Love my GSR but...

[brudiddy]

I'm thinking of selling it for an SI? I own a 97 Integra GSR and it still runs great after 140k miles. I would like to buy a similar performing car as my daily driver to own for the next 5-10 yrs. So far from what I read on this forum, there is a lack of quality materials in the interior of the SI's. It's surprising to me since my GSR's interior has held up after 11 yrs. But that's just a minor concern I have. My other choice would be a used S2000, but the only negative thing to me about it would be the lack of practicality. Anyway, for those of you who have owned or driven a GSR...how is the SI compared to it, stock for stock?

[Izzy]

The Si's material, compared to older CIVICS (not Integras) is roughly on the same scale. That said, it's comparable in terms of ruggedness as my old '95. HOWEVER, that's just one compared to one. I will say, though, that the materials used in the previous models were a lot better. The material inside this current one is easy to scratch but durable, if that makes any sense.

The seat fabric is prone to more wear, due to the material. However, I'm not all too obsessed about it, as long as it hugs me in the corners. It should be noted, however, that my elbow rests on the arm rest, and it does feel notably coarser.

I'm just waiting for Special Ringpop (cool guy as he is) to come in and say to look elsewhere, as he is definitely not happy with HIS purchase. I am though, but my interior still looks good to me, apart from one huge gouge on the glove compartment that I put there myself, on accident.

[redontheline]

I am 17, just got my license, but have had the privilege to learn on and drive my dad's 95 gs-r for my daily car. I was also lucky enough to have grandparents and parents provide me with a bank account that can handle the purchase of the si, which has really become my first choice of car (I was set on si, scared away by 3rd gear, the scion tc was too short as my head was in the sunroof, the subby wrx was too fast for my mom's liking, so now I'm basically back to si).

Interior: In comparison, I'd have to say I really like the Acura seat material better. The SI stuff is similar, but much more nappy. It feels fine in cool weather but sticks to you a lot on warmer days. It seems like the fibers of the material are longer too. To me, the civic could be compared to fleece while the integra seems more like velvet or nylon, just a more slick and comfortable (yet still grippy) material. I wasn't too interested in comparison of interiors of cars when I was 5, but I would say the Acura's interior is nothing to get too excited about. The SI is more modern, but seems to be in the same category. It has odd plastic-y storage compartments. The steering wheel is very nice, similar to BMW and Lexus, etc. That's a great improvement over the gsr plastic.

On the road:Neither car has torque, so you can't expect the same g-force feeling as you get with the wrx turbo or a bigger engine. However, the strange thing to me (I've been in the si but earlier today was actually the first time I've driven) is that off the line, the 13 year old Acura still feels like it pushes me back into the seat harder than the SI. It could most definitely be me not being used to the car, or I could just be a little overwhelmed by being on the test drive, as it still gets up to speed very quickly, and chirps the tires in first and second, something the Acura can't do.

I know this is long, but hopefully it has some helpful comparison. If you can think of anything else I might be able to tell, let me know.

[KenB]

Welcome to the site, redontheline. I don't have anything to add to this thread but wanted to let you know that may be the best post I've seen from a 17 year-old in this board. It's nice to see a young guy that can form a complete sentence, use correct grammar, and string it all together into an informative post. :)

[B-Stylz]

I agree. Nice one.

[Meinnocenthah]

we just bought a 2008 civic si sedan, had an integra sedan prior.. the civic is MUCH better!

buy buy buy it!

the civic gets better gas mileage, the Vtec is alot smoother, the 6 spd is nice added bonus. I do agree on the acura stuff is better...but they dont make the rsx-s anymore..so either buy a used 05+ rsx-s or buy a brand new civic...

Oh and the civic sedan si handles and rides better than the coupe. The seats will eventually break in so will everything else.

edit: the damn rsx-s coupe is tiny And we test drove one of the 05 RSX-S it doesnt seem to be as peppy as the civic SI....

[Mcgruber]

Originally Posted by Meinnocenthah

we just bought a 2008 civic si sedan, had an integra sedan prior.. the civic is MUCH better!

buy buy buy it!

the civic gets better gas mileage, the Vtec is alot smoother, the 6 spd is nice added bonus. I do agree on the acura stuff is better...but they dont make the rsx-s anymore..so either buy a used 05+ rsx-s or buy a brand new civic...

Oh and the civic sedan si handles and rides better than the coupe. The seats will eventually break in so will everything else.

edit: the damn rsx-s coupe is tiny And we test drove one of the 05 RSX-S it doesnt seem to be as peppy as the civic SI....

did you upgrade from a ls or a gs-r cause... big dif in umph!

i have a si sedan but damn those b series motors and their tuning lol

[redontheline]

Originally Posted by Meinnocenthah

the civic gets better gas mileage, the Vtec is alot smoother, the 6 spd is nice added bonus. I do agree on the acura stuff is better...but they dont make the rsx-s anymore..so either buy a used 05+ rsx-s or buy a brand new civic...

Oh, that is something else I noticed. Vtech in the Integra sounds nice now that the engine was finally tuned, but really doesn't feel much different. The SI above 6000rpm gave a really neat and noticeable extra pull.

And thanks Ken. I try my best.

[07Nighthawkbp]

Si is 100 times funner

[Lucky_Bagota]

Owned a 95 gsr and now i'm on a 06 si. Between the two i like the handling on the gsr a little better. That damn car just felt like it wanted to be tossed in the corner. Don't get me wrong the si handles great but something about a the double wishbone suspension on the older hondas they just felt a little better. The Si is newer though so naturally it's gotta lot more options then a 10+ year old car. I say go for it you won't regret it.

[Meinnocenthah]

i have had a 96 GSR coupe *my first real car, traded it for the LS becuase i needed a bigger car as my family was growing* and a 98 LS sedan *which is what i traded in for the two civics we got*...

by far i love my civic (mines a LX, the bf got the SI..)

it is a big difference..I also like the sound of the SI :P

I can honestly say im a fan of integras, but i love the civic much more. Id like to get the Acura CSX -S (canadian version of the civic..made for acura)

And imo, the Integra coupe handles better then civic si coupe, but the civic si sedan handles better then the integra sedan.

you wont regret getting an si :P

[rcracin13]

if you feel that you can keep on enjoying the gsr, stick with it for a while longer until you're really ready to give it up. the Si is a whole different ballgame. from ivtec to drive by wire, its a different experience. it is a very comfortable new car and quite frankly, i bought my car to drive it, expect wear and tear, and enjoy it. with that being said, i think it was worth it and i have not regretted buying it. i'll occasionally get a 3rd gear notching, but life goes on. i drive my car like i stole it and it has yet to let me down. the interior isnt all that but its plastic and its easy to replace in a few years anyways. i'll probably buy new plastic interior pieces in about 2-3 years just so they look new again. my car is also a practical car. i do EVERYTHING with it. hence why i also bought a 4dr Si. (i never would've even considered an Si if they didnt make the 4dr and i'd still be driving some old school 4dr honda/acura). i've carried doors from home depot, moved out of my house...bed frame, futon, clothes, boxes....lots of stuff. the Si is a great buy as far as buying a good car goes.

[habitat]

^^^ probably because your GS-R was 300lbs lighter.

[brudiddy]

Thanks for all your input. I prob would have pulled the trigger for an SI earlier if it weren't for the 3rd gear issues. From what i've read here, it seems that Honda has attempted a fix the with the newer models. I'll wait for the 09's to hit the lots and test drive for myself. Right now I'm leaning towards the SI and hope to join the club with you guys.

[rcracin13]

yea dude just wait it out if you're gsr is still holding up well. if you're in the NE, lmk if you're selling the gsr. im interested.

[osohormiguerro]

si is great. as much as the acura line is amazing,
the 06+ have factory lsd.

[nsane]

i think there are too many differences to compare. I Miss my 97 GSR a
lot. but then again i have bought 2 8th Gen SI's. at the end of the day the SI is a more refined GSR. i just wish my SI trans was a strong as my GSR's was (My GSR was sold @ 145k miles)

[bwagner31]

redontheline, i'm 17 too and i have a fbp fa5. its nice to see some other young kids getting si's and i really think you would love the car. my third gear really isn't that bad in comparison to most other people on the site. ill get notchiness and a pop out occasionally but not too bad. coming from a guy your own age, i say get the si. shoot me a pm if you've got any questions

[P1ng]

[F-1 Si]

I owned a 94 GSR and now an 07 FA5(and many cars between now and then). To me the Civic handles by far much better in a capable drivers hands.

I would hold off to see what maybe 2010 has to offer. Alot of rumors etc. If your 94 has 140k on it and runs strong throw some money in it to keep it going till you can see what's on the horizon. Good luck and welcome.