Types of Model Cars

The main types of model cars are static scale display models (including diecast and plastic/resin kits), radio-controlled (RC) cars, slot cars, and 3D-printed or scratch-built customs. These broad categories differ by how they’re used (display vs. driving), how they’re constructed (prebuilt vs. kit vs. custom), the materials involved, and the scales they come in, giving collectors and builders a wide range of choices based on interest, skill, and budget.

Core categories by function and use

This list outlines the primary ways model cars are enjoyed—either as display pieces or as vehicles designed to be driven or raced.

• Static scale display models: Built to be looked at rather than driven, ranging from simple prebuilt pieces to highly detailed kits with full interiors and engines.
• Diecast collectibles: Preassembled metal models (often with opening parts) focused on finish and accuracy; popular with collectors for their durability and variety.
• Plastic/resin model kits: Assembly models requiring snapping or gluing (and often painting), favored by hobbyists who enjoy building and detailing.
• Radio-controlled (RC) cars: Drivable hobby-grade or toy-grade vehicles powered by electric or nitro/gas engines, used for bashing, crawling, racing, or drifting.
• Slot cars: Electrically powered cars that run in slots on a track, emphasizing racing and handling, common in 1:32 and HO/1:64 scales.

Together, these categories define whether a model is primarily for display or performance, with significant overlap in detail and realism across segments.

Construction formats: ready-made, kits, and custom

Beyond function, model cars differ by how you acquire or build them, from straight-out-of-the-box display pieces to bespoke creations.

• Prebuilt (ready-made): Factory-assembled diecast or resin/ABS models requiring no building; ideal for quick collecting and consistent finish.
• Snap-together kits: Beginner-friendly plastic kits that assemble without glue; painting optional but elevates realism.
• Glue kits: Traditional polystyrene kits with parts trees; require glue, paint, and tools; wide range from beginner to advanced.
• Multimedia kits: Combine plastic/resin with photo-etched metal, turned aluminum, and decals for maximum detail.
• Resin “garage” kits: Short-run, niche subjects with crisp detail; typically for experienced builders due to cleanup and fitment work.
• 3D-printed kits/files: Digital STL files or printed parts (SLA/DLP) enabling rare subjects and custom projects; finishing skill is key.
• Kitbashing/scratchbuilding: Mixing kits and raw materials to create unique variants, conversions, or prototypes.

Your preferred format depends on whether you value convenience, the building process, or absolute uniqueness and accuracy.

Materials used in model cars

Materials determine weight, detail, durability, and how you finish a model; each has trade-offs for builders and collectors.

• Diecast metal (zamak/zinc alloy): Durable with a premium feel; often used for bodies with plastic detail parts.
• Injection-molded polystyrene: Standard for glue kits; easy to cut, sand, and paint; widely available.
• Resin (polyurethane): Sharp detail and small-batch subjects; requires careful sanding and priming; more brittle than styrene.
• White metal: Older or specialty kits; heavier and softer, demands careful handling and soldering or epoxy.
• Photo-etched metal: Ultra-fine detail parts (grilles, buckles, brake discs) used in advanced builds.
• Rubber/vinyl: Tires and flexible components; sometimes vinyl bodies in slot/RC for resilience.
• 3D-printing resins/filaments: SLA/DLP for high detail; FDM for prototyping; needs thorough curing and surface prep.

Choosing materials is a balance between realistic detail, ease of work, and long-term durability or display needs.

Popular scales and what they’re best for

Scale affects size, price, and the level of detail or drivability you can expect; some scales dominate specific niches.

• 1:64 (Hot Wheels/Matchbox): Compact, budget-friendly, massive variety; popular for collecting and HO slot racing.
• 1:43: Classic collector scale in Europe; good detail-to-size balance for display.
• 1:32: Common for slot cars; also used for display kits with solid detail.
• 1:24 / 1:25: Standard for plastic kits; great for detailing interiors and engines; wide kit availability.
• 1:20: Favored for Formula cars and select subjects; offers fine detail in a manageable size.
• 1:18: Large display diecast/resin with opening features and high realism.
• 1:12: Big-scale showpieces for super-detailed builds; higher cost and space needs.
• 1:10 / 1:8 (RC): Common RC sizes balancing performance and parts availability; used for racing, drifting, crawling.
• 1:27 (Mini-Z): Micro RC with high precision, ideal for small indoor tracks.

Your space, budget, and purpose—display, building, or racing—usually determine the best scale.

Subject categories enthusiasts collect and build

Within each type and scale, subjects vary widely, letting hobbyists focus on styles, eras, or motorsport disciplines.

• Classic and vintage road cars: Pre-war icons to mid-century cruisers and muscle cars.
• Modern production cars: Everyday vehicles to contemporary performance models.
• Supercars and hypercars: High-end exotics with intricate details and premium finishes.
• Motorsport: F1, NASCAR, endurance (Le Mans), rally, touring, GT, drift, time attack.
• Movie and TV cars: Screen-accurate replicas with licensed liveries and accessories.
• Tuner/custom/lowrider: Modified builds emphasizing stance, body kits, and custom paint.
• Commercial and utility: Trucks, vans, delivery vehicles, and service fleets.
• Emergency and public service: Police, fire, ambulance, and military support vehicles.
• Concepts and prototypes: Design studies and one-offs not widely produced.

Subject focus helps shape collections and build projects around personal interests or historical themes.

How to choose the right type for you

Match your goals—display, building skill development, or racing—to the model type to get the most enjoyment and value.

• For display realism: 1:24–1:12 plastic/resin kits or 1:18 diecast/resin.
• For quick collecting: 1:64 or 1:43 diecast with broad variety and low cost.
• For hands-on building: Glue kits with optional multimedia upgrades; resin for niche subjects.
• For driving and tuning: 1:10 RC (on-road, off-road, drift) or 1:27 Mini-Z for small spaces.
• For racing at home: 1:32 slot cars for detailed racing; HO/1:64 for compact layouts.
• For custom creativity: 3D-printed parts/files and kitbashing to create unique models.

Consider workspace, tools, budget, and whether you prefer collecting, crafting, or driving when making your choice.

Summary

Model cars span static display pieces (diecast and kits), RC vehicles, slot cars, and custom 3D-printed builds, each available across materials and scales that suit different goals. Collectors often favor diecast in 1:64 to 1:18, builders gravitate to plastic/resin kits in 1:24–1:12, and drivers choose RC or slot formats based on track space and performance. Selecting the right type comes down to how you want to engage with the hobby—displaying, building, racing, or all three.

What are the different types of model cars?

Model cars are categorized by their material, including diecast (metal), plastic, resin, and composite; by their assembly status, such as pre-built diecast models or DIY plastic model kits; and by their level of detail and opening parts, ranging from sealed models to highly detailed replicas with opening doors and hoods. Model cars can also be classified by the type of real vehicle they represent, like sedans, sports cars, trucks, and SUVs.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
By Material

• Diecast Models: These are the most common type, crafted from a metal alloy and often highly detailed with movable parts like doors and hoods, appealing to collectors and hobbyists. 
• Plastic Models: These are often available as kits that require assembly, painting, and gluing, ranging from simple snap-together beginner kits to more complex models for experienced modelers. 
• Resin Models: These are typically highly detailed and often used for more specialized or limited-run replicas. 
• Composite Models: A broader category that can include models made from a mix of materials, often offering good detail and durability. 

By Assembly & Features

• Pre-built (or Ready-to-Display) Models: These are assembled and often have a polished finish, ready for display right out of the box. 
• Model Kits: These require assembly, where the collector glues and paints the parts to create the finished car. 
• Opening vs. Sealed: Models can be “opening,” meaning they have functional doors, hoods, and trunks, or “sealed,” with these parts fixed shut. 

By Vehicle Type

• Sedans: . Opens in new tabFour-door cars with a fixed roof. 
• Coupes: . Opens in new tabCars with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sportier design. 
• Sports Cars: . Opens in new tabSleek, high-performance vehicles designed for speed and agility. 
• SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles): . Opens in new tabVersatile vehicles with higher ground clearance and typically a more rugged design. 
• Trucks: . Opens in new tabIncluding pickup trucks with open cargo beds. 
• Other Types: . Opens in new tabThis can include vans, hatchbacks, convertibles, and various specific vehicle categories like muscle cars, luxury cars, or even racing vehicles. 

By Scale 

• Model cars are also produced in various scales, which is the ratio of the model’s size to the real vehicle’s size. Common scales include 1/18, 1/24, 1/32, and 1/43.

How many types of car models are there?

Hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, MUVs, coupes, convertibles, pickup trucks – you name it, we have it.

What is the model type of a car?

A car’s make is the company that made it, for example: Ford, Honda, Volkswagen. A car’s model is the car’s specific name, for example: Escape, Civic, or Jetta.

What are the 10 most popular cars?

Top 10 Most Popular Cars in the World

1. Toyota Corolla. Maintaining its leadership for 4 consecutive years!
2. Toyota Camry. Another “leading” model from Toyota is the representative and more comfortable Camry.
3. Honda CR-V.
4. Toyota RAV4.
5. Ford F-Series.
6. Hyundai Tucson.
7. Chevrolet Silverado.
8. Tesla Model 3.