2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The M3 and M3 Competition were the high-performance options. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red paint, featured Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery and included packages like the Advanced Driver Assistance and Premium Enhanced. The M Performance exterior design, with exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, added to its appeal. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided a technical yet upscale look, with quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Acura Integra, with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharp character lines, seamlessly fit into Acura's lineup alongside the TLX, RDX, and MDX. Replacing the ILX, the Integra featured a five-door liftback design, a nod to its third-generation predecessor. In Canada, it was available in three trims: base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. The rear design included a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and distinctive taillights. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity. The Elite A-Spec trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen, a thin steering wheel, and excellent visibility. The microsuede inserts in the upholstery provided grip but lacked breathability. While not as refined as its German competitors, the Integra was well-built and offered a sporty driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, delivering power to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The xDrive AWD system was standard, except for the M3 and plug-in hybrid models. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i excelled in handling, offering a thrilling driving experience with precise steering and a taut ride. Despite the advancements in technology, the 3 Series remained a benchmark for sports sedans, providing ample performance without the need for the more powerful M3.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims came with a CVT. The Integra's manual transmission was praised for its short throws and automatic rev-matching technology, enhancing the driving experience. The car's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a wide track providing stability through corners. The Integra's variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The car featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite being FWD, the Integra's handling capabilities were commendable, making it a fun and engaging car to drive.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, with its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making it suitable for four tall occupants. The back seat provided good thigh support, though the centre position was less practical. The car came with a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with optional heated rear seats. Interior storage was decent, and the 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Despite the practicality, a sports wagon variant would have been a welcome addition.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design highlighted its practicality, offering 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the lift-over height made loading heavy items challenging. The interior was comfortable, with a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a centre console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were soft, providing comfort for passengers. Overall, the Integra offered a spacious and practical interior, though taller passengers might find the rear headroom restrictive.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series featured the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including gesture control. The car came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, providing conversational voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added features like a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim upgraded the 7-inch touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, with wireless connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto. The trim also included a wireless charging pad, USB-C and USB-A ports, and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers. The Integra's technology package was comprehensive, offering a seamless and wireless experience for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving, while the Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition across all trims. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.