Diecast Car Scale Model Guide

What is a Diecast Car Scale?

Diecast car collecting is exciting, but one thing that often confuses beginners is the scale. In simple words, the scale shows how much smaller the diecast model is compared to the real car.

1:18 scale

Length (approx.) 23 cm, 238 mm, 9.1 inches

1:24 scale

Length (approx.) 16.5 cm, 179 mm, 6.5 inches

1:32 scale

Length (approx.) 12 cm, 134 mm, 4.7 inches

1:43 scale

Length (approx.) 10 cm, 100 mm, 4 inches
  • 1:18 scale → The model is 18 times smaller than the actual car.
  • 1:24 scale → 24 times smaller.
  • 1:64 scale → 64 times smaller (the size of Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars).

Quick tip: The smaller the second number, the bigger the model. For example, a 1:18 diecast car is much larger than a 1:64 car.

Diecast Car Scale Size Chart

Scale Length (inches) Length (cm) Best For
1:12 14–15 35–38 Serious collectors, centerpiece displays
1:18 10–12 25–30 High detail, opening doors & interiors
1:24 7–8 18–20 Balanced size and detail
1:32 5–6 12–15 Compact collections, modular displays
1:43 ~4 10–11 Classic collectibles, shelf-friendly
1:64 2.5–3 6–8 Hot Wheels/Matchbox size, kids & beginners
1:87 ~2 4–5 Dioramas, model trains

Note: Sizes are approximate. The actual length depends on the original car’s design.

How to Choose the Right Diecast Scale

  • Shelf Space: Larger models like 1:18 need more display area.
  • Level of Detail: Want opening doors, working steering, or detailed engines? Choose 1:18 or 1:12.
  • Budget: Smaller scales (1:64, 1:43) are affordable, larger ones (1:18, 1:12) cost more.
  • Consistency: Collect the same scale for a clean and uniform look.
  • Purpose:
    • Gift or casual collecting → 1:64
    • Display and serious collecting → 1:18 or 1:24

Shop Diecast Cars by Scale

At Axis Frames, every product comes with clear scale details, exact dimensions (L×W×H), and key features so you always know what you’re buying.

Why Collectors Trust Axis Frames

  • Premium 3D Car Frames & Diecast Collectibles
  • Authenticity guaranteed — quality checked before shipping
  • Wide range of popular scales available in India
  • Perfect for collectors, gifts, and display setups

Visual Scale Comparison

To help you understand the size difference clearly, we’ve created a visual comparison of the same car in 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64 scale. Each model is placed side-by-side with a ruler overlay — making it easy to see how much smaller or bigger each scale actually is.

This makes choosing the right scale simple, whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned enthusiast.

FAQ

Q: What makes 1:18 scale cars special?

A: They are larger, highly detailed with opening parts, and cost more than smaller scales.

Q: Why are some small diecast cars expensive?

A: Price depends on detailing, brand, licensing, and rarity — not just size.

Q: How big is a 1:18 diecast car?

A: Around 10–12 inches (25–30 cm), with high detail — ideal for serious collectors.

Q: Are Hot Wheels 1:64 scale?

A: Yes, most Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars are 1:64 scale, about 2.5–3 inches long.

Q: Does scale affect the price of diecast cars?

A: Yes. Larger scales with more detail (1:18, 1:12) are generally more expensive than smaller scales (1:64, 1:43).