Japan vs Japan — 1968 vs 1964
| R100 Familia Rotary Coupe | S600 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 100 hp | 57 hp |
| Torque | 96 lb-ft | 38 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 982 cc | 606 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec | 13.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 90 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 18.9 sec |
| Weight | 1,786 lbs | 1,532 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,270 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Length | 3,855 mm | 3,300 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 13,084 |
| Original MSRP | $2,595 | $1,595 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 7/10 |
On balance, the 1968 Mazda R100 Familia Rotary Coupe makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster counters with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1968 Mazda R100 Familia Rotary Coupe for outright capability, or the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster for a more distinctive ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1968 Mazda R100 Familia Rotary Coupe versus the 1964 Honda S600 Roadster. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1968 Mazda R100 Familia Rotary Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 100 hp compared to 57 hp, a 43-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda R100 uses a Wankel Rotary (10A) displacing 982 cc, while the Honda S600 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 606 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Mazda R100 Familia Rotary Coupe edges ahead at 10.2 seconds versus 13.4 seconds. The Honda S600 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 254 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.