karl s
08-03-2009, 05:39 PM
HPI vs Minichamps:
I just picked up the HPI version of a MINICHAMPS that I have had for years (contemporary in 1994 - how time flies when you are collecting!!!). Waited a while for a good price on epay. HPI or MINICHAMPS: can you tell the difference? [HPI is first.]
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/HPIAlfa155V6TI.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/MinichampsAlfa155V6.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/HPIAlfa155V6TIb.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/MinichampsAlfa155V6b.jpg
Price: HPI at a steep discount in 2009, Minichamps in 1994 = tie
Packaging: colorful outer box + easy to unscrew persplex box = tie
Body: no 1:1 to compare to, but both seem to be exact copies of each other in body size and shape = tie
Paint/decals: very similar, is the paint a bit thicker on the Minichamps? Or just the HPI has a slightly crisper casting? Not obviously different = HPI: *
Wheels: HPI: ** less plasticy, great brakes behind spokes
Exterior details: HPI: ** Are silver metal antennas correct? Front and rear more detailed, fantastic exhaust, tow hooks!!!; Minichamps looks more fake at the rear as the heat shields are a little off-angle.
Interior: HPI: ** Color on the seatbelts and hoses, better shaped racing seat. Both have similar rollcages.
For the same price, there is no choice, but at retail price I would have a hard time. But the Minichamps is now obsolete (pretty common on epay, I think though), so if you like the details, go HPI! If you want color/driver choices, go Minichamps. You can't lose on either one really. :thumbsup:
Nicola Larini won the 1993 DTM season in the #8 car. Nannini was in #7. They ran against Mercedes, Opel, and BMW (and two non-Alfa Corse 155's). I think the 8T is a test car for the two drivers - anyone know? Here is the real version:
http://www.ramei-modell.com/boutique/dec02_04.jpg
[source: RAMEI (http://www.ramei-modell.com)]
I just picked up the HPI version of a MINICHAMPS that I have had for years (contemporary in 1994 - how time flies when you are collecting!!!). Waited a while for a good price on epay. HPI or MINICHAMPS: can you tell the difference? [HPI is first.]
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/HPIAlfa155V6TI.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/MinichampsAlfa155V6.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/HPIAlfa155V6TIb.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/Alfa/MinichampsAlfa155V6b.jpg
Price: HPI at a steep discount in 2009, Minichamps in 1994 = tie
Packaging: colorful outer box + easy to unscrew persplex box = tie
Body: no 1:1 to compare to, but both seem to be exact copies of each other in body size and shape = tie
Paint/decals: very similar, is the paint a bit thicker on the Minichamps? Or just the HPI has a slightly crisper casting? Not obviously different = HPI: *
Wheels: HPI: ** less plasticy, great brakes behind spokes
Exterior details: HPI: ** Are silver metal antennas correct? Front and rear more detailed, fantastic exhaust, tow hooks!!!; Minichamps looks more fake at the rear as the heat shields are a little off-angle.
Interior: HPI: ** Color on the seatbelts and hoses, better shaped racing seat. Both have similar rollcages.
For the same price, there is no choice, but at retail price I would have a hard time. But the Minichamps is now obsolete (pretty common on epay, I think though), so if you like the details, go HPI! If you want color/driver choices, go Minichamps. You can't lose on either one really. :thumbsup:
Nicola Larini won the 1993 DTM season in the #8 car. Nannini was in #7. They ran against Mercedes, Opel, and BMW (and two non-Alfa Corse 155's). I think the 8T is a test car for the two drivers - anyone know? Here is the real version:
http://www.ramei-modell.com/boutique/dec02_04.jpg
[source: RAMEI (http://www.ramei-modell.com)]