Let's Compare Viper GTS's by Ryan Gertner
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Hi Everyone, I would first like to thank Joe for posting my article on his site. I am an extremely detail oriented person and would like to share my thoughts with everyone. My comparison will be as thorough and detailed as possible. Enjoy! |
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Viper GTS (blue with white racing stripes) |
| I suppose the reason why I have 3 replicas of the exact same car is because the GTS is one of my new-age favorites. In my opinion, the classic curves and lines of the GTS are so beautifully complemented by the blue and white paint scheme which itself pays homage to the classic Shelby Daytona Coupe of the late ‘60’s. |
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The 3 models are made by, from left to right, Johnny Lightning, Maisto, and Hot Wheels. The Johnny Lightning GTS is from the Classic Gold Collection and was bought for $3.99. The Hot Wheels Viper is from the Performance Series 2, Gone in 60 Seconds box set. Since this Viper was never sold individually I have no idea on the actual list price. I would guess $11 to $15 Maisto’s rendition of this Viper was a less than a dollar (79 cents I think) Wal-Mart special. |
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Johnny Lightning |
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| Positives At first glance, the Johnny Lightning Viper GTS seems to be the most complete. It is the only one to have colored in side markers in the front. The rear is also the most correct with painted turn signals, back-up, and brake lights. Also, it is the only model to have the upper door panel behind the side windows painted the correct black. Side view mirrors are also only included in this Viper. |
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Of all 3, this is the only model with rubber (vinyl) tires. Emblems are also the most detailed with an exclusive to the JL emblem on the side of the car reading, “Viper GTS”. The contours of the rear wing and double bubble roof seem to be accurately reproduced. The chassis is also die-cast complete with drive train and chassis detail. Lastly, the racing stripes are the most accurate as far as width of the actual stripes and gap between them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Negatives Casualties of Mold Sharing The most glaring error on this model is the front fascia. Unfortunately for us, Johnny Lighting used the same mold to make this car as the one for the GTS-R. As consequence, there is a front “aero” kit, which has just been painted over. Compared to a “stock” GTS the whole contour of the bumper is totally wrong. Also, two small holes on the leading edge of the rear wheel wells are left over from the GTS-R. In my opinion, the color blue seems a bit too dark compared to a real GTS. The JL version is the only one of the group NOT to have intake vents on top of the hood blacked out. A fuel filler cap was not included. Also, fender gap seems a bit too large. I believe the wheels should have been slightly larger and a tad wider. |
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| Overall The Johnny Lightning Viper GTS seems to me, to be the most well rounded for the price. I admit that I have been mostly nit picking! |
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| Maisto | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Positives The Maisto seems to have perfectly sized wheels. The contours of the doors, hood, and front bumper are all excellent. There is even a molded spare tire that can be seen through the rear window. An outline of a fuel filler cap is also included as well as for the front turn signals. The two intake vents on top of the hood seem black but are really part of the clear plastic piece for the windows. This works well and I was pleasantly surprised to see it included in such a low cost rendition. Small emblems front and rear are present. The Maisto Viper is the only model to have door handles, a definite plus J. Windshield wipers and the “hint” of a rear view mirror are incorporated into the front window. |
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Negatives The biggest disappointment I would have to say is the racing stripes that don’t extend down to the bottom of the front or rear bumpers. This seems like a glaring oversight to me. The rear spoiler is also very wrong with 2 slight dimples included from the mold.
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I don’t want to seem overly nitpicky, BUT the emblem that is included at the rear is in the wrong place. It should be on the rear bumper not on the spoiler facing the upward. Also, there are noticeable vertical molding lines on the edges of the front and rear bumpers. |
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| Overall I would have to say for the price, this is an amazingly accurate car. Even though practically none of the details are painted; at least they have been included. |
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Hot Wheels |
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| Positives The Hot Wheels Dodge Viper GTS has all the extras. This model has a hood that lifts up to reveal a painted engine. Some other small details are also included as well as painted under the hood. This Viper has by far the smoothest wheels of the group. The quality of the chrome plating is also far superior. I think they are the prettiest too. Windshield wipers have been included and are fully accurate in placement at the base of the windshield. Vents on the dashboard have also been molded. Also, the underside, which is die-cast, has been detailed with two colors. This is the only model with the intake vents correctly blacked out. To me, one of the coolest features is the painted spare tire visible through the rear window. Also, this is the only model with a painted filler door. The Hot Wheels Viper has the best paint as far as color and application. |
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Negatives I would have to say the first problem I noticed was the contour of the front bumper was way off. It slopes way too much when compared with a real GTS or the other two models. The racing stripes are way too wide too making the gap in-between too small. Sorry, but as beautiful as the wheels are, they are still too large for a correct scale look. Also they are only plastic. For the price of this model, I was very surprised at all the details omitted. The front turn signals have been totally forgotten. |
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The rear turn signals, rear back-up lights, and door upright have not been painted. No emblems of any kind were included. The intake vent at the base of the hood is the worst of the three looking more like an afterthought. No side view mirrors or door handles either. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Overall This car is really the Cadillac of the group and it should show. The total package looks good but it comes up a little short when analyzed. I suppose Hot Wheels was going for an overall look when designing this car. |
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Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Maisto |
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Results None of these models are perfect when carefully studied but they all have definite strengths. Putting this in Joe’s terms: |
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I hope everyone enjoyed my comparison; I look forward to doing many more in the future. --Ryan |
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