strut bars reinforce the frame / chassis of the car, the sway bar is a suspension component.

some people, like, choose the OEM bars for the type r because they are OEM to acuras, and they are cheaper

i had front and rear ebay strut bars, waste of $30 h: i swap out my front for the 4pt neuspeed bar, i love it. i have yet to swap the rear for anything else.

i also swapped out my stock rear sway bar for the ITR. went from 14mm to 22mm i believe. i havent gotten a chance to really "drive" my car, though.

http://ownerages.com/itrinstall.htm