2024 Acura Integra Type S Vs. BMW M235i: An In-Depth Comparison
Buckle up for a wild ride, because this Acura Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i comparison is fierce, fun, and highly in favor of the 2024 Acura model. We're not just cheering for the Type S because we're an Acura dealer – this brand-new addition to the Acura Integra lineup has been crowned the Best Four-Door Sports Car by Car and Driver, and here's why.1
The Acura model has performance-grade brakes, its interior is sporty and stylish, and its best features, like wireless charging, come standard. In comparison, the BMW brakes are standard-issue, its cabin is uninspiring, and options that come standard with the Type S are hidden behind package fees.
Dig deeper into the specs and features below to find the perfect sporty car for you! We're confident you'll fall in love with the Acura Integra Type S, and when you do, we'll have a set of keys waiting for your test drive at Muller's Woodfield Acura.
Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i Specs & Performance
Both models feature a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, giving the Integra Type S a higher-revving 320 horsepower and the BMW M235i a stronger 332-pound-foot torque rating. Beyond this performance value, the BMW M235i specs fall short.
The BMW model is fitted with M Sport brakes, which many experts agree are little more than dressed-up versions of factory brakes, and it doesn't handle with nearly as much stability or excitement as we'd like. The Integra Type S, on the other hand, is fitted with a performance-grade Brembo® four-piston braking system for quicker stops at higher speeds.
Both the BMW model and the Type S trim maximize their aerodynamics with large intake openings, but only the Type S reduces lift with a standard rear diffuser and uses a unique Sport+ drive mode to give you firmer dampers and a more visceral connection to the road. You can purchase a Dynamic Damper Control package for the BMW M235i to try and mimic the Type S shock absorption, but it'll cost you a pretty penny.
| 2024 Acura Integra Type S | 2024 BMW M235i | |
| Engine | 2.0L VTEC Turbo Inline 4-Cyl | 2.0L M TwinPower Turbo Inline 4-Cyl |
| Horsepower | 320 | 302 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 332 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) | 21 / 28 MPG2 | 24 / 33 MPG3 |
| Wheels | 19 in | 18 in |
| Color Options | 7 | 8 |
| Cargo Capacity | 24.3 cu ft | 15.2 cu ft4 |
Before we move on to interior comparisons, it's worth noting that another Acura model also offers a Type S trim: the Acura MDX. If you want to increase your car's horsepower and torque numbers beyond what the Integra Type S or the BMW M235i can give you, take a look at these Acura MDX vs. Acura Integra specs!
Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i Interior
Next up on this 2024 Acura Integra Type S vs. 2024 BMW M235i tour is a closer look at interior design. You'll enjoy standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and a center touch screen display no matter which automaker you choose, but that's where the similarities end.
The Acura Integra Type S interior is racing inspired by racing vehicles at every curve. Its cockpit is sporty and customizable, its seats are decked out in Ultrasuede upholstery, and its cabin controls are under Alexa® voice command. We won't dive too deep into all the Acura Integra details on this page, but suffice it to say that this car goes above and beyond with its standard wireless charging and 16-speaker premium audio system.
The 2024 BMW M235i cabin is quite modest in comparison. While its leather seats are comfortable and classy, you won't find sport seats, wireless phone charging, or an enhanced sound system like the Type S offers unless – you guessed it – you buy a few more BMW M235i packages.
Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i Colors
Another difference between Acura Integra Type S and BMW M235i styling is their exterior color options. Both vehicles come in one standard color: The Integra Type S shines in a Lunar Silver Metallic, while the BMW M235i is cloaked in a basic Alpine White. However, you can pay a little more to unlock stunning Acura colors like Tiger Eye Pearl, which adds a gorgeous warm yellow tone to your build.
As usual, the extra-cost BMW M235i colors are straightforward and, well, basic. Choices like Melbourne Red Metallic and Misano Blue Metallic are pretty, but they don't catch the eye quite like a Tiger Eye Pearl Type S.
Acura Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i Safety
Safety features are next up in our Acura Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i comparison. If you're familiar with our new Acura Integra inventory, you probably already know about the comprehensive the AcuraWatch safety system and its top-of-the-line features, like Collision-Mitigation Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
While the BMW M235i is equipped with similar safety amenities, including lane change and lane departure warnings and pre- and post-collision systems, it keeps other important systems, like Active Cruise Control, behind a paywall. If you'd rather have every safety system you need come standard on your build, use one of our Acura Integra lease specials or financing offers to get behind the wheel of a fully equipped Type S.
Let's wrap up our comparison with a last look at Acura Integra Type S vs. BMW M235i dimensions, interior features, and safety systems.
| 2024 Acura Integra Type S | 2024 BMW M235i | |
| Length / Width / Height | 186 / 74.8 / 55.4 in | 178.5 / 70.9 / 55.9 in |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Front Headroom / Legroom | 37.6 / 42.3 in | 39.8 / 41.4 in |
| Standard Cabin Features | -Ultrasuede sport seats -Perforated leather sport steering wheel -Wireless phone charging |
-Dakota leather upholstery -Ambient interior lighting -USB phone charging |
| Safety System | AcuraWatch Advanced Safety & Driver Assist, which includes: -Collision Mitigation Braking System w/ Pedestrian Detection -Lane Keeping Assist System -Traffic Sign Recognition -Blind Spot Information System -Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor |
BMW Active Driving Assistance, which includes: -Blind Spot Detection -Lane Departure Warning -Pre- & Post-Collision safety systems -Emergency Braking Assist -Traction Control |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) | 21 / 28 MPG2 | 24 / 33 MPG3 |
| Wheels | 19 in | 18 in |
| Color Options | 7 | 8 |
| Cargo Capacity | 24.3 cu ft | 15.2 cu ft4 |
Blaze Through Life in a Sporty New Acura Integra Type S
It's time to amp up the fun in your daily drives and meet the Acura Integra Type S. Continue your research with our helpful 2024 vs. 2023 Acura Integra comparison guide, or visit the Muller's Woodfield Acura showroom for a trim tour.
While you're here, you can explore more Acura sedans, discover incentives with the help of our finance team, and browse our service and parts centers to see why our technicians are among the best in Illinois!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acura Integra Type S bigger than the BMW M235i?
Yes, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S is more than seven inches longer than the BMW M235i. The Type S also gives front-seat passengers almost an inch of additional legroom to stretch out, and its ground clearance of only 4 inches (compared to the BMW sedan's 6-inch ground clearance) means you can take corners more aggressively thanks to the lower center of gravity.
Does the Acura Integra Type S have more horsepower than the BMW M235i?
Yes! The new Integra Type S generates 320 horsepower with its 2.0-liter VTEC turbo inline four-cylinder engine. Although the new BMW M235i houses a similar 2.0-liter turbo engine, it only outputs 302 horsepower. You'll also feel much more connected to the road in the Integra Type S with its six-speed manual transmission, compared to the eight-speed automatic of the BMW M235i.
Which is faster: the Acura Integra Type S or the BMW M235i?
Acura Integra Type S 0-60 specs aren't available, but two facts can help us estimate them: The 2024 BMW M235i has a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, and both cars have similar torque. We expect the Type S 0-60 rate to be quite comparable to that of the BMW M235i, but the best way to find out is with a test drive!
Continue Your Acura Research
| Acura Integra Comparison | Acura TLX vs. TLX Type S Trim Comparison | Acura MDX vs. Integra |
| Acura vs. INFINITI | Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y | Acura TLX vs. Honda Accord |
1Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-sports-cars/4-door.
2Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
3Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe/2024/m235i-xdrive/st-402006449/features-specs.