Japan vs Germany — 1963 vs 1970
| S600 S800 | 914 /6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 70 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 47 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1,991 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.5 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 19.0 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,000 mm | 2,450 mm |
| Length | 3,335 mm | 3,985 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 3,351 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $140,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Honda S600 S800 brings better value to the table, and the 1970 Porsche 914 /6 answers with more power. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1963 Honda S600 S800 versus 1970 Porsche 914 /6 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1970 Porsche 914 /6 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 110 hp compared to 70 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda S600 uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 791 cc, while the Porsche 914 relies on a Flat-6 with 1,991 cc. On the collector market, the 1970 Porsche 914 /6 commands a significant premium over the 1963 Honda S600 S800, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.