Now that the long-awaited official specs of the 2023 Acura Integra are out, we can see how it stacks up to its competition. One such competitor is the almighty Hyundai Elantra N. When it comes to these two turbocharged sedan powerhouses, a sporty and agile driving experience is the name of the game. How do their specs look head to head?
Turbocharged four-cylinder fun comes from both the Integra and Elantra N
2023 Acura Integra | Acura
Both the 2023 Acura Integra and 2022 Hyundai Elantra N use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The Acura powerplant is the same 1.5-liter unit you’ll find in a 2022 Honda Civic Si. It has a respectable power output of 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, it uses Honda’s legendary variable valve timing system; VTEC.
According to Car and Driver, the Elantra N’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder packs a lot more punch. It has a monstrous 276 horsepower output with an equally impressive 289 pound-feet of torque. It. too, has variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts
Both vehicles are available with either an automatic or manual transmission option. However, while the Elantra N comes with a lightning-quick shifting dual-clutch assembly, the Integra comes standard with a CVT automatic. Additionally, manual transmissions are only available on A-spec trim level 2023 Integra models. So, while a base Elantra N is available with a manual, a base Integra is not.
Both will bend your mind in the corners
2022 @Hyundai Elantra N debuts with 286 horsepower: https://t.co/NqpETIQ2wm pic.twitter.com/4M8yjbXHbx
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) July 14, 2021
These sporty sedans are ready to take you for the ride of your life when it comes to windy road performance.
One important element to proper grip and cornering is a limited-slip differential, which can be found in both cars. The Elantra N features an electronic differential they call the “N Corner Carving Differential” as standard. It actively monitors traction and load to each of the front wheels and splits torque accordingly to maximize traction and acceleration. The 2023 Acura Integra also offers a limited-slip differential, but only on manual-transmission models.
Equally important is suspension, and both of these furious front-wheel drive funhouses feature suspension engineered with spirited driving in mind. The Elantra N once again comes out ahead in terms of standard, though. Every Elantra N model uses Hyundai’s electronically controlled suspension. Like the differential, it constantly monitors speed and road conditions to maximize traction and performance. On the other hand, the Integra features sporty suspension on all trims. However, only the top trim level, the A-Spec with Technology Package, offers electronic damping control like the Elantra N.
The weight of a car can drastically affect its handling, too. Though we don’t know the official curb weight of the 2023 Integra yet, it’s safe to assume that it will be near the 2022 Honda Civic Si it’s based on. The Si comes in at around 2,900 pounds, according to Car and Driver.
The Elantra N is a good bit heavier than that, coming in just a hair under 3,200 pounds. However, the additional power is more than enough to make up for the weight.
For around $30,000, either the 2023 Acura Integra or the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N will leave you feeling satisfied with your purchase
Pricing, of course, is important. Starting prices for both the Integra and Elantra N are pretty similar. However, one should take that with a grain of salt.
See, the Integra’s starting price is $30,000. However, we don’t have any pricing details as far as options are concerned. Furthermore, stepping up to the top-tier trim level to get comparable performance features to the Elantra N could bring the cost up quite significantly.
However, the Elantra N comes loaded with all the above-mentioned features with a starting price of $31,900. Additionally, the only variables in price are the $1,500 increase for a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a couple of small options like a cargo net, the “preferred accessory package,” and the rear bumper applique. Based on the Elantra N builder on Hyundai’s website, the highest MSRP available is $33,670. Quite frankly, that seems like a fabulous deal for what this car comes with.
No matter where your money winds up, though, you’re certain to have a smile on your face behind the wheel of one of these two awesome performance sedans.
Keyword: 2023 Acura Integra vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra N: The Affordable Performance Sedan Showdown