Hi Everyone!
How are you guys doing?
It's that time of the year when you go to Costco and find $20.00 1/18 diecast models from Maisto for sale. This year I picked up Maisto's 1/18 scale Huracan Perfomante in Pearl Green. Why? Because I also have the AutoArt version of the same model as well, and I wanted to do a comparison of both models.
First thing that is obvious is the price. Costco sells Maisto's Huracan for $20.00 and AutoArt retails theirs around $270.00. It is quite clear that both models are aimed at two different markets and collectors. And for most of us when we hear the name Maisto, we rather think of them as toys and also what started us in collecting models. For me it was Revell and Bburago.
What do you get for $20.00?
In my opinion, quite a lot. Full diecast metal body with openable doors, frunk, rear engine cover, and steerable front wheels (minimum steering).
Maisto did an excellent job of getting the overall shape and ride height of the Huracan correct.
I was even more impressed that Maisto even produced the engine as a separate piece instead of making it as a one mold piece - (resin models are a good example of this).
Next, the interior is very plasticky but some what decent for this price range. There are no Forged Carbon details in the interior, and the driver and passenger seats are at a bare minimum. Also for a model at this budget range I thought Maisto would use decals for dials and the famous red start up button, but instead the center dashboard consul has raised details for the dials and buttons. This is impressive compared to how other models (especially some resin companies) reproduce the interior. If you have the time, the interior can be made to look high-end.
Next let’s compare the rims for the AutoART version and the Maisto version.
On the Maisto version the rims are 20” Navi Forged. The brake disk and calipers are deeply recessed into the rims, which makes them hard to see and are very toy like.
Where as the AutoArt version has 20” Loge Forged with a Black center bolt. The brake disk and calipers are modeled much closer to the real car.
Other notable items.
In order to keep cost low for this model, there are no photo-etched detailed parts present to detail this model ie: grill meshes. Instead solid molded plastics are used to replicate the mesh pattern.
The hinges for the frunk and rear engine hood uses “dog legs” and the doors on this model does not open up as wide compared to the AutoArt Perfomante.
Other items such as the clear plastic A-pillar window has a thick black trim, and there is a huge panel gap on the C-Pillar where two body panels meet.
The front head lights are not as detailed. The rear wing is molded in black.
In contrast on the AutoArt version, photo-etched parts are extensively used throughout the model, the frunk and rear engine covers utilizes scaled hood hinges and friction rods to keep the frunk and rear engine hood open.
Forged Carbon details are present in the interior and exterior on the model.
The front head lights on the AutoART version are well detailed.
Conclusion.
Is the Maisto Huracan Performante worth buying? If viewed from a distance, the Maisto version can hold up to another expensive model of its kind when displayed out of the box.
But, once viewed and inspected closely, you will notice the difference. As mentioned at the beginning of this review, both models are targeted towards two different collectors. I feel Maisto diecast models are a great way to introduce young collectors to the diecast model world. These are also great for collectors to practice and learn how to detailing and modifying models, and applying those skills to a high-end model. Based on these reasons, I would recommend buying Maisto models.
Comments are welcome!
Happy collecting!
PacMan