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The 2026 Acura Integra Type S makes 320 horsepower against the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35’s 302, and starts at $53,900 against roughly $57,750. The Type S includes a 6-speed manual, adaptive dampers, 19-inch wheels on 265/30-19 tires, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist as standard — all extra-cost or unavailable on the CLA 35.
The AMG CLA 35 is the entry point to Mercedes’ performance range, and it goes about its business with all-wheel drive, a dual-clutch gearbox and a great deal of technology.
The Type S is the more traditional performance car: front-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, three pedals and a lot of tire. It is also cheaper and, on the manufacturers’ own figures, more powerful.
| Specification | 2026 Acura Integra Type S | 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 320 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 302 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Starting MSRP | $53,900 | About $57,750 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, standard | Automatic; manual not available |
| Adaptive dampers | Standard, Integrated Dynamics System | AMG Ride Control, additional cost |
| Tires | 265/30-19 | 235/40-18 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Driver Assistance Package |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Driver Assistance Package |
| Body style | 5-door liftback | 4-door coupe, no liftback |
| Max cargo volume | 24.3 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
| Premium audio | 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D | 12-speaker Burmester |
| Airbags | 10 standard, including rear outboard side | 8 standard; rear outboard side extra |
| Rear legroom | 37.4 in | 33.9 in |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Acura MSRP as published by Acura; CLA 35 pricing as published by Mercedes-Benz and rounded. Excludes destination and dealer charges.
320 horsepower against 302, for roughly $3,850 less to start. The Acura also makes its peak higher in the rev range, at 6,500 rpm against 5,800, which suits the way a manual car is driven.
The Adaptive Damper System is standard on the Type S with Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes. On the CLA 35, AMG Ride Control is an additional cost on a car that already starts higher.
| Specification | Integra Type S | CLA 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 302 hp |
| Starting MSRP | $53,900 | About $57,750 |
| Adaptive dampers | Standard | Additional cost |
The Type S comes standard with a close-ratio 6-speed manual, a limited-slip differential and automatic rev-matching. Mercedes does not offer a manual CLA 35 in any configuration.
Tires are 265/30-19 on the Acura against 235/40-18 on the AMG, and the 19-inch wheels are standard on the Type S where they are an additional cost on the CLA 35.
| Specification | Integra Type S | CLA 35 |
|---|---|---|
| 6-speed manual | Standard | Not available |
| Tires | 265/30-19 | 235/40-18 |
| 19-inch wheels | Standard | Additional cost |
24.3 cubic feet against 11.6, again thanks to the liftback. Rear legroom is 37.4 inches against 33.9.
Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are standard on the Type S; on the CLA 35 both sit inside the additional-cost Driver Assistance Package.
Ten standard airbags on the Type S including rear-passenger outboard side airbags. Eight standard on the CLA 35, with the rear-passenger outboard side airbags an additional cost. The ELS STUDIO 3D system runs 16 speakers against a 12-speaker Burmester.
| Specification | Integra Type S | CLA 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Max cargo volume | 24.3 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 37.4 in | 33.9 in |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Additional package |
| Airbags | 10 standard | 8 standard, 10 available |
| Premium audio | 16 speakers | 12 speakers |
4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard on the CLA 35 and it is the decisive advantage in bad weather or from a standing start. The Type S is front-wheel drive and cannot match it for traction.
The AMG dual-clutch gearbox shifts faster than any manual, and the CLA 35 will be quicker point to point for most drivers most of the time.
The AMG cabin and MBUX interface are more visually impressive than the Acura’s, and the AMG badge carries a cachet the Type S does not.
On the numbers the Type S is the better value and the better driver’s car: more power, standard manual, standard adaptive dampers, far more tire, more than double the cargo space and a lower price.
The CLA 35 is the better all-weather car and the easier one to drive quickly, on the strength of 4MATIC and the dual-clutch.
If you have never driven a good front-drive performance car with a limited-slip differential, drive the Type S before you assume all-wheel drive is the only way to do this.
Yes. The Type S makes 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm; the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 makes 302 horsepower at 5,800 rpm.
The Integra Type S starts at $53,900. The AMG CLA 35 starts at roughly $57,750. Both figures exclude destination, taxes and dealer charges.
No. Mercedes does not offer a manual CLA 35. The Integra Type S comes standard with a close-ratio 6-speed manual, a limited-slip differential and automatic rev-matching.
No. The Type S is front-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential. The CLA 35 has standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which is a genuine advantage in poor weather.
No. AMG Ride Control is an additional-cost item on the CLA 35. The Adaptive Damper System is standard on the Integra Type S as part of the Integrated Dynamics System.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Call 833-857-1325 to check current Type S availability.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Sales 833-857-1325. Sales hours Monday–Saturday 9 AM–8 PM, Sunday 10 AM–7 PM.
Specifications, features and pricing are as published by each manufacturer at the time of writing and are subject to change. Competitive figures are drawn from manufacturer-published product information. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, license, destination and handling, registration and documentary fees, and dealer-installed accessories. Dealers set actual selling prices. Feature availability varies by trim and may change during the model year — confirm equipment on the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering. Driver-assistance systems are aids only and do not replace safe driving; see the Owner’s Manual for limitations.