Honda Beat

vs

Honda S600

Japan vs Japan — 1991 vs 1963

Honda Beat (1991)
Honda S600 (1963)
Specifications
BeatS600 S800
Horsepower64 hp70 hp
Torque44 lb-ft47 lb-ft
Engine Size656 cc791 cc
0-60 mph13.5 sec13.5 sec
Top Speed84 mph100 mph
¼ Mile19.5 sec19.0 sec
Wheelbase2,280 mm2,000 mm
Length3,295 mm3,335 mm
Units Produced33,600
Value (Excellent)$20,000$80,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity7/108/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1991 Honda Beat brings better value to the table, and the 1963 Honda S600 S800 answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Honda has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1991 Honda Beat with the 1963 Honda S600 S800 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1991 Honda Beat producing 64 hp and the 1963 Honda S600 S800 delivering 70 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda Beat uses a Inline-3 SOHC 12V displacing 656 cc, while the Honda S600 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V with 791 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Honda S600 S800 edges ahead at 13.5 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. On the collector market, the 1963 Honda S600 S800 commands a significant premium over the 1991 Honda Beat, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.