Kyosho vs AUTOart: which manufacturer makes the best Japanese sports cars?
For collectors of Japanese sports cars in 1:18, Kyosho and AUTOart are the two names that keep coming up. Honda NSX, Nissan GT-R, Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7: both brands have released these iconic JDM cars, sometimes in the same specification. Which is better depends on the specific model and on what you weigh most heavily as a collector.
Kyosho: the Japanese specialist
Kyosho is a Japanese brand and that is reflected in its range. The model catalogue contains many cars that Western manufacturers overlook: early Honda NSX variants, the rare Toyota 2000GT, Nissan Skyline GT-R across multiple generations and Mazda RX-7 Spirit R. Kyosho works with diecast and, for certain Japanese models, achieves proportions and details closer to the original than the competition — simply because the brand knows these cars and their culture from the inside. Purchase prices range from €80 to €200.
AUTOart: broader range, higher quality ceiling
AUTOart also has an extensive Japanese catalogue: Honda NSX, Toyota LFA, Nissan GT-R R35 and various Mazda models have all been released. The major advantage of AUTOart is the Composite line, which elevates quality to a level Kyosho does not match. Working parts, detailed engine compartments and a paint finish comparable to resin models. Those willing to pay more (€200 to €350 for Composite) receive the highest diecast level available in 1:18.
The key differences
- Specialisation: Kyosho stronger in rare JDM variants, AUTOart broader with European models as well
- Quality ceiling: AUTOart Composite is higher than any Kyosho model
- Price: Kyosho €80 to €200, AUTOart standard €80 to €180, AUTOart Composite €200 to €350
- JDM authenticity: Kyosho has an accuracy advantage for specific Japanese models
- Investment value: AUTOart Composite appreciates more often, Kyosho stable but rarely spectacular
Which do you choose?
For rare JDM models that AUTOart does not release (early NSX variants, Toyota 2000GT, Skyline generations), Kyosho is sometimes the only serious choice. For the best possible 1:18 version of a Japanese car that both brands produce, AUTOart Composite almost always wins on quality. Collectors building a broad JDM collection combine both brands: Kyosho for the exclusive variants, AUTOart Composite for the models that justify the investment.