2025 Supra vs M240i vs Integra Type S: The ULTIMATE FWD vs RWD vs AWD Showdown UNDER $60K!
- Richard Dao
- Nov 14
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever wondered what the best $60,000 can buy in a performance car, buckle up. We’re diving into a three-way battle between some of the most thrilling cars you can get under that price tag. On the menu: BMW M240i, Honda/Acura Integra Type S, and the Toyota Supra. And to make it spicy, each one represents a different drivetrain philosophy: all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.
This isn’t just a comparison. This is a crown showdown for the best drivetrain and the ultimate daily driver that can still make your pulse spike.
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The Front-Wheel Drive King: Integra Type S
Let’s start with the front-wheel drive contender: the Integra Type S. This car is basically the Civic Type R’s cooler, more refined sibling—but don’t let that fool you. The Type S carries some serious performance chops, thanks to a chassis and suspension tuned to perfection.
One of the magic ingredients here is the dual-axis front suspension. Sounds fancy, right? Basically, it separates the steering and suspension geometry from the main strut, cutting torque steer to near zero. Translation: you can mash the throttle out of a corner without the car tugging left or right. That’s huge for a front-wheel drive car. Add a limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, and Michelin PS4S tires, and suddenly, the Type S feels like it’s reading your mind.
Driving it is addictive. The six-speed manual gearbox is crisp, short-throw, and paired with auto rev-match, making downshifts a delight. You can absolutely feel the road through the adaptive dampers in Sport+ mode—but not so much that it’s punishing. Every corner is precise, every turn is rewarding. The steering? Probably the sharpest of the trio.
Under the hood, there’s a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder VTEC pumping out 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to get from 0–60 mph in 5.1 seconds, which is impressive for a front-wheel drive car. Sure, it’s slower off the line than the rear- or all-wheel drive options, but on a twisty backroad or a racetrack, it shines. This is where the Type S really reminds you that front-wheel drive doesn’t have to be boring—it can be insanely capable.
And here’s the kicker: it’s practical. The interior is roomy, the ride is comfortable, and you can still do your weekly Costco run without hating life. A proper hot hatch that doubles as a daily driver—now that’s magic.
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The Rear-Wheel Drive Wild Card: Toyota Supra
Next up, the Toyota Supra. If the Integra is precise, the Supra is pure emotion. With rear-wheel drive, 382 horsepower, and 369 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, this car is an adrenaline shot on wheels. And it’s not just straight-line speed—though a 0–60 time of 3.9 seconds will give you goosebumps. The Supra is playful, balanced, and feels alive in a way most cars can’t touch.
This is a car that wants to dance. Push it into a corner, and the rear end is happy to slide just enough to make you grin without scaring you silly (unless you really want to go for it). The weight distribution is excellent, the steering is sharp, and the burbles from the exhaust make it feel like it’s alive.
The interior? Sporty, snug, and focused. You’re not getting huge cargo space or an easy daily commute like the BMW, but every drive feels like an event. If you’re after a car that talks to you, the Supra is that conversation partner. Manual purists will love that Toyota offers a six-speed stick here—the engagement rivals, and in some ways surpasses, what you get from BMW manuals.
Basically, the Supra is a high-octane cocktail of fun: rear-wheel drive, turbo power, and that legendary Toyota-BMW engineering collaboration known as Gazu Racing. If driving makes you feel alive, this car is your soul mate.
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The All-Wheel Drive Swiss Army Knife: BMW M240i
Last but not least, the BMW M240i. Think of this as the sensible sibling that knows how to have fun without losing its composure. Under the hood sits the same B-58 turbocharged inline-six as the Supra, producing identical 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The difference? BMW’s sophisticated XDrive all-wheel-drive system. Power gets split between front and rear as needed, giving you the confidence to drive fast anytime, anywhere, and in any condition.
What makes the M240i brilliant is balance. You get almost the same rear-wheel drive thrills of the Supra, but with added grip and security. Launches are insane—0–60 in just 3.6 seconds with launch control—and corners feel planted and predictable. No drama, just pure fun that you can trust.
The BMW also shines in daily life. Smooth ride, luxurious interior, tech-loaded infotainment, and comfy seats make it ideal for commuting, errands, or long road trips. While it’s slightly heavier than the Supra or Type S, the M240i doesn’t feel cumbersome—it handles like it’s on rails. Comfort mode can even make it feel like a refined grand tourer, while Sport+ lets you unleash its inner hooligan.
In short: the M240i is the ultimate everyday performance car. It balances practicality, luxury, and speed in a way the other two simply can’t match.
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Putting Them Side by Side
Here’s the quick breakdown:
• Integra Type S: Track-ready, sharp steering, manual gearbox, 320 HP, practical, fun on tight roads, best front-wheel drive experience.
• Toyota Supra: Rear-wheel drive joy, 382 HP, playful, addictive, pure sports car feel, less practical, manual or automatic options.
• BMW M240i: All-wheel drive confidence, 382 HP, luxurious, comfortable, insane launch and grip, no manual, the best daily driver of the bunch.
Fuel economy? The Supra and M240i both manage about 26 MPG combined. The Integra clocks slightly lower at 24 MPG—but honestly, you’re not buying these cars for efficiency. You’re buying them for fun, control, and that rush when you stomp the throttle.
And visually, all three couldn’t be more different:
• M240i: Clean, muscular, and understated—a wolf in a tailored suit.
• Supra: Bold, low-slung, aggressive—every angle screams performance.
• Integra Type S: Serious hot hatch energy—functional vents, wide fenders, triple exhausts, and all the attitude of a grown-up racer.
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The Verdict (Sort Of)
Here’s the truth: picking a winner is personal. It depends on what gets your heart racing. Want confidence, grip, and daily usability? BMW M240i. Crave playful, raw excitement and a car that talks to you? Toyota Supra. Need sharp, precise steering with front-wheel drive mastery and some practicality? Integra Type S.
All three remind us why we fell in love with cars in the first place. The rush of carving corners, the smile from an exhaust note, the thrill of connecting with a machine that responds to every input—this is what driving is all about.
So, whether you’re team AWD, RWD, or FWD, there’s no wrong answer here. Just find the one that fits your style, press play, and go enjoy the drive.
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Bottom line: $60,000 can get you a car that’s not just transportation—it’s therapy, entertainment, and a reminder that the joy of driving is still very much alive.


















































































