United Kingdom vs Japan — 1961 vs 1964
| Midget MkI/MkII Roadster | S600 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 56 hp | 57 hp |
| Torque | 64 lb-ft | 38 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,098 cc | 606 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 18.3 sec | 13.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 90 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.2 sec | 18.9 sec |
| Weight | 1,525 lbs | 1,532 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,032 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Length | 3,404 mm | 3,300 mm |
| Units Produced | 63,961 | 13,084 |
| Original MSRP | $1,895 | $1,595 |
| Value (Excellent) | $28,000 | $90,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
The rivalry between United Kingdom and Japan automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster versus 1964 Honda S600 Roadster 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 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster producing 56 hp and the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster delivering 57 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the MG Midget MkI/MkII uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,098 cc, while the Honda S600 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 606 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster edges ahead at 13.4 seconds versus 18.3 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13,084 units built, the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the MG Midget MkI/MkII's 63,961 examples. On the collector market, the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.