What is Acura A-Spec vs Type S?
Acura, the luxury division of Honda, offers two distinct performance-oriented trim levels: the A-Spec and the Type S. While both aim to deliver an enhanced driving experience, there are key differences between the two that are important to understand.
Acura A-Spec: Sportier Styling and Handling
The Acura A-Spec is a trim level that focuses on delivering a more aggressive and sporty appearance, as well as improved handling characteristics. The A-Spec package typically includes the following features:
- Unique exterior styling elements, such as a more pronounced front grille, sportier bumpers, and distinctive wheels
- Upgraded suspension components, including stiffer springs and dampers, to enhance the vehicle's responsiveness and cornering abilities
- Larger, high-performance tires for improved grip and handling
- Subtle interior enhancements, such as unique trim pieces and sportier seat upholstery
The A-Spec trim is designed to provide a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, without necessarily focusing on significant power increases. It's an excellent choice for those who want a more visually striking and performance-oriented Acura, but don't necessarily need the full-blown power of the Type S.
Acura Type S: Elevated Performance and Power
The Acura Type S, on the other hand, is the brand's top-of-the-line performance variant. It takes the sportiness of the A-Spec and elevates it to a new level, with a focus on increased power and more advanced performance features. The key differences between the Type S and A-Spec include:
- More powerful engine, often featuring turbocharging or other performance-enhancing technologies
- Upgraded braking system, with larger and more powerful disc brakes for improved stopping power
- Tuned suspension components, including stiffer springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars, for enhanced cornering and handling
- Distinctive exterior styling cues, such as a more aggressive front fascia, rear spoiler, and unique wheel designs
- Specialized interior features, like sport seats, performance-oriented gauges, and unique trim elements
The Acura Type S is designed to deliver a more exhilarating and track-focused driving experience, making it the choice for enthusiasts who prioritize raw performance and power over the more subtle enhancements of the A-Spec.
In summary, the Acura A-Spec and Type S trims offer different approaches to performance and personalization. The A-Spec focuses on sportier styling and handling, while the Type S emphasizes elevated power and more advanced performance features. Choosing between the two will depend on your personal driving preferences and the level of performance you seek from your Acura.
Which is better, a-spec or Type S?
A-Spec focuses on sporty looks and a feature-rich cabin, while the Type S is the top-tier performance variant with a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and more aggressive styling. The Type S is a significant step up in performance and price, offering a more thrilling driving experience, whereas the A-Spec provides a comfortable and well-equipped daily driver with enhanced sporty aesthetics.
This video explains the differences between the Acura MDX Type-S and A-Spec models: 56sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Sep 2, 2024
| Feature | A-Spec | Type S |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Typically a less powerful, but still strong, engine (e.g., a 2.0L turbo or a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6) | A more powerful engine (e.g., a 3.0L turbocharged V6 or dual-motor setup) |
| Horsepower | Lower (e.g., 277 hp in a TLX A-Spec) | Higher (e.g., 355 hp in a TLX Type S or 500 hp in a ZDX Type S) |
| Suspension | Standard suspension, which provides a firm but balanced ride | Upgraded suspension, often an Adaptive Air Ride system, for more performance-oriented handling |
| Exterior | Sporty design with A-Spec badging and specific accents | More aggressive and performance-focused styling, including different grilles, air vents, and spoilers |
| Interior | Well-appointed and comfortable, often with sporty touches | Enhanced interior features, which may include more premium materials, sportier seats, and advanced audio systems |
| Price | Lower starting price | Significantly higher price point |
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This video compares the Acura Integra A-Spec and Type S models: 1mJubbal & CarsYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
What does Acura Type S stand for?
Acura's Type S badge signifies a high-performance version of a standard model, featuring enhanced power, more responsive handling, and sportier styling. This performance tier includes upgrades like more powerful engines, performance brakes, and sport-tuned suspension, while also often incorporating upscale interior and exterior design elements like unique wheels and upgraded seats. It represents the pinnacle of Acura's "Precision Crafted Performance" philosophy for a given vehicle line.
Key characteristics of Type S models
- Powertrain: Type S models have more powerful engines, often turbocharged, that deliver faster acceleration and a more responsive driving experience.
- Handling: They feature a performance-tuned chassis, including larger brakes, performance tires, and an adaptive suspension for better body control and cornering. Steering is also calibrated for more precision.
- Style: Design cues are distinct, including unique wheels, quad exhaust tips, and darker exterior trim. Inside, there are often sportier seats and a thicker steering wheel.
- Technology: Some Type S models may feature upgraded technology and infotainment systems.
- Performance focus: The Type S badge is reserved for the highest-performing vehicles in the Acura lineup, with a focus on delivering an exhilarating driving experience without compromising luxury or comfort.
- Historical context: The "Type S" name has a history with Acura, dating back to models like the 1997 NSX Type S in Japan and the 2001 CL Type S in North America.
What does Acura A-Spec mean?
An "A-Spec" Acura is a model that has been equipped with an optional package that adds a sportier look and feel, with exclusive exterior and interior design elements. These additions typically include more aggressive styling, larger wheels, sport seats with unique trim, and sport-themed interior details like a flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals. While A-Spec adds sporty features, it sits below the high-performance Type S trim, which offers more significant mechanical and engine upgrades.
Exterior features
- Larger, unique wheels, often in a dark or "shark gray" finish
- A-Spec exclusive front and rear bumpers, or body kits
- Dual exhaust outlets
- Unique badging
- Dark chrome or black window trim and other exterior accents
- LED fog lights
Interior features
- Sport seats, often with enhanced bolstering and Ultrasuede® or perforated leather trim
- A flat-bottom sport steering wheel, sometimes with a sport-tuned feel
- Sport-style metal pedals and footrests
- Contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, or shift knob
- A-Spec illuminated door sill plates
What A-Spec is not
- Not a performance engine upgrade: The A-Spec package focuses on aesthetics and driver interaction, not a more powerful engine, according to this Facebook post and AutoNation Acura Gulf Freeway.
- Not a Type S model: The Type S trim is a separate, higher-tier performance variant that includes a more powerful engine, adaptive suspension, and high-performance brakes.
What is the difference between 2025 Integra Type S and a-spec?
The A-Spec Package adds sportier elements throughout the Integra, but the Type S takes it to a whole new level, offering a more powerful engine, more aggressive styling, and performance-focused driving dynamics.
