Japan vs Japan — 1964 vs 1985
| S600 Roadster | Today | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 57 hp | 48 hp |
| Torque | 38 lb-ft | 41 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 606 cc | 656 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.4 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 81 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.9 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,532 lbs | 1,301 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,000 mm | 2,330 mm |
| Length | 3,300 mm | 3,295 mm |
| Units Produced | 13,084 | — |
| Original MSRP | $1,595 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $9,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 4/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1964 Honda S600 Roadster brings more power, higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1985 Honda Today answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Honda has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster with the 1985 Honda Today highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster producing 57 hp and the 1985 Honda Today delivering 48 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda S600 uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 606 cc, while the Honda Today relies on a Inline-3 SOHC 12V with 656 cc. The 1964 Honda S600 Roadster claims a higher top speed at 90 mph compared to 81 mph. The Honda Today carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 231 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1985 Honda Today, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.