Honda Civic Type R vs. Stock RSX Type-S vs. Honda Civic SI - Honda Hoedown

We also really prefer the shifter in the RSX to the weird in-the-dash shifter of the Si. Maybe with more time we would get used to it, but it just strikes us as odd for now.

HandlingAcura's DC5 platform has come close to our slalom record in past tests. In fact, the Progress Group RSX Type-S we tested in June blasted through the cones at 73.4 mph. Not surprisingly, after some serious suspension tuning by the Progress boys, Hasport's Si nearly matched that number, posting a very impressive 73.3 mph average through our 700 feet of twisties.

By comparison, the stock RSX and Civic corner like Model Ts, trailing the Hasport car by 5.1 mph and 7.5 mph, respectively.

Around the skidpad, things got really ugly for the stock cars on their long-wearing Michelin tires. The Hasport car pulled .97 g on its Toyo race tires. The Civic and RSX circled at a mediocre .83 g and .82 g.

BrakingIn what has become a tradition of long braking distances from Hondas and Acuras, the Civic Si and RSX Type-S lived up to our expectations. Both stopped in an underwhelming 142 feet from 60 mph. Why these distances continue to be the standard for Honda products is beyond us.

However, we've proven time and again that they're easily improved with sticky tires and the right stoppers. The Hasport machine, which did have ABS, ground to a halt from 60 mph 24 feet shorter than its stock counterparts (118 feet).

The VerdictThe bottom line with any car wearing the Type R badge is simple. Does it live up to its namesake? Most don't. Hasport has created an exception to the rule. This Civic is faster than its domestic brothers in every instrumented test we threw at the bunch. It goes quicker, sticks harder and brakes shorter. And, we suspect, since it makes all these improvements with mostly OE Honda parts, there's little compromise in reliability-there certainly aren't any in driveability. If only Honda would catch on.

2002 Acura RSX Type-S

By Josh Jacquot

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