Italy vs Japan — 1972 vs 1964
| Merak SS | S600 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 220 hp | 57 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 38 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,965 cc | 606 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 13.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 90 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.9 sec | 18.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,042 lbs | 1,532 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Length | 4,350 mm | 3,300 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,832 | 13,084 |
| Original MSRP | $18,500 | $1,595 |
| Value (Excellent) | $135,000 | $90,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1972 Maserati Merak SS brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and Japan automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1972 Maserati Merak SS versus 1964 Honda S600 Roadster is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1972 Maserati Merak SS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 57 hp, a 163-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Maserati Merak uses a V6 DOHC displacing 2,965 cc, while the Honda S600 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 606 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1972 Maserati Merak SS edges ahead at 6.5 seconds versus 13.4 seconds. The Honda S600 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1510 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,832 units built, the 1972 Maserati Merak SS is considerably scarcer than the Honda S600's 13,084 examples.