Italy vs Italy — 1953 vs 1952
| 208S Spider | 208S | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 120 lb-ft | 123 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,996 cc | 1,996 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 112 mph | 115 mph |
| Weight | 1,598 lbs | 1,653 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,300 mm |
| Length | 3,962 mm | 3,900 mm |
| Units Produced | 35 | 35 |
| Original MSRP | $4,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $650,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1953 Siata 208S Spider brings quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1952 Siata 208S answers with higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Siata 208S. The 1953 and 1952 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1953 Siata 208S Spider producing 120 hp and the 1952 Siata 208S delivering 120 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1953 Siata 208S Spider edges ahead at 9.5 seconds versus 10.0 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.