What Makes the 1998 Type R Acura Integra so Special?

An Older Model With a Surprising History

There are some cars that we seem to be able to see on a daily basis. In fact, we see these vehicles so often that we tend to lose all forms of appreciation for them. In the automotive world, much like in life, though, sometimes things are not exactly as they seem. Perhaps one of the best examples of this can be found in the Type R Acura Integra. While those who are not excessively knowledgable about the Integra's history may not be able to tell the difference between a Type R model and the rest of the Integra line, there are indeed many differences, and those differences are what has made the Type R Integra one of the most sought after and rare import performance cars available.

First, however, a little bit of background on the Integra. For the third generation models, there were three (four depending on how you look at it) different types or variations of the Integra, having to deal mostly with the type of engine that was euipped to each model. The standard RS/LS model got a non-VTEC 1.8 liter Honda Motor, which made about 140 horse power or so. The next model up, the GS-R, received a 170 or so 1.8 liter VTEC motor. However, the rarest, and most iconic Integra, the Type R, only came to the United States in very small numbers, and was given the now legendary B18C5 motor, which, at the same 1.8 liter size as the other engines, made right around 200 horse power, an almost unmatched number for an engine of that size without forced induction. Although the Type R did not have the luxuries (leather seats, sunroof, etc.) of the GS-R, it's incredibly light weight and higher power made it a legend in only a few short years.

However, because of the very limited number of Type R's that ever made it to the United States, the cars have become very rare, and a model from 1998 that is in good condition can easily fetch upwards of eighteen or nineteen thousand dollars if it has not been fooled around with. However, while the value of the Integra may be easy to calculate, perhaps the more difficult question lies in exploring what exactly has made it so popular.