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Best bang for your buck when it comes to the original 911?

3.3K views 31 replies 12 participants last post by  slartibartfast229  
#1 · (Edited)
Currently only have the 1/43 Minichamps version in Orange, and while it's a good model, I kind of wish there were opening features and it were a bit bigger. Obviously CMC is the primo choice, but not willing to spend $800+ on a model, I think $500-600 is already pushing it with the 300 SLR and 250 SWB, but I digress. My question is how much better is the AA version compared to the upcoming Kyosho?

If the model was still about $200-250, I probably would've gone for the AA, but most people are selling it in the $400-600 range from what I can see, which is preposterous.

The Norev is automatically taken out of consideration cause it's sealed, I'd be essentially paying for a larger Minichamps model. How much worse is the upcoming Kyosho Porsche 901 compared to the AA version? I noticed the doglegs are noticeably larger, and the interior is a step below, but the engine seems to be superior and not getting completely demolished by the CMC. Shape seems reasonably accurate too. Biggest turn-off is they couldn't get the car name right and used "Popsche". The hood emblem also seems oversized. Ride also seems a bit too high, but nothing that would bother me. Windshield wipers almost look like they belong on a 1:8.

As I'm writing this, I'm coming to the conclusion I should've gone for an extremely damaged CMC that sold for about $200 a week ago and gotten the AA version and transplanted the engine.

Guess there's no good option, hope the McLaren F1 will be comparable to the AA version.
 
#2 ·
If Kyosho would've been able to release something comparable to the AA models, the price for 2nd hand models would've plummeted, but no, they literally released something on par with Norev. Between this pathetic attempt (apart from the engine), and the E-Type, I'm wondering how they're still in business considering what they're charging. All that's left for them is to re-release models based on old moulds from when they were one of the best (ie the 250 GTO, F40, and hopefully the Testarossa soon).
 
#3 ·
If the model was still about $200-250, I probably would've gone for the AA, but most people are selling it in the $400-600 range from what I can see, which is preposterous.
Well, if you can wait Autoart is re-releasing the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS at some point. They seem to have corrected some of the issues the diecast release had. And they did release sample shots so maybe between now and 5 years we'll see it?

Between this pathetic attempt (apart from the engine), and the E-Type, I'm wondering how they're still in business considering what they're charging.
Kyosho's big in RC cars and has been for decades (long before diecasts became a thing). Diecasts are a side hustle for them and likely play a very small part of their business model which explains why they pretty much allowed it to go to s***.
 
#4 ·
Well, if you can wait Autoart is re-releasing the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS at some point. They seem to have corrected some of the issues the diecast release had. And they did release sample shots so maybe between now and 5 years we'll see it?



Kyosho's big in RC cars and has been for decades (long before diecasts became a thing). Diecasts are a side hustle for them and likely play a very small part of their business model which explains why they pretty much allowed it to go to s***.
It'll also be composite, not really a fan. At least some of the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS's are priced "a little more reasonably", but not by much.

I'm aware that they make RC cars, honestly thought that was the side hustle and diecast making was their main thing. Guess that explains it.
 
#7 ·
The only problem is there isn't even that much of a price gap between the 2. Like for the Kyosho vs CMC 250 GTO, it's 300 and 700, respectively. In that case, it's pretty obvious I'll be going for the better-shaped and still adequately detailed model that's highly priced model vs the model based on a reconstructed Ferrari with unbelievable details, but an equally unbelievable price.

I see Porsche CMC models for a minimum of 700, some local guy is selling it for 600 and it's mint, but I hesitate cause he's still too far away to make the trip. But the 901 AA seems to be going for minimum 400 online, most of them 500. If you factor in the shipping fees, I'd get pretty damn close to the local CMC.
 
#6 ·
Currently only have the 1/43 Minichamps version in Orange, and while it's a good model, I kind of wish there were opening features and it were a bit bigger. Obviously CMC is the primo choice, but not willing to spend $800+ on a model, I think $500-600 is already pushing it with the 300 SLR and 250 SWB, but I digress. My question is how much better is the AA version compared to the upcoming Kyosho?

If the model was still about $200-250, I probably would've gone for the AA, but most people are selling it in the $400-600 range from what I can see, which is preposterous.

The Norev is automatically taken out of consideration cause it's sealed, I'd be essentially paying for a larger Minichamps model. How much worse is the upcoming Kyosho Porsche 901 compared to the AA version? I noticed the doglegs are noticeably larger, and the interior is a step below, but the engine seems to be superior and not getting completely demolished by the CMC. Shape seems reasonably accurate too. Biggest turn-off is they couldn't get the car name right and used "Popsche". The hood emblem also seems oversized. Ride also seems a bit too high, but nothing that would bother me. Windshield wipers almost look like they belong on a 1:18.

As I'm writing this, I'm coming to the conclusion I should've gone for an extremely damaged CMC that sold for about $200 a week ago and gotten the AA version and transplanted the engine.

Guess there's no good option, hope the McLaren F1 will be comparable to the AA version.
Currently only have the 1/43 Minichamps version in Orange, and while it's a good model, I kind of wish there were opening features and it were a bit bigger. Obviously CMC is the primo choice, but not willing to spend $800+ on a model, I think $500-600 is already pushing it with the 300 SLR and 250 SWB, but I digress. My question is how much better is the AA version compared to the upcoming Kyosho?

If the model was still about $200-250, I probably would've gone for the AA, but most people are selling it in the $400-600 range from what I can see, which is preposterous.

The Norev is automatically taken out of consideration cause it's sealed, I'd be essentially paying for a larger Minichamps model. How much worse is the upcoming Kyosho Porsche 901 compared to the AA version? I noticed the doglegs are noticeably larger, and the interior is a step below, but the engine seems to be superior and not getting completely demolished by the CMC. Shape seems reasonably accurate too. Biggest turn-off is they couldn't get the car name right and used "Popsche". The hood emblem also seems oversized. Ride also seems a bit too high, but nothing that would bother me. Windshield wipers almost look like they belong on a 1:18.

As I'm writing this, I'm coming to the conclusion I should've gone for an extremely damaged CMC that sold for about $200 a week ago and gotten the AA version and transplanted the engine.

Guess there's no good option, hope the McLaren F1 will be comparable to the AA version.
I think that you have already answered your own question. You state the price of a used AutoArt is preposterous. I agree. The CMC is also terribly expensive. The Norev in 1/18 is, as you point out, sealed. I don't blame you for not wanting a sealed model. You seem to eschew a future release composite AutoArt, and who knows when it will be released anyway, and at what price? This leaves Kyosho. It's flawed, but what diecast model is perfect? And I'm sure Porsche will be spelled correctly on the engine cover - despite embarrassing pre production photos to the contrary.
 
#8 ·
i am still upset at myself to this day for selling for my CMC Porsche 901 cheaply. I have both Autoart and CMC and between them i daresay Autoart one looks better but less details/features/parts count.. and a lot lighter too.

I can't remember if Schuco made the exact 901 version with full opening.. i was eyeing on couple of those last year but i think they are 911S if i remember correctly.
 
#9 ·
i am still upset at myself to this day for selling for my CMC Porsche 901 cheaply. I have both Autoart and CMC and between them i daresay Autoart one looks better but less details/features/parts count.. and a lot lighter too.

I can't remember if Schuco made the exact 901 version with full opening.. i was eyeing on couple of those last year but i think they are 911S if i remember correctly.
It's almost axiomatic that the likes of AA and Kyosho get the shape better, but are inferior in every other regard. I guess the Schuco is probably the best alternative given the circumstances unless I'm willing to risk going for the local CMC that would cost me a fair bit less when you factor in import charges and shipping.
 
#12 ·
What's your idea of "soon"? It's not in the books for the next year and a half. After the Fiat transporter re-release and the Porsche 904, there is the 250LM, and the next one after that has been revealed several years ago; the BMW 328. If there is a re-release of the 901, it'll be mid-late 2025.
 
#19 ·
Yeah but there is detail there that the AutoArt doesn't have (and I don't think you can remove the wheels on their one) the CMC probably costs more now, but I looked mine up earlier, I paid ÂŁ135 for it, which would have been about the same price as the AutArt. Plus its has other details / founctions over the AutoArt.
 
#24 ·
I know you're not keen on sealed, but Norev models are good value. The Targa I have looks great on the shelf and the removable top negates the need for opening parts to some degree.
ah yes the Norev's 911 Targa actually looks very sweet. I was contemplating between that and the Schuco one briefly last year but ended up with none. Schuco is dearer but with full opening.

Some subtle differences between them tho one being the 911T and another one 911S

Norev

Schuco
 
#27 ·
What an interesting discussion! It seems to me, that the most affordable early 911 with 360 access has to be the Schuco 911 S. From pictures taken on this forum, the model looks very smart, but all the reviews I've read gave the model a thumbs down. But those early reviews were in the days before sealed models came to dominate the market, so maybe a fresh review is due. I'd like to see the Kyosho reviewed on the forum before passing judgement. Price no object, I'd pick the AUTOArt every time but not if they're planning a reissue in plastic. Handling a model is part of the experience and nothing beats a diecast for that.
 
#28 ·
Man you really like to whine ;) The engine on CMC is beautifully crafted. Other details are worse or on par with Aa, which is also generally more realistic. It's a choice between the charm of a watchmaker's gem and Japanese precision, pick the one you value more. I refuse to believe you pay 100 USD for domestic shipping so looks like you've already made a choice ;)

 
#31 ·
I'm not the biggest 911 fan (not at all actually) but I have aquired some nice 60's ,70's and 80's examples, each with all the parts opening. From Matchbox, Autoart and Norev. Below is the Autoart and Matchbox. The 1977 Version (yellow) of the 911 I have is by Norev. All parts open. V nice model.
is the matchbox masterclass in 1/24 or 1/18? i came across soem years ago but for the life of me i cant remember the scale now. I think they also made a Lambo Diablo if i am not mistaken? and the models i saw looks quite good actually, a step up from say.. Bburago Lambo Diablo from around the same period?
 
#30 ·
I have both of those models too. I'm quite 911 crazy, I must have over a hundred of the things. I do not have any 992 models though. I think when I get round to buying those I'll probably add another ten or so more to my count.