2024 Audi RS 3 vs 2024 Acura Integra Type S

2024 Audi RS 3 vs 2024 Acura Integra Type S

Imagine driving down the open road with your hands firmly on the wheel, feeling the excitement running through your veins. The Audi RS 3 and Acura Integra Type S are performance hot hatches that can make this dream a reality. These two iconic cars represent the ultimate battle of automotive champions, boasting unparalleled power under the hood and precision engineering. Whether you prefer the refined elegance of the Audi RS 3 or the wild, untamed spirit of the Acura Integra Type S, both promise to provide a driving experience that will leave you exhilarated.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 2024 Audi RS 3 vs. 2024 Acura Integra Type S. We'll evaluate their performance capabilities, design elements, and technological advancements to determine which truly deserves the ultimate hot hatch title.

Performance and Powertrain

Regarding raw power and exhilarating performance, the Audi RS3 takes the crown. With its impressive 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque generated from its unique 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, the RS3 is in a league of its own. This machine beast will ignite your senses and leave you craving more every time you press the pedal. In comparison, while the Acura Integra Type S boasts a respectable 320 horsepower, the Audi RS3's superior power output puts it in a league of its own.

Not only does the Audi RS3 excel in power, but it also offers a range of cutting-edge features that enhance its performance and handling. The RS torque splitter, a technological marvel, diverts power individually to the rear wheels when needed, ensuring dynamic handling and optimal traction on any terrain. In addition, the RS sport suspension, equipped with damper control, provides a comfortable yet exhilarating driving experience by continuously adjusting the dampers within milliseconds. This feature sets the Audi RS3 apart from the Acura Integra Type S, allowing drivers to precisely tune the suspension to match their driving preferences.

Furthermore, the Audi RS3 doesn't just offer incredible performance under the hood and delivers a symphony of auditory delight with its distinctive exhaust note. The optional RS sport exhaust system with sporty oval tailpipes takes the sonic experience to a new level, making every drive a sensory feast for the ears. In contrast, while offering an engaging driving experience, the Acura Integra Type S doesn't possess the same level of acoustic prowess that the Audi RS3 uniquely brings.

Interior and Comfort

With interior and comfort, the Audi RS3 interior provides a range of features that will elevate your driving experience. The RS3's passenger space is similar to the A3 and S3 but sets itself apart with a pair of more aggressively bolstered front seats. Audi ensures that the RS3's dashboard is far from bland, with a design that captures attention. The high-mounted air vents face the driver and flank the instrument panel binnacle that houses a set of digital gauges. The RS3 even offers an available head-up display for added convenience. The center touchscreen accompanies physical climate controls with buttons, creating a seamless user experience.

The driver-centric cockpit of the RS3 puts you in control with the touch of the RS-mode button, conveniently located on the steering wheel. This allows you to adjust the RS modes to suit your preference or road conditions, enhancing the driving experience further. Additionally, the RS3 offers the RS Design package, which includes luxurious details such as red-bordered seat belts, air vents with a red center bar, red-stitched floor mats with the RS logo, and front seat shoulders in express red Dinamica. These design elements add a touch of sportiness to the already impressive interior.

While the Acura Integra Interior also offers a finely crafted interior, with elevated details such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, it is the Audi RS3 that shines in terms of its driver-centric cockpit. The Audi RS3's interior design and features prioritize the driver's experience, making it the better choice for interior and comfort.

Audio and Connectivity

The RS3 comes equipped with a head-up display, available with the RS technology package, which conveniently projects relevant information within your field of vision. It includes exclusive RS features such as a shift indicator and oil temperature display. Additionally, the Audi RS3 features the Audi virtual cockpit plus, a customizable digital instrument cluster displayed on a high-definition 12.3-inch screen. The RS-specific modes enhance the experience with an RS runway design highlighting power and torque percentages, among other information.

To elevate the audio experience, the RS3 offers the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound. This system boasts 680 watts, 15 speakers, and a 16-channel amplifier, turning the car into a concert hall on wheels. The Audi RS3 also ensures seamless smartphone integration with the Audi smartphone interface and wireless charging pad.

On the other hand, the Acura Integra Type S also provides some notable audio and connectivity features. Its full-color 9-inch touchscreen display provides convenient access to maps, music, and apps. Similarly, it offers Android Auto integration for Android users, with the option of wireless connectivity.

Overall, if you prioritize advanced audio features, a customizable digital instrument cluster, and seamless smartphone integration, the Audi RS3 is the better choice when compared to the Acura Integra Type S.

Safety Technology

As for the safety technology, the Audi RS3 offers a comprehensive suite of features prioritizing driver awareness and collision avoidance. The RS3 comes equipped with adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance as a standard feature, which supports to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and assists in keeping the car centered in its lane.

Additionally, the Audi RS3 features an Audi pre-sense front, a system that scans the road ahead and provides a series of warnings in the event of a potential collision. If the driver does not respond, the car can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. The RS3 also offers park assist, providing steering guidance when maneuvering into parking spaces, whether perpendicular or parallel. In this system, the driver controls the throttle and braking.

The Audi RS3 further enhances safety with side assist, which alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spots while in motion. When reversing, the rear cross-traffic assist feature notifies the driver of oncoming vehicles and can intervene with a brake jolt if necessary. Lastly, with a lane departure warning, the RS3 provides a visual and audible alert when the vehicle drifts out of its designated lane. If the driver does not take corrective action, the vehicle can provide corrective steering to keep the car within the lane.

On the other hand, the Acura Integra Type S offers a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies known as AcuraWatch™. This suite includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist. The Integra Type S also offers additional driver-assistive technologies such as a blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

Taking into consideration the RS3's adaptive cruise assist, Audi pre sense front, park assist, side assist with rear cross-traffic assist, and lane departure warning with corrective steering, it is clear that the Audi RS3 offers a more advanced and comprehensive safety technology package compared to the Acura Integra Type S.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when comparing the 2024 Audi RS3 to the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, it is clear that the Audi RS3 emerges as the ultimate hot hatch. With its unbeatable combination of power, performance, and luxury, the RS3 outshines its competitors. The RS3's powerful engine, precise handling, and aggressive styling give it an edge over the Acura Integra Type S. Additionally, the RS3's advanced safety technology and high-end features further enhance its appeal. If you're searching for a hot hatch with superior power, style, and high-performance capabilities, the 2024 Audi RS3 is our ultimate pick.