Hello, I'm relatively new to NAM or even posting to discussion forums for that matter but I picked up my PW/PW 09 MCS (Convenience, Cold Weather and Premium packages, plus navigation and center arm rest) about a month ago and wanted to give those out there who are interested a quick comparison review of two of the diecast models I've seen folks talking about. I did do a search on this forum and didn't see a similar comparison but apologies to anyone who did one and I just couldn't find it.

I got the Kyosho Laser Blue (could be Lightning Blue as well) MCS from the dealer and the Autoart Sparkling Silver MCS on eBay (don't know why this model is labelled "Mini Cooper S 2006" on the bottom as it's clearly an R56), both in 1:18 scale and with sunroofs. I don't really need two models but was hoping I could disassemble one of them so I could paint the body panels Pepper White to match my MINI. Well, can't disassemble either one as they're put together too well so I'll be selling one of them as soon as I decide which one to keep.

Enough of my chatter and on to the comparison. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the details of both models. Such things as seat belts with buckles, carpet-like material on the floors, all three sun visors, disk brakes with calipers, etc, make both models very authentic.

The Kyosho is better in the following details: mesh of front grill and air intake are finer; parking lights are amber; has outline of towing covers on front and rear bumpers(not just decals but actually cast into the metal); engine compartment is more detailed especially the turbo heat shield; roof mounted antenna looks authentic; sunroof can actually flip up or slide back a little bit ; interior has more details such as center arm rest, mesh on the door speakers, rear seats fold down individually, cargo cover rises up when the rear hatch is opened, there's even white labels on the turn signal and windshield wiper stalks; rear wiper is more true to scale; gas filler door is chrome.

The Autoart is better in the following details: sunroof is less tinted and allows a better view of the interior; front bottom of model shows better details of engine and exhaust; wheels are silver (like my real MINI); tires are more true to scale (Kyosho's almost completely fill the wheel well); front windshield wipers are more true to scale; front hood MINI badge is more true to scale; rear fog lamps are inset, not simply glued on like the Kyosho; tachometer seems more true to scale (Kyosho's look to be a little to big); no chrome line around lower rear mesh panel (like my real MINI).

I'm sure I've missed a number of things but feel free to post a reply with your question(s) and I'll post an answer. Maybe this will help those who're going through a similar decision process.

 

Thanks for the review. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either. I love both companies - I just wish I could afford more.