2002-2005 Civic Si and 1994-2001 Integra

I have been trying to locate information on how competitive these cars are in their classes to help me make decide which to buy. I am trying to make my mind up between these two cars because I have come across great deals on both cars. I'm more of a RWD guy myself. I have other cars but want to be liveable on the street as well.

My understanding of the fix for the weird motion ratio of the EP3 Si is to run super heavy spring rates in the rear.  Anybody do this and drive it on the street? The K-series engine from the beginning is also nice, I'm aware that it's not the best K engine, but I appreciate a timing chain and the potential of the K-series.

From what I have read the Integra has a superior suspension setup. Could I make a "homemade" gsr and run it as one or would it throw me in an unlimited class? Is it outclassed now by cars like the Mini Cooper and Focus ST?

Ability to run multiple classes and/or rallycross would be nice as well. The more I can do with the car the better.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Are we talking autocross here?  Given the choice personally I'd op for the integra.  Find the cleanest one you can and go from there. The ep3 is an outsider as far as its classes I think.  

Autocross, rallycross, and anything else. I'm not picky. I'm aiming for a track rat that sees some street time/commuting for fun. I would like to see some wheel to wheel racing in the end.

It's heavier but I like the EP3 for ergonomic reasons - the Integra was the last of Honda's super low beltline cars, and I have a hard time cramming my legs under the dash.  They also can be had in much better condition for a given cash outlay, because they are unloved.

If you get an Si you won't get a "bad" K.  It's not a late model K24 but it isn't a slouch.

I have opinions regarding front wheel drive chassis setup for rallycross, that a lot of people don't seem to agree with   Trying to get cornering and handling ability on dirt has different priorities and things to consider than pavement, and the same rules for handling don't apply.

When I say bad, I'm referring to the fact that it makes 40ish less horsepower than rsx type s and the later si.

I'm curious to find more information on classing and and competitiveness in those classes.

EP3 is classed in STS with bolt ons. HS stock. It's not competitive in either class.

Integra is classed in STX with bolt ons and adding a LSD is legal. and in HS stock.

Nobody has tried an integra in HS in recent memory.. Might be trophy capable in STX, but nobody has tried in recent memory. A ITR was tried a few years back and trophied. The GSR probably could as well.

The EP3 is newer. But they're not really that nice of a car.

There's a SCCA Time Trial Prepped Integra GSR for sale with a half cage and Seats and harnesses installed right now.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/522592824569057/permalink/1391665414328456/?sale_post_id=1391665414328456

The double wishbones on the Integra are a great suspension setup. The EP3 is just another strut car with a Meh K series motor.. 

YMMV but parts are available for the Integra, and yeah they're more expensive, cause they're a better car.

Personally rather have the integra over the ep3. I really hate working on the 7th gen chassis cars.

From what I recall reading, the biggest issue with autocrossing integras is its a heavier EF civic with around the same tire clearances so that becomes an issue. My driving level isn't there to notice it, but in my local autocross class, I dont want to cut or roll my fenders to keep up with all the miatas runing 245/40/15. The EP3 can fit more tire it looks like...

Classing I think screws it if I ran with SCCA if you find a modded example (which there are a ton). Personally I rather try to compete with turbo hot hatches in a street tire class than in a hoosier tire class where my engine swap and transmission puts it in another class. 

In reply to taparsons :

That is perhaps the worst gen of civic. They trashed the amazing double wishbone for a poorly engineered strut design. The integra is based on the golden-era civic with double wishbone. No contest imho. I am a huge honda fan and you couldnt give me that gen of civic.

1988-2000 civic, 1989-2001 integra (and even the 1996-2001 crv) had the good suspension with all the parts availability. Easier to work on, and easier to find info. 

None of this takes into account autox classing. 

The only thing competitive the EP3 has is the K series, and it'll take work ($$$$) to get it there.  The Integra is a much better competition car, parts are reasonable and affordable, they are easy to DIY.  Get maintenance up to spec, slap on Koni sports and run HS.  Add Ground Control coilovers to the the Konis and run STX.  If you assemble your own GSR, you'll be in DSP.