EP3 CTR vs DC5 ITR

[TAHodgson]

Hi guys,

currently driving an EP3 civic, which I like alot, have owned/driven a few other hot hondas but never had a go in a DC5 Integra. I've always loved the way they look and I now know I can afford one, a few questions for anyone that owns/has owned/has driven one:

1) With them being import only, do you struggle for parts (mainly service items) I would maintain myself as i'm fairly spanner savvy. I've always thought they were mechanically similar to the EP3 that i'm driving now.
2) Do they come with an LSD as standard? I've driven an accord type R and a JDM EP3 and even on the road the diff makes a huge difference and I feel it's something my civic is seriously wanting for.
3) Are they very different to drive than my current civic? I, like many have heard about the older DC2 being one of the best FWD platforms there is, but I just cannot stand the looks of them. The rarity of the DC5 is what's grabbing me really.

Any input is appreciated!

[Paul671]

TAHodgson said:

Hi guys,

currently driving an EP3 civic, which I like alot, have owned/driven a few other hot hondas but never had a go in a DC5 Integra. I've always loved the way they look and I now know I can afford one, a few questions for anyone that owns/has owned/has driven one:

1) With them being import only, do you struggle for parts (mainly service items) I would maintain myself as i'm fairly spanner savvy. I've always thought they were mechanically similar to the EP3 that i'm driving now.
2) Do they come with an LSD as standard? I've driven an accord type R and a JDM EP3 and even on the road the diff makes a huge difference and I feel it's something my civic is seriously wanting for.
3) Are they very different to drive than my current civic? I, like many have heard about the older DC2 being one of the best FWD platforms there is, but I just cannot stand the looks of them. The rarity of the DC5 is what's grabbing me really.

Any input is appreciated!

1. Generally good parts availability, pretty similar to an EP3 with a few exceptions. In 3 years and about 50k miles with my DC5 the only expensive part I needed was a replacement HID pack.

2. LSD is standard, quite aggressive one too IMO. Might take some getting used to, corrupts the steering somewhat but is core to the character of the car. Can get on the power out of a corner way earlier than in an EP3.

3. Don't overlook the DC2 on looks alone, it handles better/has a better balance and is more 'hardcore' than either the EP3 or DC5, although IMO the DC5 is better at everything else. Also, don't forget/underestimate the Hydraulic rack in the DC5, way better than the EP3's electric system.

Try and test drive one, your own opinion is really the only one that matters, a DC5 may not be for you. But personally I regret selling my DC5 and check the classifieds daily despite owning a DC2.

[Turn7]

Good DC2's must b e rare these days surely? Pretty much firmly entrenched in chav territory now surely?

[Nikko 40691]

Turn7 said:

Good DC2's must b e rare these days surely? Pretty much firmly entrenched in chav territory now surely?

Chav territory most certainly not.

[Turn7]

Nikko 40691 said:

Turn7 said:

Good DC2's must b e rare these days surely? Pretty much firmly entrenched in chav territory now surely?

Chav territory most certainly not.

Thats good news then.

I miss my DC2, easily the best car Ive owned to date.

[TAHodgson]

Paul671 said:

1. Generally good parts availability, pretty similar to an EP3 with a few exceptions. In 3 years and about 50k miles with my DC5 the only expensive part I needed was a replacement HID pack.

2. LSD is standard, quite aggressive one too IMO. Might take some getting used to, corrupts the steering somewhat but is core to the character of the car. Can get on the power out of a corner way earlier than in an EP3.

3. Don't overlook the DC2 on looks alone, it handles better/has a better balance and is more 'hardcore' than either the EP3 or DC5, although IMO the DC5 is better at everything else. Also, don't forget/underestimate the Hydraulic rack in the DC5, way better than the EP3's electric system.

Try and test drive one, your own opinion is really the only one that matters, a DC5 may not be for you. But personally I regret selling my DC5 and check the classifieds daily despite owning a DC2.

Thanks for an in-depth answer buddy, I can't help it with the looks of the DC2, and besides, it would be my daily driver and I can't help thinking it'd be a bit too 'raw' for motorway duties etc

[Paul671]

I agree, wouldn't want to use my DC2 as a daily, it's not built for comfort.
I commuted 30 mile a day in my DC5, it was no S-Class but it was ok, probably only slightly worse than an EP3.

[motor mad]

I found longer journeys more comfortable in the DC2 compared to an EP3. The seats are brilliant. The only down side was that it revs pretty high at motor way speeds.

[garylythgoe]

DC5 is a bit 'tame' in OEM format, it needs a few chassis tweaks to bring it alive IMO. I've driven all of them. EP3 is a nice daily road car, but obviously no LSD leaves it lacking IMO, but still a decent point to point daily. The DC2 has the best drive of all of them IMO.

I've owned my DC2 for the last 8-9 years and it's been fastidiously maintained/loved/tweaked/touched, and pampered for all it's life. It's been a labour of love replacing and renewing everything, sourcing a low mileage engine (by buying an entire car!) etc etc.... But the time has come to move on, so it's going up for sale soon... I've considered all the Type-R equivalents, but I'm worried I'd end up comparing them to the DC2 (more importantly my 'perfect' DC2). The DC5 no doubt looks the best out of all of them, but I'm not sure I can handle the comparisons in my head? I think it's time to try something different.

Eitherway a bit of a ramble, but I've been around Hondas for a long time, and despite all the 'versus' stuff, they're all fantastic in their own ways.

[Turn7]

Not that Im in the market, but whats a top spec DC2 worth these days ?

[garylythgoe]

Seems anything from £3000 for a ropey one, to £6000-7000 for a 1 owner low miles type car, is the norm.

[havoc]

motor mad said:

I found longer journeys more comfortable in the DC2 compared to an EP3. The seats are brilliant. The only down side was that it revs pretty high at motor way speeds.

DC2 seats, aside from being a little narrow around the arse, are fantastic - grippy but also comfy and don't let you submarine / don't give you backache. EP3 / FD2 / FD2 seats (NOT Recaros) aren't quite as good.

DC2 also rides better than EP3/DC5 - hell, it rides better than a MkV Golf GTi - the only 'hardcore' bit in a modern context is the NVH and final drive ratio.

garylythgoe said:

I've owned my DC2 for the last 8-9 years and it's been fastidiously maintained/loved/tweaked/touched, and pampered for all it's life. It's been a labour of love replacing and renewing everything, sourcing a low mileage engine (by buying an entire car!) etc etc.... But the time has come to move on, so it's going up for sale soon... I've considered all the Type-R equivalents, but I'm worried I'd end up comparing them to the DC2 (more importantly my 'perfect' DC2). The DC5 no doubt looks the best out of all of them, but I'm not sure I can handle the comparisons in my head? I think it's time to try something different.

You selling too Gary?!? Jesus. Thought you never would...

I'd not go DC5 if I were you...I've gone FD2 and I love the performance (mid-range feels a lot more than 200cc bigger!!!), the hardcore nature of it and the mobile tail, but I miss the talkative steering and the oh-so-intuitive balance of my 'teg. And the ride's a bit TOO much for a daily...looking into Koni Yellows at the back.

Your call, but I'd say try something completely different for the next car...otherwise you risk comparing whatever you buy with the 'teg.

Turn7 said:

Not that Im in the market, but whats a top spec DC2 worth these days ?

Gary's about on the money. I sold my (standard, FHSH, mechanically excellent, cosmetically straight) Black 90k car with new clutch, engine mount and B-pipe for £3,800...but it needed both sills doing and another patch of rust on the leading edge of the bonnet. It was the rust that seemed to put people off, strangely...I'd be more concerned about the mechanicals being looked after, but there you go.

Would've liked more, but aside from the true minters they're not fetching it anymore...

[garylythgoe]

havoc said:

You selling too Gary?!? Jesus. Thought you never would...

I'd not go DC5 if I were you...I've gone FD2 and I love the performance (mid-range feels a lot more than 200cc bigger!!!), the hardcore nature of it and the mobile tail, but I miss the talkative steering and the oh-so-intuitive balance of my 'teg. And the ride's a bit TOO much for a daily...looking into Koni Yellows at the back.

Your call, but I'd say try something completely different for the next car...otherwise you risk comparing whatever you buy with the 'teg.

Yep, I'm selling. I believe my car is an absolute bargain for £4000-4500 when it comes to sell. It's as tight as a drum and everything is new/renewed/refurbished, with a stupidly low mileage motor.

I know what I want now, and its Non-TypeR and not FWD! I need to try something different.

I'd like to try an FD2, but it's too rich for me at the minute, I've got other interests and hobbies, and DH biking is top of the list these days

Edited by garylythgoe on Tuesday 27th August 16:27

[havoc]

Something from Munich, by any chance?

[garylythgoe]

havoc said:

Something from Munich, by any chance?

Nope, I sold my 330i daily last year!