Diecast car size, also known as diecast scale, refers to the measurement of how large a diecast model vehicle is in comparison to the actual full-sized vehicle it represents. The scale is expressed as a fraction, such as 1:24, 1:18, 1:43, etc., where the first number refers to how many times smaller the model is than the real vehicle. So for example, a 1:24 scale diecast model means the model is 1/24th the size of the actual vehicle. Common diecast scales produce models around 6-8 inches for 1:24 scale, 9-12 inches for 1:18 scale, and 2.5-5 inches for smaller 1:32, 1:43 and 1:64 scales. Understanding diecast scale allows collectors to know approximately how big to expect their model vehicles to be for their collection or display. Read our Diecast model car guide, we’ll break down their sizes, prices, and how to choose the best one!
What is Diecast Cars Meaning?
Diecast cars are miniature vehicle models made by pouring molten metal (typically zinc or aluminum) into molds, a process called die-casting, resulting in highly detailed and durable replicas of real cars. These collectible models often feature realistic designs, accurate paint jobs, and functional parts like opening doors or wheels.
How Many Inches Are Each Diecast Car Scale?
1:12 scale – 13-15 inches long
1:18 scale – 9-12 inches long
1:24 scale – 6-8 inches long
1:32 scale – 4-6 inches long
1:34 scale – 3-5 inches long (used mainly for trucks)
1:43 scale – 3.5-5 inches long
1:48 scale – 3-4 inches long
1:50 scale – 3-4.5 inches long
1:55 scale – 2.5-4 inches long (common for Siku toys)
1:60 scale – 2-3.5 inches long
1:64 scale – 2-3.5 inches long (popular scale for Matchbox, Hot Wheels)
1:72 scale – 1.5-2.5 inches long (compatible with plastic kits)
1:76 scale – 2-3 inches long
1:87 scale – 1.5-2.5 inches long (compatible with model train scale H0)
Diecast Car Prices For Each Scale
1:12 scale:
$100-$500 for standard models
$500-$1,000 for high-end detailed models
1:18 scale:
$30-$100 for standard models
$100-$300 for high-end detailed models
1:24 scale:
$15-$50 for standard models
$50-$150 for high-end detailed models
1:32 scale:
$10-$30 for standard models
$30-$100 for high-end detailed models
1:43 scale:
$8-$25 for standard models
$25-$75 for high-end detailed models
1:50 scale:
$10-$30 for trucks/construction vehicles
1:64 scale:
$5-$15 for basic toy-style cars
$15-$30 for high-end detailed models
1:87 scale:
$5-$15 for basic models
$15-$30 for high-end detailed models
How To Choose The Best Diecast Car Scale?
1:12 scale – Very large, highly detailed models usually around 14-15 inches long, mainly targeted at adult collectors.
1:18 scale – Large, detailed models usually 8-11 inches long, mostly targeted at adults.
1:24 scale – A favored scale in the USA, also used for construction kits and dealer promotional models.
1:32 scale – Intermediate size, most common for model tractors and agricultural vehicles.
1:34 scale – Used almost exclusively by First Gear Models for large scale diecast trucks.
1:43 scale – The most popular worldwide and commonly used in Europe, Japan, Australia, and compatible with O gauge railways.
1:48 scale – Used for diecast aircraft and some vehicles, also a popular plastic model kit scale.
1:50 scale – Most widely used scale for trucks, buses, and construction vehicles.
1:55 scale – Used by Siku for toy cars and trucks, also the Cars movie diecasts.
1:60 scale – The scale of Dinky Toy military vehicles.
1:64 scale – Popular for farm models, trucks, and Matchbox/Hot Wheels cars.
1:72 scale – Compatible with 1:72 military plastic kits due to scale of vehicles.
1:76 scale – Common in UK, Australia for buses and trucks by brands like Corgi.
1:87 scale – Compatible with H0 trains, popular in Europe and USA for detail.
Diecast Car Scale Ranking
- 1:18 scale – This scale received the most votes as the most popular scale for diecast cars. It offers a large size with high levels of detail.
- 1:24 scale – The second most popular scale. It provides a good balance of size and detailing while still being accessible for many collectors.
- 1:43 scale – A widely used scale that allows for intricate recreations of vehicles in a practical size. It ranks third in popularity.
- 1:64 scale – Commonly used for toy-style models from brands like Hot Wheels and Matchbox. It places fourth.
- 1:50 scale – Popular for trucks and construction vehicles seeking high levels of fine details.
- 1:12 scale – Reserved for bigger, detailed showcase pieces but provides the most intricate recreations.
- 1:32 scale – An intermediate size appreciated for tractors, planes and other agricultural/industrial models.
- 1:87 scale – Compatible with model trains and sought for highly detailed replicas in a compact form.
- 1:6 scale – Used for very showcase-worthy collections pieces recreating vehicles in sizable splendor.
- 1:16 scale – Frequently used for radio controlled toys and larger and more detailed renditions.
1:43 vs 1:64 Scale Diecast Car – Which Is Better?
1:43 scale diecast cars are larger and more detailed than 1:64, typically around 4–5 inches (10–12 cm) in length. They offer a good balance between display value and storage, with finer detailing in the body, interior, and wheels. This scale is popular among collectors of European and vintage models, and often used for official F1 or classic car replicas.
1:64 scale, like Hot Wheels or Matchbox, is much smaller (2.5–3 inches) and better for playability, affordability, and mass collection. They’re highly collectible due to their low price, wide variety, and convenience—but with less realism and detail.
1:24 vs 1:43 Scale Diecast Car – Which Is Better?
1:24 scale diecast cars are significantly larger (7–8 inches or 18–20 cm) and often include opening parts (hood, doors, trunk), working steering, and interior details. This makes them ideal for collectors who enjoy visual detail and realism in mid-sized displays. Brands like Welly, Maisto, and Bburago produce many 1:24 cars at reasonable prices.
1:43 scale models are more compact and can be stored or displayed in greater numbers. They usually don’t have opening parts but are still detailed and collectible, especially for themed sets or classic car collections.
FAQs of Diecast Cars
1 – How’s Ukuran Diecast? (Diecast Sizes Explained)
Ukuran (size) diecast bervariasi tergantung pada skala model. Skala paling umum adalah 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, dan 1:64. Skala 1:18 berarti bahwa model tersebut 18 kali lebih kecil dari mobil aslinya, dan biasanya memiliki panjang sekitar 10–12 inci (25–30 cm). Skala kecil seperti 1:64 (contohnya Hot Wheels) memiliki panjang sekitar 7–8 cm. Semakin kecil angka di belakang “1:”, semakin besar ukuran modelnya.
2 – What’s the Biggest Diecast Car Size?
The biggest commonly available diecast car size is 1:6 or 1:8 scale, which can reach over 24 inches (60+ cm) in length. These models are highly detailed, often hand-built, and produced in limited quantities—mostly by luxury brands like Amalgam Collection or CMC. In rare custom or display pieces, sizes as large as 1:4 or even 1:1 (full-scale) exist, but they are usually for exhibitions or serious collectors.
3 – What’s the Most Popular Diecast Scale?
The most popular diecast car scale is 1:64, used by brands like Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Tomica. These are affordable, collectible, and easy to store, making them ideal for kids and casual collectors. For serious collectors, 1:18 is also very popular due to its larger size and high level of detail.
4 – Best Large Scale Diecast Cars
Some of the best large-scale diecast cars (typically 1:18 or bigger) include:
AUTOart 1:18 models – Known for incredible detail and quality (supercars, race cars, JDM).
CMC 1:18 classics – Famous for hand-assembled precision and realism in vintage models.
Bburago 1:18 Ferrari series – Affordable and officially licensed by Ferrari.
Amalgam Collection (1:8) – Ultra-luxury models costing thousands of dollars with showroom-level detailing.
Maisto 1:18 – Great entry-level large-scale models with good detail for the price.
These models are perfect for display and serious collectors looking for realism and craftsmanship.