Carrera is one of the most popular brands when it comes to slot car racing. They offer two different types of tracks; Evolution and Digital.
Both are great for racing, but there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before making a purchase.
In this article, we will be discussing the key differences between Carrera’s Evolution and Digital tracks.
Carrera Evolution vs Digital: What You Need to Know
Carrera is quite known in the slot racing hobby for its number of product lines catering to different age groups. For the older child to the adult range, there are the Digital and Evolution series of vehicles and race courses.
If you want to know which line is ideal for you, it would be best to identify the features and characteristics that make them distinct from one another. Read on to find out the similarities and differences between Carrera Evolution vs digital slot car systems.
Carrera GO 1:43 Scale Slot Car Set
Carrera Evolution vs Digital – A Question Of System
Slot car sets can come in two variants today: analog and digital. Analog racing is the classic version of slot car racing wherein racers beat each other by having the fastest lap time.
Digital racing, on the other hand, features a more dynamic racing concept that mimics actual motorsports. Here, the winner is determined by who reaches the finish line in the final lap first.
The Carrera Evolution series belongs to the analog system. This means that it is ideal as an introductory point for newbies or purists who want to keep things old school.
The Digital line, as the name implies, features digital racing. For those that want to make that shift towards digital slot car racing, then this line is quite recommended.
Carrera Evolution 20025240 Super Cars Analog Electric 1:32 Scale Slot Car Racing Track Set
Slot Car Scales
The Evolution line of slot cars is offered only at the 1:32 scale. This means that the slot cars are small enough to fit in one hand and contain enough details to justify the price tag.
The Digital line, on the other hand, comes in 2 scales which are 1:32 and 1:24. Digital 132 slot cars and tracks feature the same dimensions as other Carrera 1:32 products and, thus, are compatible with them for customization purposes.
The Digital 124 class, on the other hand, shares the same size as Carrera’s Go!!! line. However, unlike the more toyish Go!!! cars, Digital 124 cars feature a high level of detail that mimics those found in their real-world counterparts.
Slot Car Set Details
Tracks from both Evolution and Digital lines might look similar to one another at a glance. Basically, unlike the kid-friendly Go!!! line, the track layout for either line is simpler with a stronger focus on allowing vehicles to finish first or fast.
The Digital line is the more elaborate option as it includes lane-changing parts to keep races dynamic like lane changes and automatic pit stops. Aside from that, both lines feature the same components such as speed controllers, guard rails, and other basic track pieces.
Fortunately, Carrera allows for cross-line integration in their products. This means that you can use extension parts from the Digital line for Evolution tracks and vice-versa, so long as they are for the same scale size.
Price
Out of the two, it is the Evolution line that is the cheaper option with prices for sets going in between $100.00 to $250.00. On the other hand, the Digital line fetches prices that could go as high as $700.00.
The reason for the Digital line’s higher price tag is due to the higher parts count and the inclusion of computerized features. As for the slot cars, the Digital line features more details and moving parts which makes them more expensive than their Evolution counterparts.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on individual purchases, then the Evolution line is ideal for you. However, you will have to consider that you still are going to spend more in the long run, especially for track expansions, repairs, and new slot cars.
Difficulty
Technically speaking, both Digital and Evolution lines are viable options for slot car racers regardless of skill. However, experienced slot car racers would suggest getting the hang of the basics to get an appreciation of the sport.
In slot car racing, it is often easy to get the car dislodged in curves or obstacles. With the Evolution line, you can learn the ability to control your speed as you maneuver a car through the track.
Once you are ready to take on bigger challenges, you can then move to the Digital Line. What’s more, you will be able to take on more advanced skills like drifting, aggressive blocking, and strategic lane shifting.
Can You Upgrade Carrera Evolution to Digital?
One great thing about the Carerra Evolution is that it can be upgraded to Digital. Instead of being able to race 2 cars, you can do up to 6.
Do Carrera Evolution Cars Have Lights?
Carrera Evolution cars do not have lights. However, they are compatible with the Carrera Digital line which does feature light-up slot cars. This means that you can use Carrera Digital track pieces and accessories to make your Evolution tracks more dynamic.
Carrera Digital vs Evolution: Which One is Right for You?
Now that we’ve looked at the main differences between Carrera Digital and Evolution, it’s time to decide which one is the right choice for you. If you want a more affordable option that still offers a great racing experience, then go with the Carrera Evolution.
Carrera Digital is a great option if you want more features and detailed cars. However, keep in mind that you will have to spend more money to get started with this line.
No matter which line you choose, you are sure to have hours of fun with Carrera slot cars!
Carrera/Premium Hobbies Pedal to The Metal Porsche vs Ford 1:32 Scale Slot Car Race Set
Is Slot Car Racing Dead?
Cultural icons like James Bond and Steve McQueen made slot car racing popular in the 1960s. But is the sport still relevant today?
There’s no doubt that slot car racing has seen better days. The hobby was once a mainstay in American culture, with kids and adults alike flocking to local tracks to compete.
But today, many cultural icons like James Bond and Steve McQueen made slot car racing popular in the 1960s. But is the sport still relevant today?
While its niche slot car racing is still alive and well. You can still find several slot car sets on the market today.
Carrera Evolution vs Digital – Conclusion
It is safe to say that both the Evolution and Digital lines offer features that make them distinct from one another.
Thus, the line that suits you the most depends greatly on what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend on this hobby. Fortunately for you, Carrera caters to slot car racers of various ages, play styles, and skill levels.
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