Die-cast Test Drive: Maisto 1:24 Scale 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Model Review

Modern MOPAR Power and Looks Depicted in a Maisto Die-cast Model If you love modern muscle cars, you might enjoy this 1:24 scale die-cast model from Maisto. It captures the essence of a powerful MOPAR masterpiece in an affordable metal model for your desk. I'd love to have a modern muscle car. If I close my eyes, I can imagine the throaty rumble of an idling V-8. I can hear the engine roaring and see myself rushing onto the highway at alarming speed. Of course, as an adult, I can also envision hefty insurance premiums, expensive fill-ups, and the fines associated with a "super-speeder" ticket. Mid-life crisis cars aren't cheap. But, the vision and the dream always lurk in the recesses of my mind. That's why it was fun to recently pick up a 1:24 scale die-cast model of the powerful Dodge Challenger SRT8 on a whim. It adds a little flavor to the dream.

Criteria. We can all imagine what it would be like to drive a real Dodge Challenger SRT8. We can see it, taste it, smell it, and yearn for it. But, how does the Maisto 1:24 scale Dodge Challenger SRT8 stack up? Is it a good rendition of the real car? Is it well made? Is it a good value? Those are the questions that this review will strive to answer.

Accuracy. A quick Bing image search will reveal plenty of beautiful photographs of the real life 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. It's an exciting car. The Maisto Dodge Challenger SRT8 model captures much of that excitement. It's a $10 to $15 model. But, it captures the lines well. The model has the same classic 5-spoke muscle car wheels. The hood opens and the engine looks just like the engine of the real SRT8 right down to the hose leading from the air filter compartment to the engine. Since this is an inexpensive model, the entire engine compartment is just a molded piece of plastic that depicts the real engine compartment in relief. Paint is used sparingly but accurately. As you move along the body, you'll find that the door handles and fuel cap are merely impressions in the metal. On the real car, the fuel cap offers a shiny chrome contrast to the cars body. The interior compares well to pictures of the real car. The steering wheel, center console, and seats appear surprisingly accurate. The instrument cluster is represented by a sticker that shows a wider separation between the instruments than is pictured in the real car. For less than $20, the Maisto Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a great rendition of the popular muscle car.

Workmanship. The fit and finish of the Miasto SRT8 are very good for a mass produced die-cast model. The doors and hood fit well. The front wheels were steerable, but not with the steering wheel. The body and bumpers fit together well. The rear view mirrors were actually shiny, but in normal handling one of them came just a little loose. If this car were used by kids for actual play, the mirrors would probably come off easily. I didn't see any obvious flaws in the paint, decals, or stickers. If you look closely at the wheels, you might think you detect a hint of flashing (excess plastic), but even using a magnifying glass it isn't obvious. This model is surprisingly well made.

Value. The Maisto 1:24 scale Dodge Challenger SRT8 successfully evokes the image and style of it's real life namesake. It's well detailed and doesn't have any disturbing flaws. Overall, I believe this Maisto model is a good value for the money. It looks great on a desk or a shelf. Most importantly, you can grab it, close your eyes, and dream of burning rubber.