SCALEXTRIC vs CARRERA - The Ultimate Test!

It's common for people new to the world of 1:32 slot cars to ask the question; should they buy a set from Scalextric, or Carrera? In this video, cars and track from both brands will be put head to head, and given in-depth analysis to determine what's on offer.

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[robertaccornero]

My older Brother invented the use of magnets back in the seventies, when he and I worked at Aurora R&D. He was one of 2 guys designing AFX slot cars, the new magnet technology was called 'MAGNA TRACTION' I myself designed paint jobs for AFX, and built show models.... freakin' half a century ago!

[nexpresspro]

This is a very nice comparison. I have large 24 meter layouts from both Carrera and Scalextric (both are digital systems), and have had them for many years, hosting lots of races with many other drivers over that time. With all the experience with both of these systems, I have some information that might be helpful. First, they are both fine systems if you want to set up a track and have some fun with family and friends. They will provide lots of enjoyment. For more of the hard core hobbyist, that may want a more permanent track set up to host more serious races, Carrera really does shine. The harder track surface, larger track dimensions, and locking system makes for and exceptional experience when you are racing more than a single car. One item I don’t think you mentioned is Carrera track also has a slot that is shielded with a thin plastic on each side, and the slot is slightly wider then Scalextric. This makes for a really more stable slot, and there are wonderful aftermarket slot guides for Carrera that improve handling immensely, especially when racing without magnets. I have not found this on the Scalextric track. The Carrera track being much wider, also can run 1/24 scale cars. The 1/24 scale cars bring a very different driving experience due to their size, power and weight. They are also beautifully detailed. They are my favorite to race with. I still enjoy the 1/32 cars, but the 1/24 option for Carrera just makes it a bit more special. Where Scalextric really shines is if you are space challenged. The smaller track can be set up in quite a bit smaller space then Carrera, and the more flexible track can be a benefit if you have smaller kids and the track is on the floor. I’ve seen Scalextric get stepped on by kids, and you can just take the bent track piece and just mold it back to being used again. Step on a Carrera track piece, and it’s broken. Comparing the 1/32 cars from both companies can be very difficult. They both make so many car options that you’ll find favorites with both brands if you try enough. I currently have 44 Scalextric cars, and 81 Carrera. Whatever company you decide to invest in, learning to tune the cars will yield much better racing results than just running them out of the box (there are many videos of how to tune a car on YouTube). So those are just some additional thoughts on both systems. The best thing anyone can do is try them both out and see what works best for how they want to race.

[MrSteve]

Not being an expert in slot car racing I still found this video and review fascinating unbiased and totally fair, good work lads. 👍🏻

[michaeljordan]

Wow, I don’t know anything about slot cars, but this was a very enjoyable video.

[jjward]

This is a really helpful video for anyone getting back into the slot car scene after many years out of it, well done to you and thankyou for making it! great stuff.

[EdsterIII]

I grew up in the 70's with TYCO/AFX slot-cars. They were smaller in scale, and they were so much fun. I remember getting the Super Duper Double-Looper for 🎄Christmas🎄one year. Then two years later I got the monster king track from the JC Penny's Christmas Catalog.🎄 Those were some amazing memories. My Smokey and the Bandit cars, Dukes of Hazzard, and others were so so cool to see race. Thanks for sharing this information with us. I still collect Hot Wheels and Matchbox Die-Cast cars and I have still on occasion raced them as well. I have seen these larger scale tracks but never really got any significant information. So again Thank you. Really cool video and great job with your explanations.

[nja]

I liked the idea of not having to buy track if I made the jump from 1:32 to 1:24 so I went with Carrera. I have no experience with Scaletrix so I can’t compare the two, but I’m happy with my digital 1:32 purchase.

[stevesweeney]

I'm sure I have seen this but I am watching AGAIN it is so well done. Professional and Un-biased.

[teeotto]

Me I like scalextric because of how there cars are more for collectors, and scaled to the real thing and the fit great with the o scale lionel trains, so for scalextric and the resale for used scalex cars is in some cases triple

[wordreet]

Enjoyed the video. 👍😎
Yes weight is quite critical when the car has no magnet. (no cars had "magnatraction" when I started with Scalextric) in 1959/60. I ended up at a slot racing club on a plywood track with copper tape contacts, and that's where I learned about low down weight and chassis design. One of the most important things for good handling is the slot guide placement relative to the front axle. Further forward is better! So that's part of the reason why the Scalextric car in your tests fared better without the magnet. Also the wider tires are a big help, Scalextric again! But keep those tires clean! So, ironically as both are aimed at home racing, if you can put the track down on a dust free, carpet free floor, the tires will grip for longer!

[chiccorocker]

It's a fairly simple answer: get a Carrera digital system. For home use Carrera cars are more appropriate with a very sturdy design, much more solid than Scalextric (after all they are much heavier because they have much more structure), they can take the abuse. Carrera cars are also very well designed to be worked on with much more space inside as they are designed digital from the very beginning. They are also cheaper than scalextric, and I'm comparing the price of an analog Scalextric with a Carrera Digital 1:32 cars: Scalextric is around 62 euros, Carrera is below 55, and again: the Carrera cars are digital out of the box, you have to add 30 euros to convert the Scalextric one. Finally if you care about performance, and yes Scalextric being much lighter is quite quick, I'd rather consider an NSR to be fair. They are also digital ready, but with much more tuning abilities and amazing design.

[johnmackay]

Very well done gents, thanks. My interest was primarily to create a Targa Florio digital road course that actually models actual portions of the track in 1/32 scale (e.g. Collesano hairpin, Bivio Polizzi "pit area", and the famous pit lanes) from the late 50's - '73. I liked the pace car feature that SSD offers in the 6-car digital power base as I can then race against ghost cars just as the actual race did, pitting all cars by classes into a #lap race against the clock.

As such, when I used TrackPower to plan, as you point out, space requirements is a primary concern. 1) I could not accommodate nearly as much track using Carrera as I could w/ SSD; 2) SSD chips are cheaper which makes a difference for me b/c I need to utilize all period cars--mostly which are all analog out of the box, and need to digitize them all in order to race, and 3) I really don't like the plunger and grew up racing AFX with its trigger controllers.

I plan to paint the Scalextric track which I understand can improve the grip as well. Haven't tried it yet but would definitely be interested in a digital comparison follow up.
Cheers

[wolfgangrittner]

Thank you so much great info! I used to be a complete Carreraaddict as a kid. Now I still go and watch the videos. They are so much fun...Love your work

[elvislad]

I used to have the slotless TCR system, you could switch lanes at will, so sick

[alexanderspenser]

Well done and from personal experience, really accurate assessment. Scalexectric performs better at a lower price, but I chose Carrera. Carrera had a better feel of quality. My preferred body styles, mainly American muscle, were more proportionally accurate with Carrera. And final plus towards Carrera was the option to run 1:32 & 1:24 scale. Thanks for confirming my choice.

[AndysEastCoastAdventures]

One big plus to carrera is that the rails are stainless steel so do not go bad with age and can even be used permanently outdoors. Scalextric track rusts really badly even in damp storage such as sheds etc

[kwakosekiki]

Great video, thanks for the analysis. I only knew Carrera 1:24 and 1:32 until I got some Scalextric Cars for my kids and me. We love them and without taking the time, I am shure the Scalextric cars are faster and easier to drive than the Carrera, although we are using Carerra System. Greetings from Germany.

[petemiller]

Very informative video. Thanks for posting. Last time I played with slot cars was about 50 years ago. Maybe once I finish our house build, I'll build myself a track from scratch. Cheers from Canada.

[timd]

I went back and forth between the companies in 2007. I ended up buying one of the first digital 1/32 tracks from Carrera. The Formula One set. I will say I think the biggest factor after all these years, no matter the brand, is the temperature of the room and track. Just like on a real racetrack. I always have everyone do quite a few practice laps just to get the tires a little warmer. Never had any issues with braking or acceleration, but that's the nice part of digital. Nice video. Oh, the 30° curve is great for coming out of those number one turns and they make crazy chicanes.

[diontillman]

Yes, I have scalextric track and cars, and you have to keep dust off the layout every time you race, yes every time, my cars never, slip around, and when I first got the track, I scrubbed it with soap and water, many people don't think to do it, but some time there are chemicals on the track, from the factory, and I also made the braids longer by taking them off, unfold them and put them back on, I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but I think this stuff is good to know, I have many tips and tricks,