Japan vs Spain — 1958 vs 1957
| 360 Deluxe | 600 D | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 16 hp | 25 hp |
| Torque | 18 lb-ft | 32 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 767 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 0.0 sec | 50.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 62 mph | 62 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 0.0 sec | 30.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,290 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 1,800 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Length | 2,990 mm | 3,285 mm |
| Units Produced | 392,000 | 797,319 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1958 Subaru 360 Deluxe brings quicker acceleration, greater rarity to the table, and the 1957 SEAT 600 D answers with more power, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and Spain automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1958 Subaru 360 Deluxe versus 1957 SEAT 600 D is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1958 Subaru 360 Deluxe producing 16 hp and the 1957 SEAT 600 D delivering 25 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru 360 uses a Flat-2 2-stroke displacing 356 cc, while the SEAT 600 relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 767 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1958 Subaru 360 Deluxe edges ahead at 0.0 seconds versus 50.0 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 SEAT 600 D rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.