Who Did It Better? Two NISMO GT-R's Fighting For The Top Spot

Black: TLV.

White: Kyosho.

Ready.
Set.
Fight.

It's almost not a fair comparison to begin with. The TLV costs about double what the Kyosho does. Both are such fantastic models that it's a heresy to pick a winner and a loser in this battle. And truth be told, there should be a third contestant, Oversteer. In any case, there's one that's clearly superior, and you might already be able to guess which one.

Let's start on a macro level and then examine them in closer detail. First, the proportions and the bodywork. Both are exactly the same. If you pulled the wheels off, stripped the paint, and compared them, you would not be able to discern one from the other. From the moment I saw the Kyosho through its clear window packaging, I knew I had made a good choice buying the set. The model just looks right. Can't say the same about the Oversteer model, which is wrong on so many levels, and which is why I didn't bother getting one of those.

While they look similar from afar, these two brands took different approaches to replicating the NISMO GT-R. TLV opts for a gunmetal finish to mimic the carbon-fiber trim on the real car; Kyosho goes with flat black instead. This is reflected on the front grille, bumper skirts, and rear wing. I prefer the gunmetal look. As production processes become more advanced, we might one day see carbon-fiber print at this scale.

In fact, there is a Tomica in my collection that has just that. Hint: it's also a R35 GT-R.

Throughout the car, the TLV simply has more depth on virtually every concave surface. It's most evident in the front grille section. This gives it that realistic, larger-than-scale, look that is unmatched in the diecast industry. I couldn't get it photographed properly, but the TLV's detailing carries into the interior with its red racing seats.

The TLV also rides slightly higher than the Kyosho, most of which is due to its larger wheels. And that's how it's supposed to be. The wheels on the Kyosho aren't large enough in diameter or width. TLV nails it. Bonus points for the brake details and (here comes the knockout punch) the NISMO badge on the rim, neither of which the Kyosho has.

I think it's pretty much game over at this point.

At the rear, both models are very similar. Again, more depth from the TLV, particularly with the exhaust. Should I mention that I had to push in one of the Kyosho's taillights because it was about to pop out?

Also worth nothing: the TLV has a weightier and higher-quality feel, if you're into that kind of thing.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either. Kyosho puts up a heck of a fight but has a few compromises due to its lower price. The TLV is superior in virtually every facet. Tomytec once again defends its title as King of the R35.

This is one of those situations that calls for "why not both?"

Is the Kyosho worth it? Totally.

Is the TLV worth twice the price of the Kyosho? Hell yes.