A Buyer’s Guide to Diecast Car Scales: 1:18 vs 1:24 vs 1:64
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 |
💡 At TonySourcing, we help you mix and match scales in bulk orders to test market response or cover multiple customer segments.
🧩 Need Help Choosing the Right Diecast Scale?
Whether you’re launching a new brand, planning promotional kits, or scaling your toy business, we can help you:
Compare cost vs. retail potential
Customize packaging and branding
Balance MOQ across multiple SKUs
Arrange sampling for quality check
📩 Click here to contact our sourcing experts
Or email us at info@tonysourcing.com for our full Diecast Car Catalog with Scale Breakdown
