The Porsche 911 GT3 RS model has sparked quite the discussion among collectors, especially since the Norev review back in February. As an owner of the Norev model myself, I was drawn to its unique exterior in Green, a colour rarity for Porsche models. However, discovering that Minichamps offered more options, including removable access panels and a functional rear wing, honestly intrigued me.
Upon comparing both models side by side, I noticed some notable differences. The Minichamps model features thin rubber tires that add to its realism. While there is a size disparity between the two, it’s negligible and hardly noticeable in real-world settings. I must commend Norev for their attention to detail, particularly the inclusion of euro plates and the meticulous finish, which truly shines in person.
Access to the front compartments is available in both models, but Minichamps utilizes a hidden hinge arrangement, surpassing Norev’s old-school dog-leg style. Where Norev truly excels, in my opinion, is in the interior detailing. While Minichamps may seem a bit generic in this aspect, something along a Masito effort, Norev provides an elegant and realistic interior. From the flocking throughout to the carbon fibre detailing on the rear seats (also found on Minichamps) and the meticulously detailed door cards complete with stitching and fabric grab handles, Norev’s attention to interior detail is commendable.
So, which model is the winner? It ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value saving money and appreciate exquisite interior detailing, then Norev is the way to go. However, if budget is not a concern and you prioritize exterior presence, then Minichamps is the clear winner.
I’m curious to hear which model you chose for your purchase—Norev or Minichamps? Feel free to share your thoughts and enjoy the photos!
Thank you! I have been waiting to hear how people felt about this model, seemed the Norev stole the attention. And thank you for the photos, honestly makes the model look overall better than in most of the other photos I have seen. I still might buy a Minichamps one also, even though I have the Norev one, because there are things I like about both and dislike about both.
As you said, the interior of the Norev is good, but the tires are slightly too fat, but with the Minichamps the wheels/tires look better (but still somehow look off?) but the interior is lacking. I am also now noticing on the Minichamps that the Porsche crest on the front looks VERY slight too large and too far forward. But if you look at the crest on the Norev it is slightly inset which is not accurate as it is just a sticker on the real car. I do like the extra step Minichamps took with the removable access panels.
Bottom line, it seems that where one model got it right the other got it wrong but neither of them are perfect so it’s hard to definitively say which is better and comes down to preferences or budget. Maybe someone else will come around with an opening version that does everything right LOL
You are absolutely right that the interior could have been done better.
Also I’d like to add:
– the internal lamps of the front lights should be from transpatent plastic instead of being silver-painted;
– the back lights should be from transparent plastic as well;
– the exhaust deserves more details and should consist of separate parts;
– the bottom part of the engine deserves some details as well (even an 1:43 model by Spark creates an impression of some engine details behind the bottom cover).
Yes, there was a mention of some of the above from Norev’s review comments. Though at what point do we stop splitting hairs?
If it looks like I’m repeating myself, it’s because I do indeed :)
Well, I hope the more these things are mentioned, the higher are chances that Minichamps will notice them and react. (Even if the chances are too small, they are at least non-zero. So why not try?)
Valid point. It’s somewhat amusing what each brand elevates as a priority in developing a model. Those are some meetings we’d like to attend.
None of the Norev colours really got me excited so far and I was putting high hopes on the Minichamps, planning to get the yellow with Weissach package and red rims (as on this one. It is sad to hear about the shortcomings here, though.
Another version that has not been done by anyone but Spark would be the Monterey car, (white and green accents and rims) to commemorate the original RS 2.7 (which could then join it in the new AUTOart version). All of this puts me even more on the fence on what to get. Surely, a 1973 RS 2.7 and this new RS really should join my collection in some form, but none is the definiitive one to get. yet.