Top 100+ fastest diecast
This is my list of the fastest diecast downhill racing cars. Updated as of April, 2024 after more than two years of time testing my collection of over 2,500 cars across many brands. I've raced most of the known fast cars from my experience or those seen in various YouTube racing channels and other sites. Of course, there are always new cars being released and vintage cars to be discovered, so this is an ongoing journey.
Keep in mind that most of the cars in the rankings are within 23/1000's seconds of each other, which equates to just one car length on my 27 foot track. But that's the nature of diecast racing: very small differences separate the fast from the fastest.
Key notes/considerations:
Please see information on the home page for more details on testing method, speed tiers and other details. Let me know your thoughts on the rankings and ideas you have for fast racers.
Keep in mind that most of the cars in the rankings are within 23/1000's seconds of each other, which equates to just one car length on my 27 foot track. But that's the nature of diecast racing: very small differences separate the fast from the fastest.
Key notes/considerations:
- I race on a two-lane, 27 foot Derby Magic track (equivalent to about one-third of a mile). The Derby track is 22% wider than a typical Hot Wheels orange track, allowing me to race some slightly wider/larger cars.
- The cars are broken into speed tiers with 5-Stars being the best. The Top 100 consists of all my 5-Star performers, plus the top 4-Star cars.
- I've applied graphite to the cars, which really brings out the speed potential for diecast. I'll go into more detail on that in the future. Some cars only improve slightly, but others improve significantly when dry lubes applied.
Please see information on the home page for more details on testing method, speed tiers and other details. Let me know your thoughts on the rankings and ideas you have for fast racers.
See grid on the bottom of the page with ranking details
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Number 1
1977 Chevy Van from Johnny Lightning 2004 release, Spider-Man Toys 'R Us Exclusive 99.1 grams, Heavyweight 2.443 seconds, 5-star speed This heavy van is a beast and my fastest diecast car. This cool looking van has an especially wide stance, which creates more stability when racing down the track. Notes: The white Coca-Cola version was nearly elite at 2.502 |
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Number 2
Probe Funny Car from Hot Wheels 1997 release, General Mills "Trix" mail-in 73.8 grams, Heavyweight 2.452 seconds, 5-star speed One of the most consistent fast castings. The Trix cereal version from 1997 is a little more challenging to find, but there are many releases with elite speed. This car (like most of the funny cars), really benefits from graphite. Notes: my fastest times from some other Probe Funny cars:
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Number 3 (tie)
Dodge Challenger Funny Car from Hot Wheels 2007 release, Hot Wheels Classics 77.1 grams, Heavyweight 2.467 seconds, 5-star speed Another great funny car featuring good weight, a wide stance and redline 5 spoke wheels. This is from the Hot Wheels Classics series released from 2005 through 2009. That series overall was dissapointing for speed, but this car is certainly an exception. Notes: the 2008 "Treasure Hunt" version is also elite at 2.489 |
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Number 3 (tie)
Plymouth Arrow Funny Car from Hot Wheels 2016 release, Retro Style 66.1 grams, Heavyweight 2.467 seconds, 5-star speed Similar characteristics as the Dodge Challenger F/C, but 10 grams lighter. This casting is a retooled version of the Army Funny Car from the 1970's and 1980's. Notes: the 2011 Hot Ones reproduction series version was elite at 2.490, as was the 2013 Flying Customs version at 2.494 |
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Number 5 (tie)
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious multi-pack exclusive (1/55th scale) 61.1 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.471 seconds, 5-star speed This is from the 1/55th scale Fast & Furious series. See the Mattel pages on this site for rankings of all the F&F cars and an inventory of the series. This Mustang is very fast and I've seen this be successful on multiple racing channels. |
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Number 5 (tie)
1970 Dodge Charger Off-Road from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious (1/55th scale) 58.9 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.471 seconds, 5-star speed This car tied with the Fast & Furious Mustang for the 5th overall fastest car. Unlike some of the cars in this series, this one is relatively inexpensive to acquire. |
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Number 7
Pontiac Grand Prix Stocker from Hot Wheels 1997, Basic Pro Racing series 50.9 grams, Middleweight 2.472 seconds, 5-star speed From 1997 through 2001 there was a plastic wheel version within the Pro Racing NASCAR series. And these cars are really fast despite the plastic bases. There are four stock car castings, and the Pontiac Grand Prix is my fastest. #44 represents driver Kyle Petty. Notes: the #30 "Penzoil" version was my next fastest Pontiac Grand Prix at 2.482 |
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Number 8
Firebird Funny Car (aka Side-Splitter) from Hot Wheels 1997, Funny Car 4-Pack 69.2 grams, Heavyweight 2.473 seconds, 5-star speed The Side-Splitter is a cool looking casting and has all the hallmarks of a fast car. This car is from a great 4-pack which has 2 versions of the updated Firebird Funny Car, plus the "Hot Stuff" Probe Funny Car. Notes: another elite speed version of this casting is the 2001 "Fossil Fuels" at 2.494 |
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Number 9 (tie)
Quick Trik (aka Racebait 308) from Hot Wheels 1984, Ultra Hots series 50.8 grams, Middleweight 2.474 seconds, 5-star speed This is now my fastest car among the excellent Ultra Hots series from the mid-1980's. This series introduced the Ultra Hot (UH) wheels. This relatively compact casting is typically pretty fast and the Ultra Hots version is easily the best. The 1985 Ultra Hots release called this casting Street Beast. |
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Number 9 (tie)
60's Studebaker from Johnny Lightning 2004, Coca-Cola Polar Bears 65.2 grams, Heavyweight 2.474 seconds, 5-star speed This has now become a well regarded racer among hobbyists. Very smooth running with lots of bottom-end speed. Be aware that this is tough to find and you may have to pay a lot to acquire one. Notes: the Lava-Mama version of this casting was pretty fast at 2.526 |
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Number 11
Firebird Funny Car from Hot Wheels 2000, Speed Blaster series 68.4 grams, Heavyweight 2.476 seconds, 5-star speed This funny car was first released in 1997 and is not to be confused with the Side-Splitter, which is also called Firebird Funny Car. Featuring smaller front wheels and a long, narrow body. Notes: there are many fast versions of this casting, but the next best was the blue 1997 First Editions model at 2.491 |
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Number 12 (tie)
Porsche 928 from Siku 1980-1989, Super Series 57.5 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.478 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track This car is from the German diecast maker, Siku. The important Siku cars are the 1/55th scale models, mostly all-metal and featuring specific wheels which react very well to graphite. See the Siku pages on the site for an inventory of the targeted cars and collection rankings. These cars are becoming very popular among racers and more expensive to buy, especially in unopened blisters. |
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Number 12 (tie)
Ferrari 355 from Hot Wheels 1998, Figure 8 Racers 49.6 grams, Middleweight 2.478 seconds, 5-star speed This compact all-metal car was a surprise. I was not expecting this kind of speed. But with decent weight, good balance and a low center of gravity it showed it's potential. Notes: there are some other fast versions of this casting. My fastest was the black 1997 model at 2.507 |
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Number 12 (tie)
'71 Mustang Funny Car from Hot Wheels 2007, Flying Customs 71.5 grams, Heavyweight 2.478 seconds, 5-star speed This all-metal dragster-like funny car was first introduced in 2004. This version is from the fine Flying Customs series from 2006/2007. Notes: the 2007 Super Chromes version is also elite at 2.494, as is the 2005 mainline version at 2.498 |
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Number 15 (tie)
Turbo Tram from Kenner 1980/81, Fast 111's 40.7 grams, Welterweight 2.479 seconds, 5-star speed The fastest car among the Fast 111's and the fastest car within the Welterweight class. This long, narrow fantasy car is very quick. The Fast 111's series featured 38 cars and were released between 1980 and 1983. These cars really take to graphite. See the Kenner pages for more details on this outstanding series. |
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Number 15 (tie)
Wind Splitter (aka BMW M1) from Hot Wheels 1985, Ultra Hots series 49.8 grams, Middleweight 2.479 seconds, 5-star speed Another elite car from the vintage Ultra Hots series and a model that is often recognized as very fast with other racers. I was expecting this car to be my fastest, but Quick Trik won out. |
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Number 15 (tie)
'67 Shelby GT-500 from Hot Wheels 2008, Modern Classics 54.6 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.479 seconds, 5-star speed Such a cool casting from the premium Modern Classics series. This car and others in the series respond well to graphite. I'll discuss the series as I build in more content on my site. |
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Number 15 (tie)
T-Bird Stocker (3rd update) from Hot Wheels 1997, Basic Pro Racing series 42.7 grams, Middleweight 2.479 seconds, 5-star speed Another fast casting from the Pro Racing series. One of the fastest Middleweight diecast cars. #7 represents driver Geoff Bodine. |
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Number 15 (tie)
Iron Man Mark 50 from Hot Wheels 2019, Marvel Character Cars 41.4 grams, Middleweight 2.479 seconds, 5-star speed There are many fast Character Cars and you'll see them well represented in the Top 100 plus rankings. This was the surprising fastest. The gold Y-5 wheels responded well to graphite and it's low center of gravity really help. Keep in mind that there are at least two other Iron Man character cars, (that are not very fast) so important to note when searching. I'll be building in a section of my top 40 character cars in the near future. |
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Number 20 (tie)
Corvette Sting Ray from Hot Wheels 1980 release (features Gold Hot Ones wheels) 44.4 grams, Middleweight 2.482 seconds, 5-star speed This is my fastest of the vintage Hot Ones cars (or more broadly speaking, vintage cars with Gold Hot Ones wheels). I also have the red and black versions of this casting that feature GHO wheels, but this one is my best. See my Hot Ones page under Hot Wheels for more information on these cars. Look for more of the Hot Ones cars in the Top 100 plus ranking. |
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Number 20 (tie)
BMW 850i from Matchbox 2001, Daddy's Dreams 47.1 grams, Middleweight 2.482 seconds, 5-star speed This all-metal car with the 10-Spoke Flower wheels is my fastest Matchbox car. Notes: the yellow Coca-Cola version was also quite fast at 2.527 |
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Number 20 (tie)
Cam Rammer from Kenner 1982, Fast 111's 48.1 grams, Middleweight 2.482 seconds, 5-star speed One of the heavier Kenner Fast 111's, this fantasy car has a wide stance and with the help of graphite, it generates lots of speeds. |
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Number 23
'69 Ford Shelby Mustang from Johnny Lightning 2003, Mustang Series 54.8 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.484 seconds, 5-star speed This is a lesser known speedster among Johnny Lightning cars, but lands in my Top 25. |
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Number 24 (tie)
K-2SO from Hot Wheels 2017, Star Wars Character Cars 97.2 grams, Heavyweight 2.485 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track This large character car is a beast. Note that this does not fit on the standard orange track, but does on the Magic Derby track. "This powerful truck, like K-2SO, still bears the mark of its dark past - an Imperial symbol. The dutiful droid vehicle is revved and ready to serve the Rebellion's noble cause." |
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Number 24 (tie)
Evil Eye from Kenner 1980/81, Fast 111's 57.0 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.485 seconds, 5-star speed Along with Diesel Demon, this fantasy truck is the heaviest of the Fast 111's. |
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Number 26 (tie)
Custom Corvette Stingray Coupe from Hot Wheels 2024, Fast & Furious: Women of Fast 48.5 grams, Middleweight 2.487 seconds, 5-star speed My fastest casting from the 2020's. Compact, all-metal casting from the Women of Fast series which features a couple of other strong metal castings. |
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Number 26 (tie)
Ice Charger from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious (1/55th scale) 57.5 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.487 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track 3rd fastest among the 1/55th scale Fast & Furious series. Unlike some of the cars in this series, the Ice Charger is relatively available online. |
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Number 28 (tie)
Dodge Concept Car from Hot Wheels 1999, Sugar Rush series 52.2 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.488 seconds, 5-star speed The"Baby Ruth" convertible is very fast, despite its compact size. Notes: the 2003 orange mainline version is also elite at 2.495 |
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Number 28 (tie)
Sol-Aire CX4 from Hot Wheels 1984, Ultra Hots 5-Pack 55.9 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.488 seconds, 5-star speed Another elite performer from the Ultra Hots series. This was the debut of this casting which has gone on to produce a number of fast releases. There is also a red Ultra Hots series car released in 1985. |
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Number 28 (tie)
VW Drag Truck from Hot Wheels 2005, Kar Keepers/Hotwheelscollectors.com 88.4 grams, Heavyweight 2.488 seconds, 5-star speed This is a variation of the famous Volkswagon Drag Bus. Although not quite as heavy as the bus, this is still pretty meaty at 88 grams. The Since '68 series version was also elite at 2.496. |
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Number 31 (tie)
Nissan 300ZX from Siku 1985-1990 57.0 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.489 seconds, 5-star speed Along with the Mercedes 208 bus, this is my current 2nd fastest Siku car. As I discuss in the Siku pages, the deep-dish, whitewall tires found with many of these vintage models, are really strong. |
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Number 31 (tie)
Mercedes-Benz 208 from Siku 1983-1988 95.5 grams, Heavyweight 2.489 seconds, 5-star speed Very heavy model that runs smooth with the great Siku wheels. I had even higher hopes with this car though, as I tested site friend Jason's model which finished even faster. |
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Number 31 (tie)
Peugeot 205 Rallye from Hot Wheels 1996 release 56.8 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.489 seconds, 5-star speed Very cool and unique design. Nice wide stance with the 5-spoke wheels. This is a hard to find model. |
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Number 31 (tie)
1969 Chevy Camaro from Johnny Lightning 2004, Street Freaks - Black with Flames 60.7 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.489 seconds, 5-star speed Probably the most famous racer among the Johnny Lightning catalog. I have four of these cars and two are really fast, one is strong and one just decent. So buyer beware, you may need some patience before you land a burner. I love the design, one of my favorite JL castings. Notes: there are several other fast versions of this casting, but the Black with Flames (BWF) model was easily the best |
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Number 31 (tie)
Mercedes AMG-GT from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious (1/55th scale) 60.3 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.489 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track My latest Fast & Furious (1/55th scale) 5-star entry. Thanks to site friend Jason for encouraging me to buy this hard-to-find model. Really pleased with the speed. The wide stance creates stability, plus the good weight and the F&F wheels which react well to graphite, all lead to elite speed. |
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Number 36 (tie)
Boulder Basher from Hot Wheels 1999, Crashers 64.0 grams, Heavyweight 2.490 seconds, 5-star speed "Crash 'Em, Smash 'Em! Fix 'Em and Crash 'Em Again! As part of the Crashers series, the rear-end of this rally truck can be pivoted to the left, popping out the right door somewhat. I have the silver version of this casting called Baja Bruiser and few of the other Crashers, but this one is the fastest by far. |
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Number 36 (tie)
Predator (aka P-928) from Hot Wheels 1984, Ultra Hots series 57.3 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.490 seconds, 5-star speed Predator (later called Nightstreaker) is part of the mid-80's Ultra Hots series. This casting is a renamed Porsche 928. Another elite speed car from this very fast series. |
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Number 36 (tie)
'97 Corvette from Matchbox 2002, Across America 57.8 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.490 seconds, 5-star speed A fast casting from Matchbox. This is the final release of the '97 Corvette. The Across America series had a representative car from each State, with the corvette being from Indiana. |
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Number 36 (tie)
Diesel Demon from Kenner 1982, Fast 111's 57.1 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.490 seconds, 5-star speed A fantasy diesel truck from the Fast 111's series. Weight plus Fast 111's wheels = speed. |
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Number 36 (tie)
Jaguar XJ6 from Siku 1980's release 66.6 grams, Heavyweight 2.490 seconds, 5-star speed Note: does not fit on standard orange track My most recent 5-star entry from the German brand Siku. This is another 1980's release featuring the whitewall/deep dish wheels. |
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Number 41 (tie)
Datsun 280Z from Matchbox 1986, Superfast 51.6 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed In 1986/87 Matchbox released their revamped Superfast line and introduced the Laser Wheels series. Most of the castings are the same and in many cases both are fast. In the Matchbox pages, I share rankings and an inventory of these models. The Datsun 280Z on the left is the Superfast version (with the Starburst wheels), followed by the Laser Wheels version. Both are highly regarded racers. Notes: the Laser Wheel version was also elite at 2.494. |
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Number 41 (tie)
Han Solo in Carbonite from Hot Wheels 2018, Star Wars Character Cars 64.4 grams, Heavyweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed This unique casting has become a well known racer in the hobby. It's sold in a 2-pack along with Jabba the Hut. The 10-spoke wheels really come alive with graphite. |
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Number 41 (tie)
2009 Ford F-150 from Hot Wheels 2013, HW City Graffiti Rides 43.0 grams, Middleweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed This casting is consistently fast and this version from 2013 is my fastest. Notes: the 2018 50th Anniversary version is near elite at 2.503 |
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Number 41 (tie)
Ford Crown Victoria Police from Matchbox 2002, Heroes Series 61.0 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed Many of the metal-based Matchbox cars are really fast and this is no exception. Notes: the black Across America version was also quite fast at 2.531 |
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Number 41 (tie)
Custom Downhill Buggy from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious exclusive (1/55th scale) 60.0 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track This vehicle is found in a 3-pack along with Flip Car and Ripshaw (the Buggy is the only car you want). There is also a "Camo" version sold individually. |
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Number 41 (tie)
Master Blaster from Kenner 1982, Fast 111's 42.3 grams, Middleweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed Another strong car from the Fast 111's series. |
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Number 41 (tie)
Turbo Turret from Kenner 1983, Fast 111's 36.3 grams, Welterweight 2.491 seconds, 5-star speed The second fastest time among Welterweight cars, with Turbo Tram (also from Kenner) in the top spot. |
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Number 48 (tie)
Snoke by Hot Wheels 2018, Star Wars Character Cars 63.8 grams, Heavyweight 2.492 seconds, 5-star speed A heavy, low center of gravity car, with the Open Hole 5-Spoke wheels. Another great Star Wars Character car. |
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Number 48 (tie)
Mirada Stocker from Hot Wheels 1982, The Hot Ones 52.0 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.492 seconds, 5-star speed A famous racer from the Hot Ones series. This model started the prior year as a Blackwall, which is pretty fast and among my top Blackwall cars. There is a red, gold and yellow version of this car and my best gold version just beat my yellow version. |
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Number 48 (tie)
Ferrari F40 from Hot Wheels 1994, Gold Medal Speed 53.0 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.492 seconds, 5-star speed A fast casting from Hot Wheels. This is from the terrific Gold Medal Speed series. The GMS F40 has gold laced wheels (LW), but also has versions in the series with Ultra Hot wheels, 5-spoke and 3-spokes. I have all of these and they are all fast, but the LW version was my best. Notes: the 1998 Dash-4-Cash version was strong at 2.518. |
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Number 48 (tie)
'56 Ford Pickup from Matchbox 2002, Across America 68.9 grams, Heavyweight 2.492 seconds, 5-star speed A great casting from Matchbox. This version with the 10-Spoke Flower wheels is the heaviest and quickest. Notes: the 2001 Mr. Timmerman release was nearly elite at 2.501. |
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Number 52 (tie)
Old Number 5 from Hot Wheels 1995, Then & Now 8-Pack set 55.8 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.493 seconds, 5-star speed This specific car is only found in an 8-pack set. But it may be worth the purchase. There are many other versions of this casting and I only have a few, so there could be some other speed to be found. |
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Number 52 (tie)
'66 Ford GT-40 from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious (1/55th scale) 43.6 grams, Middleweight 2.493 seconds, 5-star speed The oversize GT-40 is one of the fastest Middleweight cars. One of the more readily available castings in the 1/55th scale series. |
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Number 52 (tie)
1970 Ford Mustang Boss from Matchbox 2001, 2-Pack Coke Collection 59.4 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.493 seconds, 5-star speed This Mustang is nearly 60 grams, despite its relatively compact frame. The 2-pack collection also features the 5-star El Camino. What a great pairing. |
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Number 55 (tie)
Flat Out 442 from Hot Wheels 1983 release (features Gold Hot Ones wheels) 48.7 grams, Middleweight 2.494 seconds, 5-star speed An original Blackwall release, the Flat Out 442 is another of the highly regarded Hot Ones racers. The gold version was my fastest after time trials, just beating out my fastest yellow version. |
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Number 55 (tie)
2014 Maserati Ghibli from Mattel 2017, Fast & Furious (1/55th scale) 49.3 grams, Middleweight 2.494 seconds, 5-star speed This has become a well-known gravity racer in the hobby as people discover the speed potential of this series. |
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Number 55 (tie)
1970 Chevy El Camino from Matchbox 2001, 2-Pack Coke Collection 60.8 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.494 seconds, 5-star speed As shared earlier with the '70 Mustang, this El Camino is packaged in a great 2-pack. The 9-Spoke Lace wheels are found on several of the fastest Matchbox cars. There are several fast versions of this casting including the Gold Streakers from 2006 |
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Number 58 (tie)
Thunderbird Stocker from Hot Wheels 1984, The Hot Ones 43.1 grams, Middleweight 2.495 seconds, 5-star speed This is the debut of this casting which was later named Thunderburner. One of the lighter elite Hot Ones cars. |
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Number 58 (tie)
Side Kick from Hot Wheels 2000 release 68.1 grams, Heavyweight 2.495 seconds, 5-star speed A super interesting car where the right door slides out. Original casting was an early Redline from 1972 (a Top 10 Redline). This 2000 release is the all-metal version. Note: the 50 gram, 2001 "Postal" version had an elite time of 2.496, just 1/1000's seconds behind the Heavyweight version. Considering the much lighter weight, the Postal version is more impressive. |
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Number 58 (tie)
BMW 328i from Matchbox 2002, I-75: Police 59.1 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.495 seconds, 5-star speed Solid, all-metal car release from Matchbox. |
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Number 58 (tie)
Nissan 300ZX Turbo from Matchbox 1986, Superfast 49.1 grams, Middleweight 2.495 seconds, 5-star speed Another elite speed racer from the 80's Superfast release. Note that the Laser Wheel version of this casting was nearly a 5-Star car as well, coming in at 2.503. |
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Number 58 (tie)
Pontiac Firebird Racer from Matchbox 1987, Laser Wheels 49.2 grams, Middleweight 2.495 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track My second fastest Laser Wheels car. This series is one of my favorites. They do rely on graphite though to bring out the speed. |
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Number 63 (tie)
Cadillac V-16 from Hot Wheels 2005, Faster Than Ever, Twenty + Series 40.1 grams, Welterweight 2.496 seconds, 5-star speed My fastest Faster Than Ever (FTE) car and the only one to rank as 5-stars (although several others were close). Most of the best FTE's were released in 2005 and 2006. These cars are typically much quicker than their non-FTE counterparts given the nickel-plated axles. The V-16 is one of the wider and heavier of these castings. I have a breakout section on the FTE cars under Hot Wheels. Notes: the 2004 First Edition version was pretty quick at 2.529 |
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Number 63 (tie)
Frontrunnin' Fairmont from Hot Wheels 1983, The Hot Ones 50.0 grams, Middleweight 2.496 seconds, 5-star speed The most known and highly regarded of the Hot Ones cars. Surprisingly finished just 5th among my Hot Ones cars, although just 4/1000's seconds behind Mirada Stocker in 2nd. I have six Fairmont's and most of them were bought unused in the blister, so have had plenty of opportunities to test its potential. |
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Number 63 (tie)
1977 Dodge Van from Johnny Lightning 2004, Marvel / Spider-Man series 75.4 grams, Heavyweight 2.496 seconds, 5-star speed One of the three awesome 5-Star Johnny Lightning vans (Chevy the overall #1, plus Dodge and Ford.) Notes: my next fastest JL Dodge van was the gold "Mopar" version at 2.520 |
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Number 63 (tie)
1976 Ford Econoline 150 Van from Johnny Lightning 2002, Boogie Vans 78.3 grams, Heavyweight 2.496 seconds, 5-star speed This car is from the cool Boogie vans series. Johnny Lightning has such cool packaging and cars. |
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Number 63 (tie)
Peugeot 505 STI from Siku 1982-1988 57.4 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.496 seconds, 5-star speed Another impressive Siku car. The metallic blue color on the 4-door car is stunning. |
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Number 63 (tie)
'83 Chevy Silverado from Hot Wheels 2019, American Pickup Series 68.4 grams, Heavyweight 2.496 seconds, 5-star speed One of the fastest recent 5-star releases. Cars/trucks with inset wheels typically lose some speed, but the wheels responded well to graphite and it carries some good weight. |
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Number 69 (tie)
Noodlehead from Hot Wheels 1971 release (original redline) 69.6 grams, Heavyweight 2.497 seconds, 5-star speed The most famous of the original redlines for diecast racing. The USA manufactured releases are nearly 70 grams. I have built a nice collection of redlines (including 6 Noodleheads). See my Fastest Redlines page. In 2011, there was a retooled version released called Noodlist from the Neo-Classics series. Pretty fast, but not as fast as the vintage version. |
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Number 69 (tie)
S'Cool Bus from Hot Wheels 2008, 40 Years of Hot Wheels 64.8 grams, Heavyweight 2.497 seconds, 5-star speed Updated version of the original redline bus. The original bus is a 4-star speed car and a Top 10 Redline. Notes: the 2006 Super Chromes version is nearly elite at 2.505 |
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Number 69 (tie)
Ferrari 288 GTO from Siku 1985-1989 56.1 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.497 seconds, 5-star speed Note: Does not fit on standard orange track Very cool Ferrari. Thanks to my site friend Jason for gifting me this car. As I discuss in the Siku section, these models can be hard to find and pricey. Note that this casting does not fit on a standard orange track. |
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Number 72 (tie)
Buick Grand National from Hot Wheels 2008, Modern Classics 50.2 grams, Middleweight 2.498 seconds, 5-star speed Another fast car from the excellent Modern Classics series. |
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Number 72 (tie)
Jackhammer from Hot Wheels 2020, Spider-Man - Maximum Venom 40.9 grams, Welterweight 2.498 seconds, 5-star speed One the fastest contemporary cars and one of the fastest Welterweight models. There have been several fast Jackhammers. Notes: the 2018 green holiday version was a 4-star performer at 2.518 |
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Number 72 (tie)
Storm from Hot Wheels 2020, Marvel Character Cars 50.2 grams, Middleweight 2.498 seconds, 5-star speed A lesser known fast character car. Good weight, 5-spoke wheels with low center of gravity. |
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Number 72 (tie)
Shadow Jet from Hot Wheels 1999, Game Over 42.6 grams, Middleweight 2.498 seconds, 5-star speed A consistently fast casting from Hot Wheels. Notes: the orange 2007 version was also elite at 2.499 and the 1997 White Ice version was nearly elite at 2.501 |
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Number 76 (tie)
Chevy Pro Stocker from Matchbox 1986, Superfast, Halley's Comet version 50.1 grams, Middleweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed Another strong car from the Superfast series. This version was much faster than my Laser Wheels version. That said, in comparing all my Laser Wheels vs Superfast timings for the same casting, I've found the Laser Wheels wins out two-thirds of the time. |
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Number 76 (tie)
Ford Sierra xR4i from Matchbox 1986, Superfast 38.2 grams, Welterweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed This lighter Superfast model still has major speed and is one of the fastest Welterweight models. |
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Number 76 (tie)
Blue Shark from Matchbox 2019, 50th Anniversary Superfast 57.8 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed A retooled version of the vintage 1970's Lesney Superfast model (the original is one my fastest Lesney Superfast cars). This 2019 release is the fastest Matchbox car over the last 10 years. |
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Number 76 (tie)
Chevrolet Corvette (1984 Corvette) from Siku 1984-1989, Super Series 52.5 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed Another great 1/55th scale car from this vintage Siku series. |
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Number 76 (tie)
Rescue Ranger from Hot Wheels 1996, Fire Squad 56.6 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed This Hot Wheels casting is always fast and was later renamed HW Rapid Responder. Notes: the red 2018 version was pretty fast at 2.537 |
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Number 76 (tie)
Sol-Aire CX4 from Hot Wheels 1989 release 57.4 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed The second Sol-Aire CX-4 among the 5-star cars (recall, I allow multiple castings if one is a Redline, Blackwall, Ultra Hots or Hot Ones). A consistently fast casting, with either a metal or plastic base. Notes: the red 1988 version was nearly elite at 2.503, the Park-N-Plates version was also strong at 2.513. |
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Number 76 (tie)
BMW M1 from Hot Wheels 2012, The Hot Ones (reproduction) 44.5 grams, Middleweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed The same casting as the Wind Splitter. This version is from the Hot Ones reboot which has a number of good models. |
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Number 76 (tie)
1968 Chevy Camaro from Johnny Lightning 2004, Spider-Man Toys 'R Us Exclusive 52.4 grams, Light Heavyweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed Another great JL Camaro, this time the 1968 version. Very cool looking Marvel car. |
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Number 76 (tie)
Shark Shifter from Kenner 1980/81, Fast 111's 33.4 grams, Welterweight 2.499 seconds, 5-star speed This is the lightest car in the 5-star rankings. The Kenner Fast 111's series is very strong in the Welterweight class. |
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Top 100 Plus Fastest Diecast List
The top cars list consists of a broad mix of vintage and contemporary cars, across different weight classes and models. Among the brands there are 54 from Hot Wheels, 14 from Matchbox, 9 from Johnny Lightning, 8 from Siku, 8 from Mattel, 8 from Kenner and 1 from Tomica. There is a section under Overall Rankings where I break down the brand counts by speed tiers.
Keep in mind that my fastest cars may not replicate exactly on your track. Factors like track setup/design, track length, use of and type of graphite, testing method and other considerations will impact results. That said, my experience is generally that the fastest cars are fast in most situations, it's a matter of degree.
Throughout the site I have more information on the fastest brands and series, so please explore. See the home page for more information on how I test and the track I use, among other information.
Keep in mind that my fastest cars may not replicate exactly on your track. Factors like track setup/design, track length, use of and type of graphite, testing method and other considerations will impact results. That said, my experience is generally that the fastest cars are fast in most situations, it's a matter of degree.
Throughout the site I have more information on the fastest brands and series, so please explore. See the home page for more information on how I test and the track I use, among other information.
Warning: there are nine cars on the list below that are too wide for the standard orange track. They are the Siku Porsche 928, the Siku Ferrari 288 GTO, the Siku Jaguar XJ6, the Hot Wheels K-2SO, the Fast 'N Furious Ice Charger, Custom Downhill Buggy and Mercedes-AMG. Lastly the Matchbox Pontiac Firebird Racer and Fiero Racer.
List updated on 4/18/24
List updated on 4/18/24
