• Exterior Features, Quality
The whole model is heavy and tight: in fact, the first that comes to mind
that these are the most Kyosho-like AutoArt (AA) I've ever sampled. Some of the details are
unbelievable: for example, the front lights look remarkable, the badges are all 3D
(except on Maisto), and the rims are very well detailed. Nismo marked matching colour
wheels, Brambo signed brakes on Maisto, Nismo side and rear skirts topped with wings, modified
front facing. However, while the tires are nicely detailed on AA and there are brakes and
callipers, they are unmarked. The door handles are finished in a very convincing metal colour
on both.
The rears of the cars are particularly impressive, but AAs somewhere most detailed. AAs have
very detailed rear lights, 3D Nissan badges, which look superb, and realistic backup lights
are present here. The license plates also look very convincing: just the right size, and
very well applied. Wipers may look simple and poorly detailed from far off, but after a close
inspection, they are very detailed, if not a bit flimsy. Speaking of flimsy, check out the
antenna on AA! Probably the thinnest one I've seen, but it's very hard to bend or break off,
unlike others. Nice job there.
Exhaust pipes have a nice metallic effect to them, but they are not hollow. Still, even with
these few shortcomings, the models look awesome and displays great. The box is a step away
from the older Autoart releases, with textual information about the car and a few photos,
along with the obligatory AA logos all over the place. Overall, a very nice effort
from both manufacturers.
• Interior Features, Quality
I've always liked the way the 350Z's contemporary interior looked: I particularly liked
the orange seat colour, and I'm quite glad that AA decided to include it here, instead of
going with a drab black. Still, the seats are hard: virtually no change from older AA models.
By now, even Maisto manages to make realistic-feeling seats, yet AA fails to do so at twice
the price. Still, the carpet is an improvement over older AA, even the Maybach's. The carpet
here is very realistically textured and is found everywhere around the cabin. Great job.
The dash is also the most realistic of its competitors that I've sampled, with little use
of stickers. The pedals are my favourite part, with their cross-drilled style coming through
very well in 1/18 scale. These are very well done interior, and if it wasn't for the seats,
the model would have gotten full points.
However the materials used and the details applied on the Maisto interior parts are less
quality and realistic.
• Features
The 350Zs featuring opening hoods, doors, and hatchbacks. Opening the hood, one finds a very
well detailed engine, (Maisto has only moulded engine imitation) which is fully plumbed and
wired on AAs. This was one of my favorite parts of the model, as it looks so real! The only
problem here is that the hood won't stay open, which is a big shame, as one must use a
toothpick or something of the like if one wants to display the model with its engine. The
hinges for the doors are nearly invisible, and the doors actually have very realistic-looking
glass. (at Maisto the side windows are winded down) While this makes them harder to open, it
adds a certain air to the model that exudes detail. The hatch opens to reveal the shallow trunk,
which is completely carpeted, and looks simply fantastic.
Maisto's trunk, while not atrocious, is done completely in plastic, and has a cheap look.
I think that the paint under the hatch could be a bit better.
• Value
AutoArts aren't as cheap as they were before, but they're still cheaper than the average
Kyosho. With near equal quality, they're a great value. While, at the moment, the 350Z model
is still rare, (in specially the Roadsters) I predict that this will be the next "hot" model,
with collectors being able to purchase it everywhere. This is most likely due to the success
of the real 350Z. AutoArt is not the only modelmaker to replicate the 350Z in 1/18, but the
best yet. AutoArt sells the 350Z in this Le Mans Sunset color, as well as a Chrome Silver hue.
There is also a RHD version for the Asian market.
To put my finger on the value of this Maisto S Type, one has to consider that it is not widely
available in this metallic orange yet (only in silver by AA), and costs less.
Clear plastic windows with realistic windscreen wipers. Black wheels with treaded Black rally tires.
Spare tires and wheels and a gas can are visible through the opening rear hatch. Steerable front wheels.
Beneath the car the gearbox, transmission and exhaust systems are fully modelled with many separate
parts combine with good finish to produce one of the best models of the Datsun.
• Overall
These Zeds are yet another excellent model line from AutoArt. Their models become heavier and more
detailed with each release, and this 350Z model is no exception. If only AutoArt would fix a few
niggles that I have with the model, they would be right up there with Kyosho. Still, this is a
fantastic model, one of my favourites, because of its outrageous colour, design, and of course,
detail. If you're a sports car fan, Nissan nut, or just an ordinary diecast collector, these
AutoArt model is for you.
Maistos are cheap, and this one is no exception. The great thing is that this car offers quality
and details beyond its price range, not commonly seen in Maistos, especially the earlier releases.
This is however a solid buy and a very good model, and one worthy of the price of admission I
commend Maisto on the strides they have made towards making their line of budget models the best.
A very good model.
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AutoArt
350Z Collection .....Maisto 350Z S Tune