03/20/2011

Carrera Analog 1/32nd Scale McLaren M20 & Porsche 917/30

Finally the new Carrera CAN-AM models have arrived. The first releases really made an impact for many of us and now comes two more to choose from. I looked forward to getting both on the track for some classic action and see which one might reign supreme!

Fans of CAN-AM know very well how heated this rivalry was. McLaren vs. Porsche. If you are not, use that computer of yours and look it up. You can spend hours learning about what some feel was the absolute best auto racing ever. Virtually no restrictions in power or aerodynamics resulted in some of the wildest looking, hottest sounding, road ripping race machines ever built. Team McLaren was a Champion in this series until Porsche polished up their act and stole the show.

Today we can re-create some of this great action right in our home. We have already looked at the McLaren offering but this time we have a competitor. Both of these models represent entries in the CAN-AM series although the Porsche appears to be modeled after a restored historic version.

In any event they both look great to my eyes. I have to add that it is not easy for yellow models to catch my eye but this one does. The red BOSCH lettering just pops on the yellow and the silver on the sides just finish it off.

The blue on the McLaren is also very nice. The light silver markings are sort of hard to see but up close they look great. Each model has almost flawless Tampo stamped markings along with a very clean clear coat sealing it all in place.

Detail level on each is more than fair although some enthusiasts have issues with the drivers. The helmet shields are very narrow and the "flat legs" do look a little odd. There are a few scale issues according to some, but I think Carrera nailed it pretty close. As always this is up to you. Either they did a good enough job, or they didn't. For me they are just fine and after racing my first McLaren there was NO WAY I was passing on these. These slot cars are too much fun to thumb my nose at.

BONUS NOTE: Located in the back of each case is an extra set of side mirrors. This is a nice added touch by Carrera. There are models out there costing near twice as much and you get nothing. I commend Carrera for including them.

Looking underneath we can see each model has some similarities. Each has 2 sets of bar magnets placed in the middle and the rear of the car. Of course this means nothing to the non-magnet racer but there are plenty of enthusiasts who like to keep them in place. There is also the polarity switch for you change the direction of the model if you want to.

And check out these rear tires. Plenty of meat on these cars isn't there? The Porsche has some of the largest rear tires I have seen in our hobby. This might make this car the one to beat.

For our Challenge the models will be raced non-magnet on our routed track surface.

Challenge Tracks
MidMo International Speedway
4 x 16 - 3 Lane MDF Routed Wood Road Course - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

Show-Me Speedway Oval
5 x 16 - 4 Lane MDF Routed Wood - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

Quick Specifications:

Time for our first road test to find out what we have. Both models are box stock with no modifications other than a braid adjustment.

We started with the McLaren. The car had some wheel hop in it and clearly needed tire sanding. The best time I could manage was a 5.2 second average but I knew we could improve this a great amount.

The Porsche seemed to have the same issues but I managed a 5.0 second lap time average. It had more wheel hop than the McLaren but would smooth out faster.

Under The Hood

First we remove the body on each model. It is here where we see the big difference: The motor.

I understand (I think) the reasoning why the slimcan motor was used in the McLaren. It is lower profile and it was needed so that the body would fit properly.

The issue is that Carrera should have then used that same motor in the Porsche to keep them as even as possible. But they chose instead to install the standard Carrera E200 Mabuchi motor.

Not only that, but the gearing is slightly different. The McLaren has a 8 tooth pinion turning the 27 tooth crown while the Porsche has the traditional 9 to 27 gearing. Then there is the rear wheel differences. The Porsche has a large diameter than the McLaren. What does all this relate to?

On both our tracks the difference is not much, but the Porsche is the quicker of the two.

Fastest lap on The Show-Me Speedway Oval
Porsche - 3.014
McLaren - 3.195

Fastest lap on The MidMo Speedway
Porsche - 4.127
McLaren - 4.212

Now remember that this comparison is on our tracks with me as the driver. For starters I am not that great of a driver. Secondly our track surfaces will differ from yours and this means a lot when it comes to performance. Lastly, your track design will be different. On your course the McLaren just might be the boss.

Just as important is that these have been kept in stock form. A pinion change on the McLaren might be all that is needed. Maybe some lead here and there. This test is just a baseline to give you a reasonable idea on how competitive each model is out of the box.

Each car had the rear wheels and tires sanded thoroughly until they were as round as true as possible. We performed this task using our Area3 Tire Machine. I realize not everyone has such a machine but this tells you that each model had fair treatment. You can get very similar results with techniques like this and this shown in our PIT ROW section.

The McLaren needed a bit more work than the Porsche. My first McLaren was very smooth but once in awhile you get a model that needs more attention. No issue really, this is part of the hobby at times. Nothing is ever perfect. The real challenge is taking what you have and making it better.

Final Thoughts

I am very pleased with both models. Just having fresh entries in our CAN-AM selections make them great. They are close enough in performance that tuning them to be closer will be a snap. And even if I never bother, that is ok too. I can just race them the way they are and have fun.

Another huge plus for me is the price. I have seen both of these models range in price from $34.99 to $39.99 This just makes Carrera the value leader in my opinion. I have spent almost twice this amount on models that needed the same work, sometimes more.

Do I suggest grabbing one? Absolutely. At these prices you might as well grab both!

- Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks Go To Carrera of America For Sponsoring This Review!

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