🚗 Honda Integra Type R (DC2) – The Driver’s Dream Machine
By Paquito Jr Conde | August 13, 2025
The Honda Integra Type R (DC2) isn’t just another sporty hatchback—it’s a precision-engineered masterpiece built for pure driving excitement. With its high-revving B18C VTEC engine, featherweight chassis, and unmatched handling, it has earned its place as one of the most iconic front-wheel-drive cars ever made. Whether you’re a collector, a track-day enthusiast, or simply a fan of Honda’s racing DNA, the DC2 is a legend worth knowing.
🚗 Honda Integra Type R (DC2) – Full Breakdown
🔍 Clearing Up the “NA1” vs “DC2” Confusion
NA1 is the chassis code for the original NSX—a mid-engine V6 supercar. The DC2 Integra Type R is a completely different beast, though it shares Honda’s racing spirit. For this, we’ll focus entirely on the legendary DC2 Integra Type R.
⚙️ Engine & Performance
- High-revving 1.8L DOHC VTEC inline-4 (B18C)
- Power: ~187 bhp @ 8,000 rpm (UK) / ~200 PS (JDM)
- Torque: ~131 lb-ft (~178 Nm) high in the rev range
- 0–60 mph: 6.2–6.7 seconds
- Top Speed: ~145 mph
🛞 Chassis & Handling
- Lightweight & rigid build – reduced sound insulation, thinner glass, lighter wheels, reinforced body
- Double wishbone suspension (front & rear) with firmer springs, upgraded dampers, and thicker anti-roll bars
- 262 mm ventilated front discs, 226 mm solid rear discs
- Limited-slip differential for better corner grip
- Hydraulic power steering with exceptional feedback
🎯 Interior & Design
- Recaro bucket seats, titanium shift knob, alloy pedals
- Minimalist driver-focused cockpit
- Weight: ~1125 kg (≈2478 lb)
- Signature Championship White paint (initially) with functional aero – front lip & rear wing
✅ Pros & Advantages
- 🏎 Exceptional handling – one of the best FWD cars ever made
- 🎶 High-revving VTEC excitement above 6,000 rpm
- ⚖️ Lightweight yet stiff chassis for agile, precise driving
- 🔧 Strong reliability with excellent aftermarket support
- 📈 Collector’s value – holds or increases in worth
⚠️ Cons & Drawbacks
- 🛠 Prone to rust, especially wheel arches and sills
- ⚙️ Mechanical wear – gearbox synchros, engine mounts, oil leaks
- 🪑 Minimal comfort – rigid ride, tight seats, sometimes no A/C
- ⛽ Needs high-octane fuel for best performance
- 🔍 Hard to find clean, unmodified examples
📋 Quick Specs
| >Attribute | >Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8 L DOHC inline-4 (B18C VTEC) |
| Power | ~187 bhp (UK) / ~197 bhp (JDM) |
| Torque | ~131 lb-ft (~178 Nm) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, close-ratio, LSD |
| 0–60 mph | 6.2–6.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~145 mph |
| Weight | ~1125 kg |
| Suspension | Double wishbone, performance tuned |
💡 Why You Might Buy One
If you’re chasing pure driving joy, mechanical simplicity, and the thrill of Honda’s engineering magic, the DC2 is for you. It’s raw, responsive, and deeply connected to the road—plus it’s a collectible classic.
⚖️ Final Thought
The Honda Integra Type R (DC2) is a rare breed in the car world—a true driver’s car that’s engaging, agile, and timeless. If you can find a clean example and care for it properly, you’re not just buying a car—you’re preserving a legend. 🏁