Clio trophy or jdm integra dc2

[DanDC5]

Integra, having an LSD makes a huge difference!

[f1nn]

I love both of these cars, and have driven both extensively.

If I had to use it every single day, I'd choose the Trophy.

Love the Integra (although it would have to be a UK model for me), and it's certainly sensational when you are in the mood, but for cold, dark, winter mornings, the big hearted nature of the Clio would be the one.

I was fortunate enough to drive a Trophy a fair bit when they first came out, and not before or since have I driven a car which felt as perfectly use able on UK roads. Of course I've driven faster on paper but the Clio felt like I could exploit everything fully on every drive. Sublime handling and ride compromise, although as others have said I'd want to budget for a damper rebuild now, but hey, you can rebuild them so that's not a massive issue.

They are quite sensitive to tyres, as are the DC2's, and the original tyres have been replaced by others in the Michelin range (or Bridgestone in the case of the DC2) so I'd want to check that at purchase.

[muffinmenace]

The DC2 will more then likely need a re-bush, if it's been done, great, but it will command a premium over those that haven't (5k will buy you a minter).

If it smokes on VTEC switch over, lift off in VTEC and WOT at the top end then walk away as it's terminal. Mine was filled with the thickest oil I've ever seen when I bought it to subdue the smoke, eventually it caught up with me and I had to have it rebuilt.

Check www.itr-dc2.com for loads of thread on buying advice

[stew-S160]

jatinder said:

Both great, Clio would be more comfortable.

But if you’re coming from a 205 the Honda will still seem refined.

Very, very, reliable if brought right (My UK spec never broke down in four year of ownership or had major problems), Standard JDM ones are great, avoid the ones without proof of regular oil changes they need the oil changing every 5000. They also only run on super unleaded (98 Ron plus) where the Clio runs fine on normal unleaded.

Edited by jatinder on Wednesday 16th May 09:05

No, the Clio would not be more comfortable, unless it had the Recaro seats. But even then, the Recaro Speed seats and the driving position in the DC2 are some of the best in any car, ever.


Of the two, and having owned a UK ITR DC2 and Clio 172 Cup, I'd pick the DC2 over the Clio without hesitation. The better car in all conditions.

[wackojacko]

Not driven a DC2, to me the Clios feel cheap and horrid.

Weird cutch feel and a weird driving position, however the driving position is meant to be far improved in the trophy with the Recaros.

[Captain Muppet]

wolves_wanderer said:

C2james said:

Surely things like overtaking, without having to hit vtec and those types of situations?

Posts like this make me sad.

Me too but not as sad as this:

C2james said:

I don't know, I don't mind being proven wrong I was just going off what I've read/heard.

I had a lovely drive in a DC2 once. It was one of the ones with a gearbox - you just flick this little lever around and it increased the torque. Amazing. I'm one of those luddite FWD haters and I'd still happily buy a DC2 if I had a spare parking space.

I've never driven any Clio so what I'm going to do is not tell people my opinion of it based on nothing. Although I have heard they all smell of fish. Or fun. Something begining with f.

[r1ch]

I'm in a similar situation. I have a tidy 205 GTI that i'm considering switching to something VTEC (yo). With a similar budget to you i have considered an Accord type R, Civic type R, Clio 197/182.

I've heard from a couple of 205 guys that the DC2 is even less refined than the 205. I haven't had chance to try one yet. I read they are quite noisy on a run. Would like to have a look myself though. 5k will get a really smart dc2.

Edited by r1ch on Wednesday 16th May 10:37

[300bhp/ton]

C2james said:

. Also the clio is much mor usable on the road.

What exactly do you mean by that?

[DanDC5]

C2james said:

Surely things like overtaking, without having to hit vtec and those types of situations?

If you buy an Integra but don't want to hit VTEC when you overtake things you've bought the wrong car.

[300bhp/ton]

C2james said:

ambuletz said:

If hondas notorious reputation for reliability extends to that of the integra, then I'd go for that. much cooler/rarer car too.

How many integras are there? There's only 500 trophys.

Which to Jo Public and even many motoring bods, look 99.99% the same as any shopping grade Clio, thus making them more common than muck.

[300bhp/ton]

C2james said:

BUG4LIFE said:

Yeah, how? I used my DC2 everyday on the road and it was fine! It was actually a really nice place to be.

Surely things like overtaking, without having to hit vtec and those types of situations?

[C2james]

fking hell I say one slightly stupid comment and everyone turns on me, and 300 you can ps off some of the things I've seen you say are radiculous.

[300bhp/ton]

grantley1988 said:

Hi all

I have 5k to spend on a new car and am torn between the clio trophy and the dc2. I have had 205 for the last year and would like something with power steering and something that is a little more comfy. Has any driven the two? I also have been looking at v6 Alfa's

Hope you can shed your opinions

I've not driven the Clio, but the DC2 is the BEST fwd car I've ever driven or been in - PERIOD!

And I don't believe the Clio is going to be as good on any level. The only thing going for it is less weight, so maybe slightly more nimble feeling on initial turn in.

But the DC2 has the sweeter engine, sweeter gearbox (although watch for syncro issues) and rather importantly an LSD. Which IMO totally transforms how a FWD car drives and handles. The longer wheelbase is also likely to make it more stable and I simply love the ethos behind why the Type R exists and how they were made.

I also much prefer the "coupe" looks over the upright shopping kart hatch look of the Clio. Interiors on both cars are not great, although the seats in the Honda are superb as is the titanium gearknob.

Personally I much prefer the look of the UK spec ITR over the JDM ones, but that's just personal preference.

[DanDC5]

Having driven both I would actually say the Clio might handle just a tiny bit better than the DC2, purely down the the ridiculously expensive suspension they fitted to the Trophy. BUT as a total package the DC2 is a better car, it's faster in a straight line for those wanting to get to the next twisty bit quicker and the LSD as I said before makes a huge difference to the car. It really helps you tuck the nose and and drag it's ass out of tight corners quicker.

Buy a minter and look after it and you won't lose much if any on depreciation either.

[C2james]

300bhp/ton said:

Which to Jo Public and even many motoring bods, look 99.99% the same as any shopping grade Clio, thus making them more common than muck.

Although they aren't and they have a big spoiler, bright red, black wheels and says trophy on the side.

[300bhp/ton]

C2james said:

300bhp/ton said:

Which to Jo Public and even many motoring bods, look 99.99% the same as any shopping grade Clio, thus making them more common than muck.

Although they aren't and they have a big spoiler, bright red, black wheels and says trophy on the side.

Most of Jo Public struggle to tell a MINI from a Rolls. They will not notice different colour wheels or spoiler as anything more significant other than being a bit chav. And even to those in the know such additions could also be seen as being a bit chav.

Not saying the Clio is a bad car at all. But it is exactly what it looks like - a hatchback.

[300bhp/ton]

C2james said:

fking hell I say one slightly stupid comment and everyone turns on me, and 300 you can ps off some of the things I've seen you say are radiculous.

Yes you said something stupid, but no need to get nasty.

BTW - a crash course in what VTEC is, how it works and what it's intended to do would serve you well here.

But in short, the 1.8 in the DC2 is as punchy or more so at lower rpms as any other 1.8 n/a motor. What VTEC does is allow it to maintain this torque at much higher rpms. This is important because:

HP = torque x rpm / 5252

Basically horse power is torque at speed. So make the same torque at higher rpms and you get a LOT more HP.

[vz-r_dave]

The dc2 is less of a white good in the uk due to the fact that it is the only variant. The Clio is white good material with stickers and spoiler so average jo thinks Barry chav, so DC2 wins on that basis also I guess.

[littleandy0410]

If the OP has narrowed it down to these two, I'd guess he's not that bothered about what the general public think, as £5k gives you a wide range of "cool" cars. Both of these cars are purely down to driving enjoyment in a FWD, scruff of the neck manner!

Having owned a Trophy for 18 months and 36k, doing an 80 mile a day, cross country commute in it, I would say that depending on the type of roads being driven, the Clio is a more comfortable ride. The Recaro seats which the Trophy has are superb, and the ride is fairly compliant even on crashy, fen roads like I used.

A friend has had a UK DC2 for about 10 years now, and I have spent a considerable amount of time in it, and on the motorway there isn't much in it, but on the local fen roads around here, I would be inclined to say the Trophy would be the more comfortable and therefore probably quicker of the two. Having said that, the LSD means the teg handles like no FWD car has the right to! MASSIVE grin factor!

As they have such different driving positions, I would say it's down to personal choice really, I'm 6ft (not powerfully built though ) and the Clio is a squeeze. Also, if back seat access is a requirement, the Clio legroom is next to useless. With the seat all the way back, there is about 2 inches between the front and rear seats.

I envy you though, OP, as I would've loved to keep my Trophy (2 kids have prevented that though!) and I would love a mint white UK DC2.

[TITWONK]

ok i will bite, get the clio, they do not look like a normal clio if you know the slightest thing about cars.
a cup will be just as quick as a dc2 and track driving would be down to the driver as to who is quickest! better mpg and a lot lighter too! some people just do not like clios. maybe they have never driven a trophy or a cup but there comments never seem to reflect clio owners experiences!
the integra looks old as now too! i would take a cup at half the cost of an integra, infact i did and i have no regrets! i would drive both but i love my cup