Integra base vs. 7th gen celica gt?

Learn me pros and cons!

I found both for very similar price, mileage, and conditions. Integra is a 98 gs, celica is a 2001 gt.

Steering feel? shifter feel? resale value? visibility? does the celica have a timing belt or chain? For some reason i'm strangely drawn to the integra but i'm worried about rust.

I don't have much time to shop for cars so whichever one i visit first may likely end up in my hands.

I like a base Acura better than a celica gt. The motor is more fun, I like the suspension better, and less heavy crap you don't need.

^Agreed. There's more of an aftermarket backing for the Integra as well.

I owned a 95 Integra LS a few years back & at the time a friend had an 01 Celica GT. The driving feel & comfort in the Acura was much better that the Toyota. More aftermarket/potential as well. The only downside, Honda fan-boys will want to be your friend.

The rust issues on the Integra would be similar to that of all Hondas of that era around the wheel wells if any.

While not quite the same, I used to own a '92 Integra LS. I've never driven a FWD Celica (did drive my sister's '80 ST a few times) so I can't compare these 2 cars. However, like previous folks said, better aftermarket support, and insurance I would imagine will be the same. Rust? My '92 had a small bit of rust in the rear wheelwell lips. In 2 years, it never got worse, and it wasn't a massive problem (that I could see, anyway) anywheres else. Admittedly, I've never seen a rusty Celica, but I also don't see many Integras as rusty as mine was.

Ride/handling? I will admit that an Integra can seem a bit stiff riding, but I imagine the Celica does, too. Mine, with nearly 200K on the odo still felt nailed to the road.

Any downsides? I would think neither car is suitable for folks taller than 6 foot. At 6ft 4 I nearly brushed the headliner of my car and I would have liked another inch of rearward travel to the driver's seat.

I'm gonna be a dissenter here, I much prefer the Celica. I think the chassis is vastly better than a base Integra (R models not included). I raced a SSC Celica for a while and found it to be one of the best fwd chassis' I've ever driven. It can be driven like a rwd car, ie with the throttle, torque steer is not as severe, and the motor seems to have more torque on corner exit. I usually hate fwd cars, but could easily live with a Celica. The driving position and controls all feel better too.

A side note: a Celica GTS won SSC this year. Contrary to popular belief, it did it with handling, not hp. A friend of mine built the engine for that car, and it did not have the most hp for the class.

I'd prefer the Celica as well. The interior is comfier in my eyes, the motor is a little torquey-er while still not being down on HP vs the Teg GS, and i wouldn't be surprised if the Celica is lighter. It's also one of the best FWD chassis ever made in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, i like Integras, and if it was a DC2 Integra GSR vs. a 7th gen Celica GT, i'd go the Integra hands down. If it's a GTS, it goes the other way.

I would have a hard time choosing between an ITR and a 7th gen Celica GTS, though.

I'm sure some would call me a fanboi, so of course i'm going to pick that. Worth mentioning two things, though... 1) I was a honda guy. 2) I don't have a 7th gen Celica, i've got a 5th, and the 7th is way better in every way except for looks.

Never driven the Celica, but I'll tell you what I like and don't like about the teg:

Likes: Dead nuts reliable, parts are cheap, handling is decent, motors are plentiful. In my experience, 30mpg hwy is easily attainable, 33-35 requires a little work (hypermiling.)

Dislikes: "Stuck" driver's side axles are apparently a common occurance. I don't even bother trying to pry them out anymore. I go straight for the air chisel and/or pickle fork and hammer. Said axle has to come out to get the alternator out, and my 91 goes through alternators for some reason. While the handling is decent, the car feels really heavy for a honda.

OP where are you located?

Buy integra, wait for it to get stolen, then buy Celica?

I live in central nj

Oh, i only asked because i found a 98 Integra GS for sale in Louisville. I'm sure there's a million and one of them, but you know.... maybe a coincidence.

I personally prefer the Celica. The chassis is newer, the car is newer and the suspension renewables are likely not going to need replacing yet, and I think it handles a bit better. Celica GT get up to 40 mpg easy. However, it is more cramped like a cockpit while the integra has a bit more space for everyday driving. If you need to use the back seat for anything other than cargo the integra also wins. Both are good cars and you should go with whatever is in better condition for the price. If it were any other gen celica I might say go with the Integra though.

Having raced both Id take the Integra over the Celica any day. Aside for being a much more affordable option as far as the aftermarket goes, there is also many more parts to choose from.

Id tend to think that the Integra would also hold its value better.

Either way if yo need help sourcing parts Contact Us and we'll do our best to help you out.

I find the GT motor in the celica lethargic compared to any B18.

belteshazzar wrote: I find the GT motor in the celica lethargic compared to any B18.

Strange...

1zzfe:
140hp @ 6400
126tq @ 4200

B18B1:
142hp @ 6300
130tq @ 5200

And the Integra weighs 100-200lbs more, depending on options.

Does not compute!

(Interesting to note that quarter mile times are virtually identical.)

2.2 pushrod cavaliers have roughly the same rated horsepower as a 4A-GE as well.

belteshazzar wrote: 2.2 pushrod cavaliers have roughly the same rated horsepower as a 4A-GE as well.

Hah!!!!! Touche, good sir.

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac:

There are variations in the real world. Not every engine is running at peak performance. There is also gearing that comes into play. I'm too lazy to look it up.

clutchsmoke wrote: In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac: There are variations in the real world. Not every engine is running at peak performance. There is also gearing that comes into play. I'm too lazy to look it up.

Gearing is in Celica's favor. The transmissions attached to the B18B1 was pretty long and is ill-suited for any small-displacement naturally aspirated motor.

But yeah, i know real world is different. But stock vs. stock these are almost identical vehicles in straight line speed on paper.

I cant imagine a more closely-matched versus match...

Ive always been slightly attracted to the 7th gen celica and have a fair amount of experience driving a pristine 01 integra gs/5spd.

I have to say, for me it comes down to condition, price, and what you plan to do with it. If you plan to mod it heavily, id go with the integra. But, i wouldnt take a trashed out integra vs a nice celica at the same price. So think about how much modding you're going to do, and then see what you can find as far as condition and price. I think you'll find you can get a NICE integra for about the same price as the cheapest 7g celica.

My mom sold her pristine 01 gs/5spg for $6200 (well really i did the selling, i knew i could squeeze a fanboi out of a lot of money..), and i havent seen 7g celicas going much cheaper than that, and probably none of those cheap ones are pristine.

7th gen GT models have been dipping down. I've seen decent examples for $4k.

If you're going to mod it heavily, you shouldn't be starting with a GT anyways.

Central nj? Definitely price out the insurance on both...

To add, both to what I've already said, and someone else has said....

the Integra will feel (and of course, is) heavier than the same year Civic. It will usually feel more solid. I've owned an '89, 92, 97 Civic and a '92 Integra. Even though the Integra had frameless side windows, it felt more solidly built than the same year Civic. Like aluminum versus steel solid.

are there any problems with the transmission for the integras with pop-out and whatnot?

how reliable is a high mileage 1zz?