Slot car enthusiasts have always considered Carrera slot cars among the best. However, there is still that chance that you might get overwhelmed by the options being presented to you.
On the other hand, it would be best to take a look at the best of what Carrera can offer through its Digital 1 32 product line.
Let’s take a look at the best Carrera 1 32 slot car sets that are currently available.
Carrera Road Hammers Slot Cars
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This race set is ideal for those who want to simulate a typical Formula 1 race. It features a rather plain curved course that runs for 18 feet and is over 5 meters wide.
It comes with 1 32 scale model of the Lola T222 and Porsche 917/30 race cars that closely mimic the performances of their real-life counterparts.
The Road Hammers set is comprised of 2-speed controllers and 2 lane change curves. It also has various straight and curved track parts and several guard rails. However, all tracks are compatible with other Carrera race track parts to create a larger course.
As with other Carrera sets, the main turnoff with the Road Hammers set would be the price as it can range from $600.00 to $650.00 depending on the supplier. In fact, it is one of the most expensive Carrera digital slot race sets to date.
Despite that, the Road Hammers set is perfect for children ages 8 and above. It is also great for adults. The basic design of the course should provide ample challenge to racers, skilled or otherwise.
80 Flashback
Compared to other digital race sets, the 80 Flashback is perhaps the cheapest at only $300.00. However, that does not mean that it has less compared to other sets.
The 80 Flashback course is composed of 1 double lane changer section, 1 lane change curve, 20+ track pieces, 2 wireless speed controllers, double grinders, guard rails, a 30352 control unit, and a 132 transformer.
Furthermore, the set comes with two digital slot cars: a Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo and a BMW M1 Procar.
However, the main point of contention of this would be the rather simple design. In fact, it will challenge you as much as a standard oval race course which might not be as fun as other courses.
On the other hand, like other Carrera sets, you can customize the 80 Flashback with other track pieces to create a larger and more unique course. Also, this course can be a great option for those that are new to the concept of digital slot car racing.
It’s important to remember that analog and digital racing are quite different from one another. The former is just about having the best lap time to win while the latter is all about maneuvering oneself to reach the finish line first like a real race.
Thus, this set might be ideal for mid-level racers wanting to make that shift into digital slot car racing.
Ford Fastbacks
With an average price of $360.00, the Ford Fastbacks set is also one of the moderately priced Carerra digital track sets in recent years. However, what you will get is one of Carerra’s largest and feature-heavy sets to date.
The Ford Fastbacks course is 30 feet long and has a size of 8.8 x 6.5 feet. It comes with 1 lane change curve, 20+ track pieces, 2 wired controllers, 1 control unit, several guard rails, support struts, and a transformer.
The course even features an over and under pass structure which undoubtedly takes inspiration from the stunt-heavy courses of Carrera’s GO!!! line.
The cars in this set are two miniature Ford Mustang GTs, one gray number 16. The other has an orange-black color scheme with the number 49. In addition, the set also comes with 4 contact brushes for cars and other accessories.
A potential con with this set is its sheer size. The Ford Fastbacks set will a lot of space when you set it up. Also, constant assembly/disassembly can wear down the supports of the track quickly.
Despite these, the Ford Fastbacks set can make for a decent package with a unique race course and two reliable Ford slot cars.
Of course, if you feel that the track is a bit underwhelming, there is the option to customize it. You can do this with additional track pieces.
Is Carrera the Best Slot Cars?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Carrera has been in the business of making quality slot cars for over 50 years now.
During that time, they have released some of the best and most iconic slot cars ever made. They have also been responsible for some of the biggest innovations in the industry.
Some of their most popular slot cars include the Porsche 911 GT3, the Audi R8 LMS, and the Mercedes-AMG GT3. These are just a few of the many amazing cars that Carrera has to offer.
When it comes to innovation, Carrera was one of the first manufacturers to introduce digital slot cars. This was a game-changer as it allowed racers to race against each other on the same track.
Carrera was also one of the first companies to introduce 4×4 off-road slot cars. This helped to make the sport of slot car racing much more exciting and challenging.
So, if you are looking for the best slot cars available, then you need to look no further than Carrera. There is no doubt that they are the leaders in the industry and have been for many years.
Is Carrera Better than Scalextric?
While Carrera is still alive and well and continuing to produce amazing slot cars. Scalextric is no longer in business.
This is a shame as Scalextric was one of Carrera’s biggest competitors and made some amazing slot cars themselves.
Some of Scalextric’s most popular cars included the Jaguar XKR-S, the Aston Martin DB9, and the McLaren MP4-12C. These are just a few of the great cars that Scalextric produced during their time.
So, while Scalextric is no longer around, their legacy lives on through the amazing slot cars that they produced.
Carrera vs. Ninco
Ninco is another big name in the world of slot car racing. They are based in Spain and have been in business for over 25 years.
Ninco is known for producing high-quality slot cars and tracks. They are also known for their innovation as they were one of the first companies to produce wireless slot cars.
Some of Ninco’s most popular cars include the Audi R8, the Lamborghini Murcielago, and the Porsche 911 GT3.
So, while both Carrera and Ninco are great companies that make amazing slot cars, there can only be one winner. And that winner is Carrera.
This is because Carrera has been in business for over 50 years and has a long history of innovation and success. Ninco is a great company, but they just can’t compete with the experience and success of Carrera.
Can I Build a Carrera Slot Car Track?
If you are looking for a project to keep you busy, then you may be wondering if you can build your own Carrera slot car track.
The answer to this question is yes, you can. But it is not recommended for beginners.
This is because building a Carrera track is a complex process that requires a lot of knowledge and experience. If you are new to the world of slot car racing, then it is best to stick to buying a ready-made track.
But, if you are an experienced racer and you feel up to the challenge, then building your own Carrera track can be a fun and rewarding experience.
There are many different websites and forums that can give you step-by-step instructions on how to build a Carrera track.
Or, if you are feeling really adventurous, you could even design your own track from scratch.
Whatever you decide to do, just make sure that you have fun and enjoy the process.
In Conclusion
These 3 are just some of Carrera’s Digital 1 32 sets currently available on the market. But if the question is whether or not you should buy one, the answer is yes. They can make for worthwhile additions to a collection or as a starter to introduce anyone to the hobby.
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