205 1.9 GTi or DC2 Integra Type-R. Which would you choose?
Discussion
Ok, here`s a more contentious one. Arguably the most exciting FWD cars of the 1980s and 1990s respectively (I`ve deliberately avoided best and hot hatch, as mk2 Golf GTi and 306 GTi or Rallye fans amongst others may have something to say about that). These are the only two FWD cars that I think would merit garage space besides the Delta Integrale and Sierra Cosworth in my dream garage!
I often find myself defending FWD cars on here because I think FWD when done well is as good as RWD or AWD with similar power, provided it`s light and doesn`t have too much power. I don`t think FWD is the best way to harness 200bhp+ (even though modern engineering and electronics can handle it), which is why I don`t really have much interest in the latest generation of 200bhp+ turbocharged hot hatches.
What can I say about the 205 that hasn`t been said already. It`s the classic big engine in a small car and still looks so right IMHO. Yes, there are some compromises with living with a 205 (I ran a 1.6 for 2 years and have actually driven a 1.9) but FWD doesn`t get much more fun. A 1.9 GTi was the car that I really wanted for all of my teenage years and I never quite achieved that dream (I bought a 1.6 because 3rd party insurance was only 1200 pounds and running costs were more reasonable).
The Integra is another `nearly`car for me. I tracked one down and could have bought one at 24 (also test drove an EP3) but 3000 pounds to insure it seemed a bit steep! I currently have a `cooking `` Civic though and I have to say Honda engines and gearboxes are exceptionally smooth and responsive and their high performance engines are something else.
Many motoring magazines claim that this is the best FWD car ever made.
My heart says 205 because it harks back to my youth but without having had the opportunity to drive an Integra, I can`t really call this one.
I often find myself defending FWD cars on here because I think FWD when done well is as good as RWD or AWD with similar power, provided it`s light and doesn`t have too much power. I don`t think FWD is the best way to harness 200bhp+ (even though modern engineering and electronics can handle it), which is why I don`t really have much interest in the latest generation of 200bhp+ turbocharged hot hatches.
What can I say about the 205 that hasn`t been said already. It`s the classic big engine in a small car and still looks so right IMHO. Yes, there are some compromises with living with a 205 (I ran a 1.6 for 2 years and have actually driven a 1.9) but FWD doesn`t get much more fun. A 1.9 GTi was the car that I really wanted for all of my teenage years and I never quite achieved that dream (I bought a 1.6 because 3rd party insurance was only 1200 pounds and running costs were more reasonable).
The Integra is another `nearly`car for me. I tracked one down and could have bought one at 24 (also test drove an EP3) but 3000 pounds to insure it seemed a bit steep! I currently have a `cooking `` Civic though and I have to say Honda engines and gearboxes are exceptionally smooth and responsive and their high performance engines are something else.
Many motoring magazines claim that this is the best FWD car ever made.
My heart says 205 because it harks back to my youth but without having had the opportunity to drive an Integra, I can`t really call this one.
cbgt3 said:
205 all day long. Although out of the two I preferred driving the 1.6 over the 1.9, it just felt more balanced.
As I said, I bought a 1.6 for fiscal reasons. In my experience, no two GTis drive the same and I drove several before choosing my 1.6 (which I think was a good one). I did consider upgrading to a 1.9 after I had it a year (I just love the extra power and the bigger wheels and half leather seats) but the 1.9 I drove was a bit older and shabbier than mine and didn`t feel massively quicker (mine was a `91 and the 1.9 an `89, so both had no PAS or cat). I think a good 1.9 would still be my choice though and modern rubber would undoubtably tame the handling. Edited by cbgt3 on Wednesday 18th March 16:08
white_goodman said:
jonah35 said:
Integra
205 iconic but slow
Is 130bhp and less than a tonne really that slow?205 iconic but slow
All of the hero hatches of the 80s/90s just feel old, heavy (to steer) and dated now. They'll have much better ride quality though, thanks to wheel/tyre sizes suitable for the UK's shyte roads.
I think nostalgia adds a touch of rose tinting to some peep's glasses personally, but if I had to choose, I'd take the 205 as it's much better looking that the pig ugly Integra.
I haven’t driven or even passengered a 205 before, but my friend has recently bought one to restore so hopefully that’ll change soon enough.
I have however experienced a DC2 and they’re truly awesome cars, such a raw and involving driving experience, I cannot see how a 205 would top it.
Integra for me.
I have however experienced a DC2 and they’re truly awesome cars, such a raw and involving driving experience, I cannot see how a 205 would top it.
Integra for me.
DC2 all day. Though if it was 106 rallye vs DC2, for a road car, I'd struggle to pick.
There was a relatively stock 205 GTi at Cadwell Park last week when I was there, and it really was quite slow in the straights. I even saw an MX5 pass it at one point.
Owned my ITR nearly 3 years now!
May as well throw a pic in from last week!
There was a relatively stock 205 GTi at Cadwell Park last week when I was there, and it really was quite slow in the straights. I even saw an MX5 pass it at one point.
Owned my ITR nearly 3 years now!
May as well throw a pic in from last week!
130 Bhp when it left the factory.... I doubt many are pushing out much more than 110 now. I've had 2 1.9 GTIs, the first was a hoot and a great car but I binned it on a road rally and the geo wasnt straight after it had been pulled out of the ditch..... The second was bought as a non-runner but I ran out of funds and garage space to put it on the track. They will all have issues now and due to the nature of the car (and the owners!), lots of maintenance gremlins will be lurking. The second one had been in an accident as there was evidence when I took the interior out.
Parts availability is good though and they still look awesome. Budget for rear beam refurbishment, conversion to solid brake lines, all the usual routine servicing stuff, bushes etc, probably a head skim too and a gearbox rebuild, the 1.9 boxes are like stirring custard with a toothpick. Lots will have electrical gremlins too where aftermarket stereos and alarms were fitted. My first one had wiring in it for two stereos, speakers and all, a push button start and other things destined to go wrong... 405 discs fit the 15" alloys and are a cheap and effective brake upgrade.
Parts availability is good though and they still look awesome. Budget for rear beam refurbishment, conversion to solid brake lines, all the usual routine servicing stuff, bushes etc, probably a head skim too and a gearbox rebuild, the 1.9 boxes are like stirring custard with a toothpick. Lots will have electrical gremlins too where aftermarket stereos and alarms were fitted. My first one had wiring in it for two stereos, speakers and all, a push button start and other things destined to go wrong... 405 discs fit the 15" alloys and are a cheap and effective brake upgrade.
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