Hi Folks,

I'm looking for a car to replace my daily commuter that is fun to drive and gets good milage as well. I think I have it narrowed down to either an Accord or an Integra (I'd like to spend not much more than $7).

I have other cars for 'fun', a 90 300ZX TT, Stage 3, and a 67 Mini Cooper S, but there's no point in having a commuter car that's boring.

Any thoughts on this question anybody?

Thanks very much!

Jim

 

if it's between a teg and an accord i'd say take the accord.

the integra suffers from massive insurance bills and the scary title of americas number one stolen car (by registered vehicle, not in total stats)

i have owned both, and i will say that the accord is definatly the better DD, although i'd prefer at this point to own an integra because i do not have a dedicated "fun car" if i were i would most likely choose an accord or prelude.

the prelude is to the accord what the integra is to a civic. it has a relativly high revving (7.5k redline) engine, a massive 200 horse for a 1990's NA 4cyl with 160ft-lbs of torque.

i'm telling you this because the prelude is dead smack in the middle of an accord and an integra. it has the power of an integra, is pretty agile in stock form, and doesnt have nearly as many problems with being stolen. it is based on the larger accord platform (infact the heads on the accords f-series are just about as interchangeable with the h-series as the LS heads are with the p72/pr3 vtec heads) and features a solid independent double-wishbone type suspension.

 

THANKS, for taking the time to give such a thorough respose.

Sounds like the answer to my question is 'Accord'. Actually, for the last day or two I've been driving my daughter's '95 Accord Coupe (V-Tec), and its not so bad at all.

That bit about Integra/Civic, Prelude/Accord got my wheels turning. Maybe I'll investigate the Prelude idea.....

Any Prelude suggestions as to what to look for, and what to avoid?

I really like the V-tec engine and want to stick with it, and no way do I want another automatic, unless there's one in my hearse someday, and that'll be beyond my control! :-)

Thanks again. I belong to about a zillion auto forums, and this is a good one.

Jim

 

the accord vtec is a gimmick if that. the actual power it adds is very little, there is more power to be had from just going to a DOHC engine like the 92-96 prelude SI

just look for any standard prelude that is called a SI or si-vtec from the years 92-96, for 97-2001 you'll be looking for any standard base prelude or the top-of-the-line SH which features a SH-FWD torque transfer system much alike the AWD system in the new acura RL.

as for the automatic preludes, years 92-96 featured a f22 which is basically an accord engine. 97+ features a h22 with sportshift but these transmissions are known to break easily and just be be clear: DO NOT LOOK INTO SPORTSHIFT PRELUDES.

I have a feeling you havent encountered many 4cyl. engines that arent bland, as for a prelude or gs-r both will be quite quick, and i'd imagine might suprise you. (they are only about 1 second slower than your 300 in the 1/4 in stock form)

 

What's more important to you? Space and a cushy ride, or acceleration and handling? I've driven my fair share of Accords. You can comfortably seat four or five people in them and they ride well. Downside is they handle like pigs compared to my Integra and unless they have a V6 don't fair well in a drag race. And I just have a plain LS and not a GS-R. I also get better gas mileage as well (as would be expected with a smaller engine and less vehicle weight). My advice? Drive both and then make a decision. My $0.02