Autoart VS Maisto

Although many brands of miniature cars exist, not all are equal! Quality, customer reviews and finishes , AN Model Cars has produced for you a comparison between 2 famous brands: Autoart and Maisto .

The history of the Autoart label

The company was founded in Hong Kong in 1998 as a subsidiary of Gateway Global Ltd which markets its replicas under the Autoart label. The company specializes in die-casting model cars, usually European. The manufacturing center is located in Aachen, Germany, where the entire European market is managed.

Autoart ensures that each model is manufactured with the greatest care and respects a quality charter . Indeed, the brand produces very realistic miniatures with impeccable finishes. Furthermore, Autoart pays particular attention to selecting the label's resellers .

Maisto's story

Maisto is a brand owned by May Cheong Group , a Chinese company founded in 1967 . However, it was only in 1990 that the company launched Maisto, a brand of miniature cars . Maisto manufactures replicas using die casting and is available in various scales: 1/12, 1/18, 1/24, 1/43 and 1/64 .

Furthermore, Maisto reproduces a wide variety of vehicles such as cars, trucks and motorcycles .

Who are they aimed at?

Autoart :

This label seeks to achieve excellence by reproducing each miniature vehicle as faithfully as possible. Autoart markets high quality models intended for collectors. You appreciate the meticulous details of the interior , but also the bodywork and the perfectly applied paint , without bubbles or excess.

Autoart miniature cars are exceptional pieces, which need to be displayed with care, in a window.

Maisto:

Maisto models are more affordable and less qualitative . They often lack finishes, the colors are brighter than the originals and the chrome finishes are simply painted silver . Maisto is therefore a range of less fragile and less realistic miniature cars which is aimed more at young collectors or children. Maisto also has several models of remote-controlled cars and most of its resellers are toy stores .

What are the customer reviews?

Autoart :

Customers are unanimous, these are exceptional models , which make it possible to build a quality collection . Each model has many details, the finishes are perfect . Truly realistic reproductions, which are well worth their price!

Maisto:

Unsurprisingly, many customers note small defects, particularly in the paint , irregularities and a cruel lack of finishes . Additionally, it appears that not all products are delivered in their original boxes! The reproductions are pretty even if they are a little plastic... Fortunately, very often the lucky owners are children!

Comparison of the Lamborghini Huracan scale 1/18

The Lamborghini Huracan Performante by Autoart

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General appearance: As soon as we see it, one thing strikes us; it exudes power, astonishing energy ! As a collector with a discerning eye, we are amazed by the diversity of details here and there, which almost make us forget that it is indeed a miniature car!

Color: This is a subtle green unlike the apple green used on the original version. However, this less bright color allows the replica to gain in quality and realism .

Finishes: You have the real one, but in a miniature version , that's what really changes! The details are breathtaking! Everything is reproduced to perfection, down to the lines on the seats, the air vents, the forged carbon , the two-tone doors and the carpet on the floor! There is real care in the choice of materials and we feel that we are dealing with an exceptional reproduction.

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Price: €233.95

Rating: 9/10

Our opinion: If you idolize Italian cars, you will have stars in your eyes with this Autoart replica ! Made of composite and available in 4 colors (yellow, green, orange or white), you are holding a real little gem in your hands! As a gift to Lamborghini enthusiasts or to complete your collection, choosing Autoart means prioritizing the know-how and mastery of manufacturing miniature reproductions.

Maisto's Lamborghini Huracan Performante:

General appearance: At first glance, the Lamborghini Huracan Maisto makes a good impression. However, the more we look at it, the more we notice irregularities which remind us that it is a low quality product.

Color: Surprisingly, the brighter shade is closer to the original model!

Finishes: At the rear, the grille and exhaust pipes really lack realism. In fact, they are simply smooth plastic parts, weakly imitating the vents. The cabin is also uncluttered and devoid of many details. The steering wheel is equipped with a few controls. We also note that there are no windows at the front.

Price: Around €40

Rating: 5/10

Our opinion: If the Maisto sports car has a good quality/price ratio , we are left wanting more with a replica that is more of a toy rather than a collector's item ! It is a model that will delight budding, undemanding collectors as well as children looking for new play companions. However, Maisto's Lamborghini Huracan does not get more than average because of its lack of finishes and details.

To conclude this Autoart vs Maisto duel, the former wins hands down when it comes to acquiring high-end parts to expand your collection of miniature cars. Maisto is no exception, offering more affordable models and different ranges of products: from remote-controlled cars to more realistic miniatures. However, it seems that Maisto cannot dethrone or match Autoart, which produces much more realistic reproductions!