Tiger Wheels
Hot Wheels
Johnny Lightning
Racing Champions (Street Wheels)
|
The recent addition of a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 from Tiger Wheels
(see feature), made a comparison with the other
producers of 1:64 scale '70 Chevelle models a must. The other three '70
Chevelle models come from Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning and Racing Champion's
Street Wheels line. Racing Champions also did a Mint Edition version of
the '70 Chevelle which is easily superior in quality but at a premium price.
I decided the RC Street Wheels casting was a more appropriate comparison
in price and value to the other models.
To begin the comparison it is best to identify the key factors. These are
price, paint and tampos, casting, wheels, interior and base. Each model
will receive a score of 1-5 in each category with 5 being the highest. The
results are close and all four cars offer interesting features. Here is
my opinion.
PRICE
Tiger Wheels - ($2-4) - 3 points
Hot Wheels - ($1) - 5 points
Johnny Lightning - ($3) - 3 points
RC Street Wheels - ($.50) - 5 points
Clearly, the RC Street Wheels model is priced for maximum value while the
Hot Wheels model is also quite reasonable for the level of quality. The
Tiger Wheels model is expected to be in the same range as the Johnny Lightning
model and neither has the level of detail to be valued any higher.
PAINT AND TAMPOS
Tiger Wheels - 4 points
Hot Wheels - 3 points
Johnny Lightning - 4 points
RC Street Wheels - 3 points
All four models have decent paint on the examples shown here. The RC Street
Wheels model has headlights and tail-lights detailed but bumpers are painted
body color. The racing stripes do not extend to the trunk. The Hot Wheels
model has a metallic blue finish with white stripes and no other detail.
The Tiger Wheels model has complete detailed lights and correct badging,
however the rear bumper is painted body color. The Johnny Lightning model
has head and tail-lights detailed but no other tampo detail except the black
racing stripes.
CASTING
Tiger Wheels - 4 points
Hot Wheels - 4 points
Johnny Lightning - 4 points
RC Street Wheels - 3 points
All four castings offer surprising detail but the Hot Wheels model is the
only one to offer metal bumpers front and rear. The RC Street Wheels model
appears too flat in the nose. The black plastic grill and tail insets for
the Johnny Lightning detract from the look of the model but it is the only
model to offer an opening hood and side mirrors.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Tiger Wheels - 3 points
Hot Wheels - 3 points
Johnny Lightning - 4 points
RC Street Wheels - 3 points
The Johnny Lightning wheels are the most detailed while the other three
offer reasonable versions of hot rod racing mags. None feature correct wheels
for the car.
INTERIOR
Tiger Wheels - 5 points
Hot Wheels - 2 points
Johnny Lightning - 3 points
RC Street Wheels - 4 points
The Tiger Wheels interior is excellent with a realistic dash board and steering
wheel. The stick shift is also provided. Johnny Lightning offers a slab
for a dash board while RC Street Wheels make an attempt at detail. Hot Wheels
only provides a solid steering wheel in a crude interior with visible gaps
at the windows.
BASE
Tiger Wheels - 4 points
Hot Wheels - 5 points
Johnny Lightning - 2 points
RC Street Wheels - 2 points
Hot Wheels has the best base with considerable detail in a metal casting.
Tiger Wheels also offers a metal base of slightly less detail. RC Street
Wheels has a modest detailed base but in plastic. Johnny Lightning has minimal
detail in a metal base.
TOTAL SCORES
Tiger Wheels - 23 points
Hot Wheels - 22 points
Johnny Lightning - 20 points
RC Street Wheels - 20 points
I am sure that a more recent casting from Johnny Lightning would have done
much better and it is a surprise that the Street Wheels model offers so
much value for the price. The Hot Wheels and Tiger Wheels models may have
to head out to the orange track to settle who is really the best of the
'70 Chevelle models. If you have any thoughts on this comparison, let me
know at doug@breithaupts.com. |