Diecast or resin: what is the difference and which is worth more?
When buying or selling scale models, you regularly encounter the terms "diecast" and "resin". Both materials have different properties, a different production process and a different market position. In this article we explain the difference and discuss which material is generally worth more.
What is diecast?
Diecast models are made by injecting liquid metal (usually a zinc alloy, also known as zamak) under high pressure into metal moulds. This process enables mass production. The models are heavy, robust and often have working moving parts such as doors, bonnet and boot. Well-known diecast brands are AUTOart, Minichamps and Kyosho.
What is resin?
Resin (polyurethane resin) models are hand-cast in silicone moulds. This allows smaller production runs and produces sharper details that are harder to achieve with diecast. Resin is lighter than metal and fragile: doors and boot generally do not open. Well-known resin brands are BBR, MR Models, GT Spirit and Ottomobile.
Comparison at a glance
- Weight: diecast is heavier, resin is lighter
- Moving parts: diecast has them, resin generally does not
- Detail: resin can be finer, especially in hand-painted models
- Edition size: resin often comes in smaller runs, which can increase collector value
- New price: comparable at the high end, resin sometimes cheaper (GT Spirit vs. AUTOart)
Which is worth more when selling?
The material itself does not determine value. What matters is the brand, the edition size, the condition and market demand. A sold-out AUTOart (diecast) can be worth more than a common GT Spirit (resin) of the same model. Conversely, a limited BBR (resin) is generally worth more than a standard Norev (diecast). Do not be misled by the material: always look at the full picture.