1968 Honda S600 vs. 1969 Mini MK III
To start off, 1969 Mini MK III is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Honda S600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Honda S600 would be higher. At 1,274 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Mini MK III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Honda S600 (70 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1969 Mini MK III. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Honda S600 should accelerate faster than 1969 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Honda S600 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1969 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Honda S600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Honda S600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Mini MK III, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1969 Mini MK III (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Honda S600. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1969 Mini MK III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Honda S600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Honda S600 | 1969 Mini MK III | |
| Make | Honda | Mini |
| Model | S600 | MK III |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1274 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2040 mm |
