993). Second-generation. Available with the B18A1 engine. The Integra GS-R of this era used the B17A1.
DC (1994-2001). Third-generation. The breakthrough chassis. Type R variant launched 1997 (1995 in JDM). DC2 GS-R uses B18C1.
DC5 (2001-2007). Fourth-generation. JDM-only Integra Type R, K-series K20A engine.
Modern Acura Integra (2022+). Liftback sedan. Type S variant uses Civic Type R FL5 powertrain.
DC2 Type R submissions are rare and reliably top voting. GS-R builds (often with K20 swaps) are common. JDM imports of various Integra variants are increasingly common as the cars age into the 25-year import rule.