Mustang Head to Head - Matchbox vs. Hot Wheels
by Doug Breithaupt
The Ford Mustang is as all-American as any car ever built in the U.S., and
in toy form it has always been a favorite. Both Hot Wheels and Matchbox
have now done ten different castings of the Mustang, dating back to the
1960's. Both have just released new castings of the 1999 Mustang as well.
Each has produced five Mustangs of the same model year and this allows for
a true, head-to-head comparison of the best-known names in diecast toy cars.
Eight of the ten Mustangs are currently in production by both brands, a
clear statement of the popularity of the pony car.
Even though Matchbox and Hot Wheels are both now owned by Mattel, followers
of each brand are still vocal in praise of their favorite toy cars. Like
Coke and Pepsi, Ford and Chevy or any other great rivalry, Hot Wheel and
Matchbox merits are hotly defended by the collecting faithful. While no
single comparison can expect to resolve who is the fairest of them all,
a Mustang comparison at least offers a level playing field for the match.
Before getting underway, it is important to note the primary differences
and similarities between the two brands. Scale is important. Hot Wheels
are closer to the 1:64 scale used as a catch-all for toy cars of the 3-inch
variety. Matchbox is more consistent in the 1:60 scale range. This does
allow Matchbox a slight advantage as larger scale always allows for better
detail. Both brands are priced in the same $1 range at the retail level.
A comparison with recent Johnny Lightning Mustangs which sell at $3 each
would be unfair to Hot Wheels and Matchbox. Historically, Matchbox models
have always seemed more authentic looking while Hot Wheels have encouraged
a touch of the caricature in their line.
As each set of cars are compared below, they are scored in four categories.
Each category is worth a maximum of five points. A perfect car would score
20 points overall. Below the images and scores, a summary of key factors
for each car is reviewed. While most of these cars have been offered in
a variety of paint colors, I have simply selected comparable paint schemes
where possible.
1965 Mustang Convertible by Hot Wheels (1983) vs. 1965 Mustang GT by
Matchbox (1999)
| 1965 Mustang |
Hot Wheels |
Matchbox |
| Body |
3 |
3 |
| Interior |
3 |
3 |
| Paint |
3 |
3 |
| Wheels/Tires |
3 |
3 |
| Total Score |
12 |
12 |
The comparison of the two '65 Mustangs shows that both Hot Wheels and Matchbox
are cleaning up their diecast cars. While the Matchbox casting is a variation
on the first Matchbox Mustang, the example shown is a new casting released
for 2000. Hot Wheels did this in 1982 with their '67 Custom Camaro casting.
The Hot Wheel Mustang first appeared with un-explainable wide, white-wall
tires but is now available with regular black-walls. Both of these models
are currently available. Both cars represent the good quality and value
being offered today.
1970 Mustang Mach I by Hot Wheels (1997) vs. 1970 Mustang Boss 302 by
Matchbox (1997)
| 1970 Mustang |
Hot Wheels |
Matchbox |
| Body |
3 |
4 |
| Interior |
3 |
4 |
| Paint |
2 |
2 |
| Wheels/Tires |
3 |
3 |
| Total Score |
11 |
13 |
It is curious that both Hot Wheels and Matchbox introduced a 1970 Mustang
in the same year, 1998. It does make the comparison more interesting. The
Hot Wheel body is average with mold lines showing while the Matchbox has
chromed bumpers and grill and the window pillar helps define the side view.
The pillar actually represents the weather-stripping between the windows
as all Mustangs were hard-tops. The Hot Wheel interior is only average due
to a steering nob instead of a steering wheel, offered in the Matchbox.
Both paint choices are disappointing. The Hot Wheels looks more realistic
but suffers from spotty application for the black details. The Matchbox
tampos detract from the car. Both have average wheels and tires.
1979 Mustang Cobra by Hot Wheels (1979) vs. 1979 Mustang GT by Matchbox
(1982)
| 1979 Mustang |
Hot Wheels |
Matchbox |
| Body |
4 |
2 |
| Interior |
2 |
2 |
| Paint |
2 |
2 |
| Wheels/Tires |
3 |
2 |
| Total Score |
11 |
8 |
The 1979 generation Mustang was done by both manufacturers but the Matchbox
is a drag racing version. It is a shame that Matchbox did not use this casting
for a stock version as well. The Hot Wheels body is an easy winner over
Matchbox boy racer add-ons. Both interiors are very basic with generic features.
The paint schemes are too busy with spotty application of tampos. Hot Wheels
wins the tire/wheel comparison over the cartoonish racing slicks done by
Matchbox.
1995 Mustang GT Convertible by Hot Wheels (1995) vs. 1995 Mustang Cobra
Convertible by Matchbox (1995)
| 1995 Mustang |
Hot Wheels |
Matchbox |
| Body |
3 |
4 |
| Interior |
3 |
5 |
| Paint |
3 |
3 |
| Wheels/Tires |
3 |
3 |
| Total Score |
12 |
15 |
Again, Matchbox and Hot Wheels were ready the same year with the next generation
of Mustang. While both have done tampo-laden models, I have selected the
two cleanest versions for comparison. The Matchbox body is better detailed
and has mirrors not done by Hot Wheels. The Matchbox interior is one of
their best with the black and tan plastic working to compliment each other.
Hot Wheels again makes do with a steering nob and a major gap where the
convertible top meets the body. Paint is average for both cars although
the Hot Wheel's painted headlights are ugly. Both cars feature their generic
but acceptable wheels and tires.
1999 Mustang by Hot Wheels (1998) vs. 1999 Mustang by Matchbox (1999)
| 1999 Mustang |
Hot Wheels |
Matchbox |
| Body |
3 |
3 |
| Interior |
3 |
4 |
| Paint |
3 |
3 |
| Wheels/Tires |
3 |
3 |
| Total Score |
12 |
13 |
The two new Mustangs for 1999 from Hot Wheels and Matchbox perfectly represent
the average quality in this price-range. neither the Matchbox or Hot Wheel
offer anything innovative and neither compromise their models with ugly
tampos or add-ons. The Matchbox interior is better with a detailed steering
wheel instead of a nob. Tampos are restrained and acceptable on both cars,
a real bonus for collectors. The plastic 'glass' on the Hot Wheel looks
much thicker than usual but should also be more forgiving in back-yard use.
Matchbox also offers the same car as a convertible. The top is
The five Matchbox Mustangs score a 61 out of a possible 100. The five Hot
Wheels run a close second with 58 out of 100. While I have made every effort
to be objective in this comparison, I certainly carry a subjective bias
as does every collector. Overall, Hot Wheels seldom rise above average and
interiors are a weak point. Both have suffered from the 'ugly tampo affliction'
in past years but seem to be moving to cleaner and more realistic pain schemes,
thanks! Current wheel and tire designs as shown on the newer models are
just fine although Hot Wheels have some far less sightly designs on other
cars. The final point is one we should truly appreciate. Both Hot Wheels
and Matchbox cars are amazingly affordable. With prices almost unchanged
in over 30 years, collectors of both have no cause to complain. What else
can you enjoy as much after paying so little? Here's hoping that Mattel
continues to let both Hot Wheels and Matchbox continue along separate paths,
variety is the spice of diecast collecting.