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Honda S600 Coupe 0.6 (57 Hp)
Overall Rating
Honda S600:
The Honda S600 is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was launched in March 1964. Available as a roadster, bearing strong resemblance to the Honda S500, and as a fastback coupé, introduced in March 1965, the S600 was the first Honda available in two trim levels. During its production run up to 1966, the model styling would remain pretty much the same, with the most notable changes coming to the front grille, bumper, and headlights.
Powered by a DOHC, water-cooled, four-cylinder inline engine with four Keihin carburetors, the engine capacity was increased to 606 cc from the S500's 531 cc. The engine produced 57 hp at 8,500 rpm and had a top speed of 90 mph. With the convertible weighing in at a mere 1,576 lb , the extra sheet metal of the coupe only added 33 lb to the overall weight. A four speed manual transmission drove the rear wheels via a hypoid differential outputting to chain final drives for each rear wheel. Each wheel was driven by either single or dual chains , contained in a pivoting, sealed case with oil bath lubrication and adjustable tensioners. These pivoting chain cases functioned as trailing arms for the fully independent, coil-sprung rear suspension. The front suspension was also independent, with a-arms, longitudinal torsion bar springs and rack-and-pinion steering. The S600 was equipped with 13" wheels and finned aluminum drum brakes....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe Overview:
Honda S600 (Coupe). With 51 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 730 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the 1960s, the Honda S600 Coupe predates modern safety standards and testing protocols like Euro NCAP. It lacks contemporary safety features such as airbags, ABS, or advanced crumple zones, offering only basic passive safety for its time.
0.6 (57 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 0.6L engine, derived from motorcycle technology, is a marvel of engineering for its time. It produces 57 Hp at a screaming 8500 rpm, offering surprisingly sprightly performance for such a small displacement, though torque is limited.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100 km, the S600 0.6 (57 Hp) offers reasonable economy for a sports car of its era, especially considering its high-revving nature and performance focus.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • High-revving, motorcycle-derived engine offers unique driving experience
- • Lightweight and nimble handling characteristics
- • Pioneering engineering for Honda's early automotive entry
- • Classic car appeal and increasing collector value
- • Distinctive and charming design
Cons:
- • Limited power and torque by modern standards
- • Basic safety features (typical for its era)
- • Small interior and limited practicality for daily use
- • Maintenance can be specialized due to unique engine design
- • Can be noisy at higher RPMs
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | S600 |
| Generation: | Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 0.6 (57 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1964 |
| End of production: | 1966 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 57 Hp @ 8500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 94.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 51 Nm @ 5500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 606 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.2 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 54.61 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 65.02 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.8 kg/Hp, 78.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 14.3 kg/Nm, 69.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 730 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 32 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3302 mm mm |
| Width: | 1397 mm mm |
| Height: | 1194 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2007 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1151 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1128 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 160 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 8.6 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Front suspension | Wishbone, Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Is the Honda S600 worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.