Acura Integra Type S Trails Volkswagen Golf R and Hyundai Elantra N, The Inevitable Happens

The 2024 Golf R hot-hatch has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 315 hp (319 ps) and 280 (380 Nm) lb-ft of torque. The small power plant is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to all four wheels (4MOTION AWD)

There is also a version with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission for those into that driving style, which produces more torque at 295 lb-ft or 400 Nm. Volkswagen claims that the automatic version can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds under the right conditions. The current manual price of the Golf R 2.0-liter TSI in the US starts at $45,665, excluding destination taxes, title and any other nonsense.

Next, we have the Acura Integra Type S, which has a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 320 hp (324 ps) and 310 lb-ft or 420 Nm of torque. It has a 6-speed manual that directs power to its front-wheel drive system.

This 320-horsepower model starts around $52,000, but there are two cheaper options with a 1.5-liter engine that produces 200 horsepower (203 ps) starting at $31,800 and CVT transmission and 6-speed manual $36,800 for $36,800. Sam from the “Sam CarLegion” YouTube channel named the Integra Type S “Car of the Year,” so that’s most likely why it’s leading the race.

Next, the Hyundai Elantra N, painted in Phantom Black, comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 276 hp (280 ps) and 289 lb-ft or 392 Nm of torque. As with the Acura, the 6-speed gearbox from the Elantra N sends power to its front wheels. This high-performance manual model costs around $33,000, while the N 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch automatic transmission version will cost you $1,500 more.