What is a scale model car? A scale model car, also known as a model car, is a proportionally reduced replica of a real car, meticulously replicating its shape, structure, color, and even interior components. Based on performance, they are classified as static or dynamic models. Model cars are highly collectible due to their accurate representation of the original car's main features, fine craftsmanship, and inherent automotive cultural significance. A carefully curated collection of model cars can authentically represent an entire car company or a car brand's history.

What is a toy car? A toy car is a proportionally reduced replica of a car's basic structure and appearance, designed for children's play. They come in various mechanisms: inertia, mechanical, electric, and electric remote control. Their size is flexible, craftsmanship is relatively rough, materials are simple, and toy car designers do not require authorization or technical support from the original car manufacturer.

From a certain perspective, scale model cars are considered adult toys. Compared to toy cars, the difference is not just in price; only models with the following characteristics can be called "model cars," otherwise they are just "toy cars."

Below are the distinguishing features between the two:
1) Scale model cars must have a real-world counterpart, scaled down according to a specific standard ratio. The accuracy of this ratio is a key indicator of a model car's manufacturing quality. Toy cars, however, can have varying sizes, with no strict rules.
2) For the sake of accurately replicating the original car, model car manufacturers do not modify or exaggerate the original car's appearance, nor do they create a car from imagination. While many toy cars may imitate a real car, manufacturers often make arbitrary modifications based on customer preferences and production limitations.
3) Model cars should be highly realistic in detail. A model car is often composed of hundreds or even more parts, each a scaled-down version of the corresponding part on the original car. The more parts and the finer the detail, the higher the manufacturing quality. Dynamic model cars, in particular, can have parts comparable to real cars and allow for modifications, making off-road climbing, water driving, etc., possible. Toy cars, however, fall far short of model cars in terms of detail, with many details omitted or combined using the same material.
4) In terms of materials, model cars use high-grade metals and plastics, requiring advanced processing techniques and painting that almost matches the standards of real cars. Toy cars are more casual, generally using plastic parts.
5) Model car manufacturers must obtain authorization from the original manufacturer to produce a model of a specific car; otherwise, it would be an infringement of intellectual property rights. To create high-precision models, manufacturers also need technical support and accurate data from the original manufacturer. These are not required for toy car designers.