Integra Type R – DC2 or5??
Poll: Integra Type R – DC2 or5??
Total Members Polled: 61
Discussion
Integra Type R – DC2 or5??
A while back I test drove a DC2 ITR – loved it! Nothing more to say than that really, I liked the look (4 headlights) and everything about the car and to this day it’s still the best FWD car I’ve driven.
I don’t really know much about the DC5 though, I don’t really like the looks as much. But how does it compare? It’s got more power but is it faster, is it a better car or more fun?
How do prices compare for DC2 to DC5?
If someone was looking at getting one, which would you recommend and why?
A while back I test drove a DC2 ITR – loved it! Nothing more to say than that really, I liked the look (4 headlights) and everything about the car and to this day it’s still the best FWD car I’ve driven.
I don’t really know much about the DC5 though, I don’t really like the looks as much. But how does it compare? It’s got more power but is it faster, is it a better car or more fun?
How do prices compare for DC2 to DC5?
If someone was looking at getting one, which would you recommend and why?
The DC5 is a bit faster, but not so much that anyone would be bothered. The engines more flexible because of the VTC valve phasing and the 6 speed box (something the DC2 was crying out for) which makes for noticably faster acceleration from 4th gear onwards. To drive the 5 feels chunkier and more modern, but its not as direct and talkative as the 2. The rear ends more planted and the diff makes itself felt more, generating more grip. But since i've owned the 5 (18 months) i've never been able to trust it as much as the 2, the 2 lets you know exactly where are in terms of available grip and when you reach the limits it lets go very progressively, the 5 would probably snap more and this could make it less fun to drive. I myself prefer the 5 as a road car as it feels much more of a modern day road tool, but as a track car i'd say the 2 is the best option. Of cause your budget may effect the decision as well.
I voted dc2 but they both have things going for them IMO. Personally I think the dc2 would be the most fun to drive, more raw really, but the 2 is a bit dated these days in many respects. They are reliable cars, but are of the age where they need work doing to them, and it will be harder to find really clean examples; much as it pains me to say it even mine isn't what I'd call immaculate these days - been vandalised etc. The 5 is a much newer and more modern car. Easier to live with day to day, easier to find clean examples these days. If you talk about a jdm dc2 there's precious little difference in outright performance really. In most peoples eyes though it is the dc2 that is the legend; the 5 is often overlooked.
Having driven a friends DC2 (only once mind) i'd say it is very involving. I was at one point going to sell the celica for one. For the price they're at at the moment they make a very good perfomance bargain over the DC5. Plus there's money left over from what you would have purchased the DC5 for to upgrade the 2!
I had a deposit down on a lovely 98 spec DC2, had my heart set on it for ages and then drove a DC5......I lost the deposit and went for the 5.
Top condition Dc2's are still commanding big money (circa £7k) and a clean DC5 can be picked up for around £8.5k, the 5 just seemed more car for the money.
It seemed to offer 95% of the involvement with the added bonus of being slightly refined.
The car has been flawless so far and would certainly recommend one to anyone.
I still may have a Dc2 in the future if I fancy a cheap track slag...
Top condition Dc2's are still commanding big money (circa £7k) and a clean DC5 can be picked up for around £8.5k, the 5 just seemed more car for the money.
It seemed to offer 95% of the involvement with the added bonus of being slightly refined.
The car has been flawless so far and would certainly recommend one to anyone.
I still may have a Dc2 in the future if I fancy a cheap track slag...
If this is in response to your other thread RE the Elise comparison, then the DC2 is probably the better car. I think a decent S1 Elise is what 7-8k? You'd get the best DC2 going for that money, but a dog of a DC5 really unless you get lucky. As said, the DC2 is a bit more raw than the DC5, but maybe starting to feel it's age a little.
As it is, I've had my DC2 6 months. It's on 117k miles now but doesn't feel it. It doesn' rattle (in fact is least rattly car I've owned!) gearbox is tight, engine feels strong etc... I'm averaging 32.5mpg at the moment and tax is £185 this year. 15 or 16" tyres means they are cheaper than most. I fitted 2x boxed Sony 40" tvs in the boot, practicality wise is a winner too. They really are great all-rounders.
As it is, I've had my DC2 6 months. It's on 117k miles now but doesn't feel it. It doesn' rattle (in fact is least rattly car I've owned!) gearbox is tight, engine feels strong etc... I'm averaging 32.5mpg at the moment and tax is £185 this year. 15 or 16" tyres means they are cheaper than most. I fitted 2x boxed Sony 40" tvs in the boot, practicality wise is a winner too. They really are great all-rounders.
300bhp/ton said:
vz-r_dave said:
If i could id take a 5 now, the 2 is fun but its getting a little old and i am having to spend lots of cash on it 
It wasnt the best example when i bought it 2 years ago tbh and it is starting to show. b
ks
what sort of things have gone wrong?It wasnt the best example when i bought it 2 years ago tbh and it is starting to show. b
ksNothing that you wouldnt expect to replace on an 11 year old car with 120K on the clock. I will say though that apart from that the car has been faultless in the last 25K I have put on it. They are very reliable
check www.itr-dc2.com forum. You will find all the info you need there.
vz-r_dave said:
300bhp/ton said:
vz-r_dave said:
If i could id take a 5 now, the 2 is fun but its getting a little old and i am having to spend lots of cash on it
It wasnt the best example when i bought it 2 years ago tbh and it is starting to show. bks
what sort of things have gone wrong?It wasnt the best example when i bought it 2 years ago tbh and it is starting to show. b
ksNothing that you wouldnt expect to replace on an 11 year old car with 120K on the clock. I will say though that apart from that the car has been faultless in the last 25K I have put on it. They are very reliable
check www.itr-dc2.com forum. You will find all the info you need there.
I just had to rip the cat heatshield off after a trackday at Brands as it had loosened and was causing a vibration. That is the only thing that has gone wrong with my DC2 in 18 months and 25,000 miles. Apart from needing a new clutch at 70K miles, but this is a renewable item.
I couldn't recommend a DC2 more, it's utterly fantastic and so addictive to drive, I really can't imagine what to replace it with, the only reason I can think of for replacing it is to try out Right Wheel Drive, an M3 CSL next I think, when they bottom out and I get a pay rise! If not an M3 CSL then it will have to be an Ariel Atom or F430 Scuderia as I would miss the 9,000 rpm redline too much.
I've not driven a DC5, but I was sorely tempted by one, a bit quicker I think (but not much in it as standard, the power/weight is all but identical) but not quite as raw and race-car like as the DC2. I think the DC2 is the purists choice, the DC5 if you want a newer car, mine is a late one and is 9 years old now!
I couldn't recommend a DC2 more, it's utterly fantastic and so addictive to drive, I really can't imagine what to replace it with, the only reason I can think of for replacing it is to try out Right Wheel Drive, an M3 CSL next I think, when they bottom out and I get a pay rise! If not an M3 CSL then it will have to be an Ariel Atom or F430 Scuderia as I would miss the 9,000 rpm redline too much.
I've not driven a DC5, but I was sorely tempted by one, a bit quicker I think (but not much in it as standard, the power/weight is all but identical) but not quite as raw and race-car like as the DC2. I think the DC2 is the purists choice, the DC5 if you want a newer car, mine is a late one and is 9 years old now!
I've owned my DC2 for almost 4 years now and I really can't fault it - it's been effortlessly easy to own and maintain - and i use a main dealer. The DC2 forum is really helpful and can get advice and links to everything you could ever need. The car's only let me down twice and that was from a new clutch needed at 73k and a new battery required 2 weeks ago. I regularly get over 30mpg and the sound when you hit vtec is still awesome. Also totally agree with the handling characteristics - it is the most communicative car i've ever driven and it really is brilliant down flowing A and B roads. Due to the relatively small tyres the ride is hard but no where near as stiff and bouncy as rivals - can also echo the practicality issue - mine's lugging round 2 sets of golf clubs and numerous tools at the moment and there's still some room in the boot.
Only thing I would say is they are beginning to look a little dated now and due to the very thin paintwork on all DC2's you start to notice the paint fade which really affects the way they look. Find a fantastic Championship White model and I personally think they look brilliant - only thing is you'll probably also find 4 "cream" ones as well. Mine's Milano red and that's notorious for turning pink on the plastics - it just gets annoying that your pride and joy can begin to look a bit tatty round the edges. The interiors are also a little dated and the recaros can look shocking if not maintained.
Then there's the DC5's - the grown up teg which offers 95% of the sense of occassion and is arguably a bit quicker. Great looking cars IMHO and just as user friendly and practical as the DC2. The only thing that holds me back from getting one is the price of DC5's at present. I think you'd be looking at 10k for a good one which may still be a 2002 model. Then you see E46 M3's around that price and some more serious sports cars. I'm not doubting that the DC5 isn't a great car - just that the prices of DC2's have plummeted recently whilst the DC5 prices haven't been affected that badly. I know many owners are looking at taking substantial hits due to prices of importing and registering but I know i would probably have to pay double to upgrade to a DC5 from my DC2 - and the DC5 would only be one year older and probably have covered the same miles.
Whatever, it's a great choice to have and you'll end up with a great car either way!
Only thing I would say is they are beginning to look a little dated now and due to the very thin paintwork on all DC2's you start to notice the paint fade which really affects the way they look. Find a fantastic Championship White model and I personally think they look brilliant - only thing is you'll probably also find 4 "cream" ones as well. Mine's Milano red and that's notorious for turning pink on the plastics - it just gets annoying that your pride and joy can begin to look a bit tatty round the edges. The interiors are also a little dated and the recaros can look shocking if not maintained.
Then there's the DC5's - the grown up teg which offers 95% of the sense of occassion and is arguably a bit quicker. Great looking cars IMHO and just as user friendly and practical as the DC2. The only thing that holds me back from getting one is the price of DC5's at present. I think you'd be looking at 10k for a good one which may still be a 2002 model. Then you see E46 M3's around that price and some more serious sports cars. I'm not doubting that the DC5 isn't a great car - just that the prices of DC2's have plummeted recently whilst the DC5 prices haven't been affected that badly. I know many owners are looking at taking substantial hits due to prices of importing and registering but I know i would probably have to pay double to upgrade to a DC5 from my DC2 - and the DC5 would only be one year older and probably have covered the same miles.
Whatever, it's a great choice to have and you'll end up with a great car either way!
Yeah DC5s have held thier values well, quite paralleled with RS Focuses really, (Fords turbocharged counterpart). For the money i paid for my DC5 i could have put a nice Evo 7 on my driveway. E46 M3s have recently plummeted to DC5 levels recently it seems (E90?, credit crunch?, road tax increase?. Evos and M3s will cost a bomb to run next to the DC5 though. Serious metal always costs money.
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