2024 Acura Integra vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out with its widebody appearance and aggressive detailing, which were complemented by a comprehensive hardware upgrade. This model shared several components with the Honda Civic Type R, including the drivetrain, suspension, steering, and brakes, resulting in significant performance enhancements. The redesigned front end, featuring a new bumper and increased track width, along with 19-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic aids, contributed to its distinctive look. The rear track was also widened, and the car was equipped with a lower body kit and rear fender flares, creating a cohesive visual connection between the front and rear. The triple-outlet exhaust system added a unique auditory experience, especially in Sport+ mode.

Inside, the Integra Type S maintained a similar interior to the Integra A-Spec, 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 comparable to the standard Integra, which was somewhat disappointing given the Type S's price. While the front seats offered comfort, rear-seat passengers might have questioned the value, as the rear seating lacked the premium feel expected in a vehicle of this cost.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, introduced as a successor to the Cadillac CTS, presented a more restrained design compared to its predecessor. While it lacked the excessive chrome and geometric surfacing of the CTS, the CT5's front fascia retained a distinctive and confident appearance. The extended wheelbase gave it a stately presence, and the roof's subtle fastback silhouette added a touch of elegance. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5 maintained a contemporary look with a cleaner design than the newly redesigned German sedans.

Cadillac offered a range of trim levels, including the base CT5 Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport, with the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing as performance models. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims shared similar equipment levels, but the Sport trim featured sporty styling elements and performance upgrades like Brembo front brakes. Inside, the CT5's interior seemed to be a mix of various car elements, lacking a cohesive luxury feel. Despite optional high-end features like massaging front seats and carbon fibre trim, the cabin still appeared somewhat cheap, reinforcing the stereotype of low-quality General Motors interiors.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S was powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm. It shared many performance components with the Honda Civic Type R, including a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching, a helical-type front limited-slip differential, and a dual-axis front strut and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive dampers. The Integra Type S also featured dual-pinion variable-ratio steering, Brembo front brakes, and a centre-mounted triple-outlet exhaust system. Despite its similarities to the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S had subtle tuning differences, offering a more civilized ride.

Acura tuned the suspension for a softer, more compliant ride, making it more comfortable than the Civic Type R. The Integra Type S's Michelin tires provided excellent grip, though they generated significant highway noise. The car's curb weight was slightly higher than the Honda, but it delivered slightly more power. During testing on California roads, the Integra Type S demonstrated impressive performance, with minimal torque steer and understeer. However, it was loud on the highway, and the steering could have been sharper. The car's fuel economy was rated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with a real-world range of approximately 435 kilometres.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options. Base models featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 was also available, delivering 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with Canadian buyers having the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The CT5-V variant had a tuned version of the V6, producing 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, while the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The CT5 Premium Luxury test car, equipped with AWD and the twin-turbo V6, offered a balanced driving experience. It achieved a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models and 4.9 seconds for RWD models. The CT5's handling was neutral, with no understeer and a hint of rear-end rotation in corners. The ride quality leaned towards a sports sedan feel, and the car maintained low interior noise levels. The exhaust produced a satisfying growl at full throttle, enhancing the CT5's dual luxury and performance character.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured front sport seats with aggressive lower bolsters, providing comfort for everyday driving. The driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustment, while the heated front seats had black perforated Ultrasuede inserts with Ebony or Red bolsters. However, the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment, limiting its versatility. The Integra Type S accommodated four passengers, with decent rear-seat legroom and foot room, though the rear seats lacked thigh support and promoted slouching. Storage was limited, with cupholders in the rear seat and no air conditioning vents or USB ports.

One of the Integra Type S's strengths was its coupe-like sportback body style, featuring a large liftgate and a 688-litre cargo area. Folding the rear seats doubled the cargo volume, offering the utility of a small liftback crossover SUV with the driving character of a sports car.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provided comparable passenger space to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class, and nearly the same as the BMW 5 Series. While second-row headroom was the lowest in the group, the CT5 offered the most legroom in both rows. However, its 337-litre trunk space was the smallest among competitors.

The CT5 offered a good driving position, with easy seat adjustments and good outward visibility. The base Luxury trim featured standard 12-way power and 10-way front passenger adjustment, while higher trims offered more advanced seat adjustments and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, with ventilated and massaging front seats available on higher trims. The CT5's centre console provided ample storage space, and the doors incorporated well-placed storage compartments.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. While not as sophisticated as some rivals, the displays were customizable and user-friendly. The infotainment system featured a touchscreen with physical controls, including a volume knob and tuning buttons, making it easy to use. It offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system was standard, though a native navigation system was unavailable.

Pairing an iPhone took longer than expected, and the wireless charging pad was unreliable. The Acura/ELS audio system struggled with sound quality due to the car's loud interior. A 5.3-inch head-up display was available, providing useful information such as speed and ADAS settings.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Standard features included three USB ports and wireless phone charging, while a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system was optional.

Cadillac's infotainment system had improved significantly, offering smooth operation and user-friendly controls. The touchscreen featured large icons, providing a smartphone-like feel, though glare could obscure the display. The voice-recognition system was less advanced than those in BMW and Mercedes vehicles. While the CT5 lacked the flashy tech of its German rivals, it excelled in everyday usability.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S was equipped with AcuraWatch, the automaker's ADAS suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the manual transmission limited some adaptive cruise control features. The car also had ten airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors. While crash-test ratings for the Type S were unavailable, the standard Integra received top ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-seat reminder, and a buckle-to-drive feature. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic emergency braking, front park assist, a 360-degree camera system, and an automatic parking assistant. Premium Luxury and Sport models could be equipped with Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, which offered advanced capabilities on divided highways.