Ultimate Minichamps v Spark review of the 2022 Mercedes W13 of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton

This is a (long) informal yet detailed review of both the 2022 Minichamps Mercedes W13 drive to a win at the Brazilian GP and the 2022 Sparks Mercedes W13 driven at the Bahrain GP by Lewis Hamilton in 1/18th scale. Video highlights detailed differences in the cars designs and highlights the different quality aspects from each manufacturer.
Car purchased from:
www.littlebolide.com/en/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro Mix
0:14 Intro to Model
0:52 Out of the Box and Underside
2:05 Front Wing Minichamps
3:22 Front Wing Sparks
4:23 Nose Wheels Minichamps
5:16 Nose Wheels Sparks
6:41 Cockpit Russell Minichamps
7:37 Cockpit Hamilton Sparks
9:02 Mid Section Minichamps
11:30 Mid Section Sparks
13:55 Rear Wing Minichamps
15:32 Rear Wing Sparks
16:48 Conclusion
18:25 End
Also if you like what I am collecting feel free to look me up on Instagram @ 1_18_scale_f1_eduro_collection for additional pictures and videos from my collection.

[@paulo9504]

If you take the best features of the Sparks and combine it with the best features of Minichamps, you wind up with damn fine model.😂

[@mycarcave6214]

Exactly!,,,👍🏻😆

[@Skye886]

You end up with the Amalgam 😂

[@흰수염백곰]

Thank you for the good comparison video. I considered two companies to buy the winning version of W13 in Brazil. And finally, I chose Spark because of the details of Aero Parts next to the side mirror.
I display the die cast so that it can be seen from the side.
That part of the minichamps looks too small and crumpled from the side. And it's so weird that there's a bit of silver in that black aeropart.
Of course, there are still advantages of MiniChamps. However, these notable disadvantages need to be improved.

[@mycarcave6214]

Yes each company does some parts well and other parts not so well. I do not understand why Minichamps cant do the front wings like Spark, and I wish Spark did their wheels and carbon fiber like Minichamps. For me they are the closest they have been so either one will be good for a prospective buyer. Congrats on your purchase.

[@gregmayled]

I’ve got the George Russell Brazil Spark model and it’s fantastic, the Mercedes stars still overlap the vents but pretty much everything else has been amended and looks great. Tyre decals still a bit murky and not much clarity though.

[@mycarcave6214]

Congrats. Both are great. I am bias on Minichamps but feel on the 2022 to current there is little to separate Sparks and Minichamps. Even if not correct I really like the Mercedes decals on the Sparks. When the only option was Mattel for say Ferrari I really missed that Minichamps did not make one. But with Spark I do not think about wanting Minichamps...plus you get an acrylic cover.

[@gregmayled]

@@mycarcave6214 exactly. The “experience” is on another level really. This is my first 1:18 Spark model and you feel like you’re getting your monies worth when you unbox the thing

[@whereveriroam]

Great comparison. I'm looking at getting George's Brazil 1/18 but can't decide on Minichamps or Spark. I think that particular Spark one has some different bits from Lewis' Bahrain one like an almost green looking carbon to replicate the carbon/kevlar.

[@mycarcave6214]

Yes it is a tough call. I am biased towards Minichamps historically. I like the carbon treatment by Minichamps and where they make the transition cut from the resin to the base of the car on the Minichamps. That said the Sparks looks good and if you want a cover that is the one to get. For me the 2022 Sparks are the best they have done IMHO. I think you will be happy either way. Cheers

[@aaronchin5095]

Very nice comparison! The spark models definitely have better refined details. But I find that minichamps tend to have the better overall look, particularly with the paint and decals. In this specific instance, I believe the chrome stars on the spark are plain wrong, so I’ll be picking up the minichamps version of the w13

[@mycarcave6214]

Thank you, i know it was long but finally figured out chapters so I hope that helps. Yes it is an odd move by Spark to put the chrome stars on when it does not seem to be correct. It looks good at a distance but in the photos you can see the application is off. For me Minichamps has always had better wheels/tires especially pre-2022. Historically I lean Minichamps but it can be case to case. I bought mostly Spark in 2022 because they came out so early but this year I will likely wait for Minichamps. Thankfully Minichamps is already putting out a few cars so as not to have Spark jump them again.

[@aaronchin5095]

Will you be picking up a bbr f1-75?

[@mycarcave6214]

Yes, I have both a regular release and the Italian GP version in the mail. So as soon as they arrive I will make a video.