I had a DC2 ITR a few years ago and have driven the EP3 CTR.
The CTR isn't really in the same league as the Zed or the ITR, its quick, capable and it's quite good fun, but it lacks character. I even chose my Clio 182 over it, despite the latter having crap build quality.
The Zed has loads of character, and torque, and I think it handles quite well, but to get proper thrills, you have to go much faster than you would in the Hondas IMO.
The DC2 was a brilliant car for B-road blasting, I reckon it was definitely more fun than the Zed and not much slower in a straight line below 100. It just really liked being grabbed by the neck and it did handle better but it made you drive like a ****, as it wasn't that special at normal speeds (although better than the CTR here) and as with all VTECs pretty highly strung. Much better than the CTR though IMO.
The Zed always feels good to drive so is more liable to be driven sensibly, but that said, it can certainly act the hooligan when you want and your licence will be in danger!
Having said that, the Type-Rs are cheaper to run by far. Wish I could afford to keep both.