How Does Driving Experience Compare?

[TchnoZ33]

Dumb question, how does the driving experience compare in a type R versus a Porsche, a bmw M, or really any higher end sports car?

i know it’s a dumb question. But I have finally been able to kick around my type r cause the weather has gotten a bit better. Honestly, it’s amazing and a lot of fun! Just wish I could get the rear to come out (fwd problems). But this made me think, how much better can the driving experience get (within reason). Wanted to know what yall thought that also have nicer cars. Thanks!

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[Noize]

Drive other things and see for yourself. Only you can know if you would prefer a RWD car.

 

[TchnoZ33]

It’s not a RWD question. I am just asking…this is a pretty amazing driving experience…would people that have more expensive cars say that it’s even more engaging to drive those cars?

 

[mbaapk]

A lot of threads on it already.

 

[TchnoZ33]

Cool cool lol really direct answers…

 

[Higgs Boson]

If you love to drive then it doesn't matter what you are driving. I grew up racing karts and later shifter karts. They were more fun by far than any car you can buy. And I mean ANY car. I buy and sell supercars, hypercars, sports cars, etc for a living. I have driven them ALL.

I currently own

2020 AMG GTR
2022 R8 AWD Perf Spyder
2023 718 Spyder
2024 Civic Type R

(4,6,8,10 cylinder cars)

and a couple daily drivers (24 Silverado and a 24 Grand Highlander)

I don't have any more fun in one than the others.

 

[Gansan]

Once a long time ago I had a chance to drive my NSX at an autocross back to back with a Ferrari. I was so excited to compare them and I expected a lot from the F car. But once I was done, I realized that I didn't have any additional fun in the Ferrari compared to the NSX. Sure it was super well built and the dampers especially were sublime. But in the end I appreciate the car I have that much more now.

 

[ThreeD]

Have a couple other fun cars: modified E46 M3, modified S2000

They are different driving experiences and I strongly prefer them
The CTR never gets driven on the weekends.
That should tell you enough where the CTR fits within my preference scheme but YMMV
Higher end is not a definition of type of car or experience
I would prefer driving my CTR over a "higher end" M2 or Supra.
I would prefer my M3 over a "higher end" 992 911
You just need to figure out what your preferences are
One is not objectively "better" than another

 

[Fanatic]

Each car has its own beauty and driving experience as others have mentioned. That's why we try to own multiple cars if we are fortunate enough. The Type R is definitely a great experience and a great value for what it is. They don't make many cars like this these days so we can't be too picky. I have never owned a Porsche and I'm not sure if I will, but I do have experience with a new C8, a new Nissan Z, and some others. I don't think I'm willing to let go of the type R anytime soon.

 

[PointByPatrol]

FWD is definitely going to offer a different driving experience than a RWD car. You're right about the rear end being harder to rotate, but it's part of the character of the CTR, and Honda has done a great job making the rear end as lively as they can. I'm not sure if you were driving with the traction control on or off, or what mode you were in, but the rear end is more lively when the traction control is off.

I personally believe that some of the lessons learned driving a FWD car at the limit (primarily brake technique, tire management, and acceleration technique) are super valuable to master, and translate really well over to RWD platforms.

Sorry if this doesn't really answer your question. Just know that you have something special with the Type R.

 

[optronix]

The answer is yes, yes it does compare.

And some of these answers you're getting I don't agree with. Yes, preferences are subjective. Someone said they prefer their M3 to a 992, and I almost spit water all over my keyboard (edit- I didn't realize at the time this was referencing an E46 and my mind for some reason went to a G80, so not as egregious a concept as I initially thought although I'd still prefer a 992). That's truth to whoever said that, and nonsense to me. That's all to be expected and part of the fun of being an auto enthusiast.

That said, there's a clear and distinct difference between driving experiences of these "high end" cars you're mentioning. Personally, I cannot stand driving most "normal" cars. I don't so much anymore but I used to travel frequently for work, which meant being forced into some of the most egregiously boring transportation appliances ever manufactured in the form of rental cars. To the point of actively wishing I had my personal car wherever I was at, and in some cases spending money out of my own pocket to upgrade to something nicer when given the opportunity. Driving experiences are IMPORTANT to people like us, and yes the FL5/DE5 delivers on this.

It's also worth mentioning that I've owned my share of some these "high-end" cars for comparison, and I don't miss any of them while driving my ITS. They include M cars, mid- and rear-engine Porsches, and an RS5. The RS5 is actually a great example of what we're talking about here... it's a $90k "sports" sedan, but I vastly prefer driving my ITS. The RS5 was great as a blisteringly fast daily driver with all the luxury amenities you could ask for, but on a backroad there really isn't a better word to describe it than "soulless". Still fun in many ways and nowhere near the miserable experience of driving a rental car, but clearly missing something from an engagement perspective (for that car, mostly steering. It is borderline terrible, I can admit that now).

You don't have to worry about that with the FL5/DE5, so in that sense yes- the driving experience compares.

Also this YouTube vid captures a lot of what I think you're getting at.

 

[CTRifecta]

Try to take your type R to a track day, you'll find that it rotates really well for a fwd car.

It's never going to be rwd but for what it is, it's very special imo.

 

[TchnoZ33]

Thanks!!!! I love these responses! Honestly, the question stemmed from me having so much fun in the type R. I started to think…should I aspire to buy another car later…like an M2. So getting all of this insight is pretty neat!!!! I appreciate it!!!!!

 

[TchnoZ33]

The type R rotates super well. I literally point my steering wheel and the car just turns in. It’s amazing. Been working on trail breaking…kind of difficult to get the hang of but fun as heck to try and learn.

I was like “wow…if this is so much fun to drive, does driving a “better” car offer more enjoyment?” Really enjoy this insight. And thank you for taking the time to write these responses!

 

[Higgs Boson]

if this is so much fun to drive, does driving a “better” car offer more enjoyment?”

No. I could honestly have as much fun going through a nice set of twisties in a Chevy Sonic. What is fun is riding the limits of the car you're in. When you increase the limits of the car it actually gets less fun or at least diminishing returns. Slow car fast as they say.

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