Commodore Wars – Trax V Biante

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The iconic VB Commodore has been shouting out to be modeled for many years. Well, now we have the VB and the VC modeled by both Biante and Trax. As both manufacturers have released an SL/E version, time is ripe to put them head-to-head!

The Models

1978 VB Commodore SL/E (Aztec Silver) - Biante B432701A (2008 release) $59
1978 VB Commodore SL/E (Aztec Silver) – Biante B432701A (2008 release) $59
1978 VB Commodore SL/E (Palais White) - Trax TR60C (2006 release) $38.95
1978 VB Commodore SL/E (Palais White) – Trax TR60C (2006 release) $38.95
1980 VC Commodore SL/E (Nocturn Blue over Atlantis Blue) - Biante B432702A (2008 release) $59
1980 VC Commodore SL/E (Nocturn Blue over Atlantis Blue) – Biante B432702A (2008 release) $59
1980 VC Commodore SL/E (Black/Sliver shadowtone) - Trax TR61B (2006 release) $37.95
1980 VC Commodore SL/E (Black/Sliver shadowtone) – Trax TR61B (2006 release) $37.95

The Numbers – Both Biantes are Limited Editions of 1824pcs. Trax has yet to publish production numbers, but based on their earlier VB (4000pcs), I’m guessing around 2500. At the time of writing, all 4 are still readily available.

The Finish – There was some glue residue on the Biante VB and some black-out missing on part of the wheel on the Trax VB. Apart from that, the finish is good and the paint is excellent on both. (pics below – Biante on the left, Trax on the right)

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Trax continue to lift their game and this model is on par with their other new releases. However, the Biante version is better, thanks largely to the finer detail (which I guess is what you get when the cost is over 50% more). The door and window trimmings are finer, the mirrors reflect (not silver paint), the wheels are better cast (not black paintouts), there is more underbody detail (personally, I dont care about that too much), the exhasut outlet has a hole not a blank stub, the interior carries far more detail etc.

Nose detail of the VCs. Biante (left) has headlight wipers. Trax still have that annoying injection-mould stem dot in the middle of their clear parts - shame!
Nose detail of the VCs. Biante (left) has headlight wipers. Trax still have that annoying injection-mould stem dot in the middle of their clear parts – shame!
Biante has heaps of interior detail, such as the belt buckles and even the roof liner!
Biante has heaps of interior detail, such as the belt buckles and even the roof liner!
VBs, Biante appears to be a V8 with auto, the Trax a 6-cyl manual.
VBs, Biante appears to be a V8 with auto, the Trax a 6-cyl manual.
VCs, the Biante (right in this pic) is identical to the VB, wheras the Trax appears to be a V8 this time.
VCs, the Biante (right in this pic) is identical to the VB, wheras the Trax appears to be a V8 this time.

The Measure-Up – With the dimensions of the real car available, it’s time to whip out the verniers and calculator for a 1:43 scale measure-up. Exterior Dimensions of a real VB:

  • Total Length: 4705mm (SL/E: 4729mm)
  • Total Width: 1722mm
  • Total Height at kerb weight: 1371mm
  • Wheelbase: 2668mm
  • Front Track: 1451mm (SL/E: 1449mm)
  • Rear Track: 1417mm (SL/E: 1422mm)

When measured, both brands fall under dimension with regard to total length, particularly the Biante (by around 9cm when calculated back to 1:1 scale). The Biante version is almost spot on for width, but the Trax is too wide (by around 9cm) and both are too high (i’m guessing this is more a ride-height issue rather than the body itself being too tall). The Trax wheelbase is a fraction long, and both front & rear track are waay too wide. The Biante is very close to perfect on these measurements.

wixy500 rating

  • Collectability – Biante 3.9; Trax 3.5
  • Finish – Biante 4.7; Trax 4.6
  • Accuracy – Biante 4.4; Trax 3.6
  • Value – Biante 3.9; Trax 4
  • Overall – Biante 4.2; Trax 3.9

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Above: VBs Below: VCs
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