Diecast Car Scale Guide: 1:18 vs 1:24 vs 1:64 Compared

When buying diecast cars wholesale, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right scale. Scale impacts everything—from size and pricing to target customers and shipping costs. This guide breaks down the differences between 1:18, 1:24, and 1:64 diecast car models, helping you make the smartest decision for your business.

What Does “Scale” Mean in Diecast Models?

“Scale” refers to how small the model car is in relation to the actual vehicle. For example:

1:18 scale means the model is 1/18 the size of the real car.
The higher the scale number, the smaller the model.

This directly affects the car’s physical dimensions, weight, packaging, pricing, and target market.

1:18 Scale – Premium, Large Models

Size: ~10–12 inches (25–30cm)
Use: Collector-grade, high-end retail, display models
Features:

Highly detailed interiors, engines, and moving parts
Often includes opening doors, hood, and trunk
Typically packaged in acrylic cases or display boxes

Pros:

High perceived value
Excellent for adult collectors or as corporate gifts
Great for photography and showcase displays

Cons:

Higher cost ($9–$20 FOB/unit)
Larger packaging and shipping costs
Requires more shelf space

MOQ: ~120–200 pcs

1:24 Scale – Most Versatile for Retail/Display

Size: ~7–8 inches (18–20cm)
Use: Retail shelves, e-commerce, gift shops
Features:

Balanced detail and price
Often comes with functional doors, lights, or pull-back features

Pros:

Attractive price-performance ratio
Suitable for both kids and adult buyers
Popular with Amazon/eBay sellers and physical stores

Cons:

Less detail than 1:18, more expensive than 1:64
May still require protective packaging

MOQ: ~240–300 pcs
Price: ~$4.50–$7.00 FOB/unit

1:64 Scale – Best for Toy Retail & Online Sales

Size: ~2.5–3 inches (6–7cm)
Use: Toy sets, promotions, bundling, online bulk sales
Features:

Compact size, low-cost, and great for volume
Ideal for bundling in sets (e.g. 5-pack, 10-pack)

Pros:

Lowest cost (~$0.90–$1.60 FOB/unit)
Easy to ship and stock
Great for giveaways, subscriptions, or toy boxes

Cons:

Minimal detail
Not suitable for collectors

MOQ: ~500–1,000 pcs
Ideal for: High-volume promotional sales and toy stores

Which Scale Should You Choose Based On…

🎯 Target Customers

Customer Type	Best Scale
Adult collectors	1:18, 1:24
Toy retailers	1:64, 1:24
Amazon/eBay sellers	1:64, 1:32
Promotional buyers	1:64
Auto dealerships	1:18 (branded)

🗂 Shelf Space & Shipping

1:64: Easy to stock in bulk, ship with lower freight cost
1:24: Requires moderate shelf space, ideal for retail displays
1:18: Best for showrooms, gift boxes, but costly to ship

💰 Price Point

Scale	Price (FOB China)	Typical Retail Price
1:64	$0.90–$1.60	$4–$8
1:24	$4.50–$7.00	$12–$25
1:18	$9.00–$15.00+	$30–$60+

Scale Comparison Chart + Ordering Suggestions

Scale	Size (cm)	MOQ	Price (USD)	Target Buyer	Ideal For
1:64	~7 cm	500–1000	$0.90–$1.60	Toy stores, promotions	Bundles, giveaways, e-commerce
1:24	~18–20 cm	240–300	$4.50–$7.00	Retail stores, online	Mid-range retail, OEM branding
1:18	~25–30 cm	120–200	$9.00–$15.00	Collectors, corporate gift	Premium collectible series