From the front all three models show detailed chrome grills although the JL model includes paint detail the other two do not. All have painted head-lights but only JL bothered to also paint the turn-signal lights. Both the RC and JL models have dual mirrors. The RC mirrors are more correct but a bit big while the JL mirrors seem better sized. The JL model is the only one to include a rear-view mirror and hood tach.	Under the hood, all three offer a view of the big 455 V8. HW includes the motor as part of the body casting with a chrome air-cleaner/induction unit. JL also uses a cast motor with less detail than the HW version and uses silver paint for detailing. RC uses a plastic insert for the motor in silver with a black air cleaner. All three leave the sides and radiator painted in body color. The HW and JL hoods only open as shown here while the RC hood will raise higher still.	The tail and spoiler of each car is treated differently. The HW spoiler is the best, raised above the deck and open on both sides. The RC spoiler is only open on the back side. The JL spoiler is a black plastic addition that is left unpainted. Each car has a chromed or metal rear bumper. The JL bumper is part of the base and has a 'Buick' license plate. The RC car has un-painted tail-lights although a second color variation of the same model has them painted.
SCORES Hot Wheels - 7 Johnny Lightning - 9 Racing Champions - 8	SCORES Hot Wheels - 7 Johnny Lightning - 6 Racing Champions - 8	SCORES Hot Wheels - 9 Johnny Lightning - 8 Racing Champions - 7
The RC model has a body that is very close to the actual car. The exposed wipers are wrong. The mirrors are the correct shape but too big. The side lights are painted over raised bumps but should be indents instead. The interior is quite good with the best looking seats and door inserts. The wheels would be very close with a bit of black detailing and Goodyear tires are the right width.	The JL body is also quite good but the roof line at the side windows is too round. The side lights are correct as are the covered wipers. The mirrors are the right size but wrong shape. the rear window shape is too rounded. The aftermarket mag wheels look good but the tires are too wide. The interior does not include door panels.	HW has the right shape for the body but less detail than the others. Side lights are simply painted on and and mirrors are not offered. The wipers are correct and the rockers are painted silver as they should be. The interior includes door panels but the dash-board is too big. The aftermarket mags are fine but the tires are modern low-profile and too wide.
SCORE Racing Champions - 7	SCORE Johnny Lightning - 7	SCORE Hot Wheels - 7

In the final review, all of these models are quite good but each has many detail flaws. None of the three jumps out as clearly better in detail or construction. The HW model scores 30 out of 40 possible points. The JL model also has a 30 out of 40 as does the RC model! It seems a shame to have a 3-way tie but that is how the number came out the first time I added them and so that is how they stay. It would be hard for me to pick one as a favorite as each has good reasons to be in the collection. Based on price, The JL and RC versions cost half as much as the HW model and therefore are the better value. In the final review, there is still room for a better GSX model in small-scale but at the same time, any of these are nice to have.

HOME>>