Is the Honda S660 fast?
The S660 is a tiny, lightweight roadster from Honda that punches above its kei-car weight class thanks to clever packaging and a rev-happy engine. In short, it’s quick for what it is, though it isn’t a supercar by any measure.
Performance fundamentals
To understand how fast the S660 feels, it helps to know its basics: a small turbocharged engine, light curb weight, and a short-throw manual that keeps the driver connected to the action. This combination makes the car feel lively and eager as soon as you start turning the revs up.
Key performance figures for the Honda S660 give a sense of its pace and driving character.
- Engine: 658cc inline-3 turbocharged, about 64 kW (87 hp) and around 104 Nm of torque
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive; 6-speed manual as standard (optional automatic in some markets)
- Weight: roughly 790–850 kg depending on trim and equipment
- 0–100 km/h: typically around 6.9–7.5 seconds, depending on spec and condition
- Top speed: approximately 225 km/h (about 140 mph)
With those numbers, the S660 delivers brisk acceleration and a high-revving character that translates to eager highway and twisty-road performance, rather than straight-line blitz.
Real-world speed and driving character
In everyday driving, the S660’s charm is less about outright speed and more about responsiveness, handling, and a near- Formula-like connection to the road. The light weight helps it feel nimble in corners, and the turbocharged engine’s power band becomes usable at relatively low revs, making it satisfying on winding back roads or track days. It isn’t a flagship sports car, but its speed is well-muited to its size and mission.
How it compares to similar small roadsters
Against rivals in the two-seat, lightweight segment, the S660 stands out for its engaging chassis and high-rev excitement, while it may trail in straight-line numbers behind some modern lightweight rivals. It excels in cornering feel and driver involvement, which many enthusiasts value as a form of ‘fast’ that isn’t just about numbers.
Availability and legacy
Production of the S660 ran in Japan from 2015 to 2019, with limited export to other markets. Since then, it has remained a darling of used-car buyers and enthusiasts who value its purity and compact driving package. There is no direct successor announced by Honda, and the model lives on primarily through importers, enthusiasts, and track-day use rather than a continued factory lineup.
What this means for buyers and fans
For buyers, the S660 offers a distinctive, charismatic driving experience—quick enough for enjoyable weekends, highly communicative, and light enough to feel almost toy-like in a positive sense. For fans, it represents Honda’s niche blend of efficiency, engineering lightness, and a pure roadster feel that’s rare in today’s market.
Summary
In the world of small roadsters, the Honda S660 is distinctly fast for its class thanks to a lively turbo engine and a featherweight chassis, delivering spirited acceleration and engaging handling rather than top-tier straight-line speed. Its charm lies in poised, driver-focused performance, a high-revving character, and a sense of occasion that larger, more powerful cars rarely match. As of now, it remains a celebrated, limited-run icon rather than a mainstream fast car, with no direct successor in Honda’s current lineup.
Can you tune a Honda S660?
Honda S660 Tuning Solutions
More power or more economy? With the TDI Tuning App you can decide directly from your driver's seat. Instantly change the performance of your engine and adapt your vehicle to suit any situation.
How fast is a Honda S660?
The top speed of the Honda S660 is limited to approximately 140 km/h (about 87 mph). This is a result of its 660cc engine, which is regulated by Japanese kei car standards to produce a maximum of around 64 horsepower.
- Top speed: 140140140 km/h (878787 mph).
- Engine: A turbocharged $660$cc three-cylinder engine.
- Horsepower: Approximately 646464 hp.
- Purpose: The speed limitation is due to Japanese kei car regulations.
How fast does a 660 cc engine go?
The top speed of a 660cc engine depends on the vehicle, but for typical Japanese Kei cars and trucks, it's around 120 km/h (75 mph) for standard models, while modified versions can reach higher speeds, like 140 km/h (87 mph). These vehicles are designed for efficiency in city driving, not high-speed cruising, and achieving top speeds can put significant strain on the engine and chassis. Some high-performance or specially tuned 660cc engines in custom-built vehicles, however, can achieve much greater speeds.
This video shows a test drive of a modified kei car reaching a high speed: 58sVIDEO OPTION English “Exciting Car Video”YouTube · Jun 8, 2021
Typical top speeds
- Standard Kei Cars and Trucks: Around 120 km/h (75 mph), though some are electronically or mechanically limited to lower speeds, such as 50-65 mph.
- Modified Kei Cars: With upgrades like turbos and aerodynamic kits, some can reach 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Specific Models:
- Honda Acty Street: Up to 115 km/h (71 mph).
- Honda Acty 4WD: Up to 105 km/h (65 mph).
- Honda S660: Top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Specialty Vehicles: Specially built vehicles, like the one in the autoevolution article, can exceed these speeds dramatically.
Factors affecting top speed
- Vehicle type: A sports car like the S660 is designed for higher speeds than a work truck like the Acty.
- Modifications: Turbochargers, aerodynamic body kits, and suspension upgrades can increase speed.
- Transmission: The transmission gearing affects how quickly the engine can reach and sustain high speeds.
- Engine tuning: A standard engine will have a lower top speed than a performance-tuned one.
- Driving conditions: Terrain, tires, and weather can all impact a vehicle's top speed.
How much power can you get out of a Honda S660?
As such, like all kei cars the Honda S660 has a 660cc engine (turbo charged in this case) with 64hp (47kW) mated to a 7 speed tiptronic CVT auto or 6 speed manual.
