2024 Acura Integra vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V stood out on Canadian roads, where Asian and German luxury cars typically dominate. Its unique light grey metallic colour, called Rift, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish caught the eye, generating many double-takes and stares, particularly from men. Cadillac's attention to detail in the CT5-V's design, with its mix of black, body colour, chrome, and wheel-finish trim elements, was evident, achieving a perfect balance in proportions and lines.

Inside, the CT5-V offered a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. The leather, matte-finish buttons, and polished metallic accents met luxury expectations, while hard plastic panels and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall impression. Despite this, the CT5-V featured standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, making its technology approachable and user-friendly.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S distinguished itself with a widebody appearance and aggressive detailing, sharing performance components with the Honda Civic Type R. Its redesigned front end accommodated a 7.8 cm increase in front track width, 19-inch alloy wheels, and aerodynamic aids. The rear track was also wider by 4.8 cm, with a lower body kit and rear fender flares enhancing its sporty look. The triple-outlet exhaust system added a distinctive sound in Sport+ mode.

Inside, the Integra Type S retained much of the A-Spec's interior design, with Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts. The dashboard trim matched the interior colour, and unique graphics adorned the digital displays. However, the material quality was similar to the standard Integra, which felt lacking for a vehicle at this price point. Rear-seat passengers might question the value, given the limited amenities and comfort.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in about five seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The car's fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with our test achieving 12.1 L/100 km. A 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with several driving modes available, including Tour, Sport, and Track.

The CT5-V's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes provided excellent handling and braking performance. However, the car was not quiet, with noticeable road noise and suspension racket. Despite these issues, the CT5-V offered enjoyable driving dynamics, though the steering lacked feel and feedback.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S shared its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine with the Honda Civic Type R, producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed manual gearbox and adaptive dampers, offering a more compliant ride than the Civic. The Integra Type S excelled on winding roads, with minimal torque steer and impressive grip from its Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Acura's tuning made the Integra Type S more civilized, though it remained loud on highways. The car's performance was thrilling, with responsive handling and a comfortable ride in various driving modes. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, requiring frequent stops for premium fuel.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V offered a spacious interior, with standard artificial leather on 18-way power-adjustable front seats. Genuine leather and ventilated seats were optional. The rear seats provided decent comfort, though the door frame design made entry and exit challenging. The CT5-V's trunk was small, with 337 litres of cargo space, but offered hidden storage and a foldable rear seat for longer items.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured front sport seats with Ultrasuede inserts and 12-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seats offered decent legroom but lacked thigh support and amenities. The Integra's sportback design provided a 688-litre cargo area, doubling with the rear seats folded, offering SUV-like utility.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's technology was user-friendly, with a 10-inch touchscreen and Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. Optional features included a head-up display and surround-view camera. The system's simplicity was a highlight, though future models might lack Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S had a 9-inch infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch digital display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system. The system was easy to use, though the wireless charging pad was unreliable. The head-up display provided useful driving information.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 included the Cadillac Smart System with features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. Super Cruise impressed with its lane-change capabilities but required driver attention.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came with AcuraWatch, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The manual transmission limited some features, and the system's performance was less smooth than rivals. The standard Integra's safety ratings were excellent, suggesting strong performance for the Type S.