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Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car vs Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

Both are 1:32 Scalextric analog cars, so the real choice is body style and track behavior. The Shelby Cobra 289 is a classic roadster with Magnatraction and easy-change pick-ups, and it is rated 4.1 out of 5 by a small group of owners. The McLaren 720S is a modern supercar with a high-impact body, a sidewinder motor pod and working xenon-effect headlights. Pick the Cobra for a vintage look and strong magnet grip; pick the McLaren for a tougher body and a lower, planted motor layout.

  • Choose the Shelby Cobra 289 if you want a classic open-top racer with Magnatraction and quick pick-up changes.
  • Choose the McLaren 720S if you want a modern supercar with a high-impact body, sidewinder motor pod and xenon-style lights.

Prices

  • Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car: $38.99 at LEB Hobbies (last seen Nov 9)
  • Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car: $33.99 at Carrera Slots (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car is $5.00 cheaper than the Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Scalextric
Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 1:32 Slot Car

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 1:32 Slot Car

4.1(10 ratings)
$38.99at LEB HobbiesChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit LEB Hobbies
Pros
  • Magnatraction keeps it planted in corners
  • Easy Change pick-ups simplify maintenance
  • Front and rear lights for night running
  • Works on Carrera Evolution track as well as Scalextric
  • Classic Cobra body appeals to vintage fans
Cons
  • Small rating sample of 10 owners
  • Standard body is less crash-resistant
  • No sidewinder motor pod
Scalextric
Scalextric McLaren 720S Glacier White 1/32 Slot Car

Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

Scalextric McLaren 720S Glacier White 1/32 Slot Car

4.2(6 ratings)
$33.99at Carrera SlotsChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Carrera Slots
Pros
  • High-impact body shrugs off knocks
  • Sidewinder motor pod gives a low, stable layout
  • Xenon-effect headlights and working rear lights
  • Modern supercar shape stands out on track
  • Clean glacier white finish
Cons
  • No Magnatraction magnet listed
  • No Easy Change pick-ups
  • No owner rating to judge reliability

What separates them

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot CarScalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car
Body style1960s Shelby Cobra 289 roadsterModern McLaren 720S supercar
Body materialStandard Scalextric bodyHigh-impact body
Motor layoutInline-style chassisSidewinder motor pod
Grip aidMagnatraction magnetNo Magnatraction listed
Pick-upsEasy Change pick-upsStandard pick-ups
LightingFront and rear lightsWorking rear lights and xenon-effect headlights
Track compatibilityScalextric analog and Carrera Evolution trackScalextric 1:32 analog
Owner feedback4.1 out of 5 from 10 ratingsNo rating shown

Price history

$50.99$33.99
Nov 10Nov 11
  • Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car: lowest $38.99 on Nov 10 at LEB Hobbies; $50.99 on Nov 11.
  • Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car: lowest $33.99 on Nov 10 at Carrera Slots.

Prices at every store

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car

  • LEB HobbiesNew

    In stock

    $38.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit LEB Hobbies
  • Clover Leaf RacingNew

    In stock

    $39.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Clover Leaf Racing
  • Crazy Model TrainsNew

    In stock

    $48.89Checked Nov 9
    Visit Crazy Model Trains
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $43.95Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 13 stores and price history →

Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

  • Carrera SlotsNew

    Availability unknown

    $33.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Carrera Slots
  • Great TraditionsNew

    Out of stock

    $39.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Great Traditions
  • RC SuperstoreNew

    Out of stock

    $39.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit RC Superstore
All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecScalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot CarScalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car
Scale Size1:321/32
Product TypeModel CarModel Car
Product SubtypeRace CarRace Car
Product Vehicle TypeCarCar
Theme TypeRacingRace cars
Vehicle ThemeCarsCars
Lighting FeaturesFront and rear lightsWorking Rear Lights, Xenon Effect Headlights
Animal ThemeDragon Snake—
Location ThemeGoodwood—
Time Period Theme2021—
Compatible BrandScalextric—
Compatible SystemAnalog—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecScalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot CarScalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car
Track System CompatibilityCarrera's Evolution track—
Package Count1—
Product LineScalextric—
Gauge Size—1/32
Gauge Type—Slot Car
Scale Type—Scale model
Product Category—Toy car
Construction Material—high impact body
Material Type—sidewinder motor pod, high impact body
Body Material

What reviewers say

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Slot Car

  • 4.1 / 510 ratings

Owners rate it around four out of five and mostly like its looks and steady running. Complaints center on dim lights and fragile details after crashes.

What people mention
  • LightsMixedOwners like having front and rear lights but say they are dim in a bright room.
  • HandlingPraisedMagnatraction keeps the car planted, and owners say it corners smoothly.
  • BuildCriticisedSmall details such as mirrors and the roll hoop break off in hard crashes.
  • Track fitPraisedIt runs on Scalextric track and on Carrera Evolution track with the adjustable guide.

Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

Owners of Scalextric supercar models generally praise the sturdy bodies and the lighting detail, and treat them as good club and home racers once the pod is set up. The main complaints are setup fiddliness and the extra care the lights and finish need.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners say the high-impact body holds up well to crashes and repeated racing.
  • LightingPraisedThe working rear lights and xenon-effect headlights are called out as a nice touch on the track.
  • SetupMixedRacers report the sidewinder pod runs well once tuned but needs tinkering to get there.
  • DurabilityMixedThe body is tough, but paint and decals show scuffs after hard use.

Questions and answers

Which is better for beginners?
The Cobra is the easier start. Magnatraction adds grip and Easy Change pick-ups make repairs simple. The McLaren's high-impact body survives crashes better, though.
Which one lasts longer?
The McLaren's high-impact body should take more abuse. The Cobra's Magnatraction and Easy Change pick-ups make it easier to keep running long term.
Is the McLaren worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want a tougher body, a sidewinder motor pod and brighter lights. The Cobra is the better pick if you value magnet grip and a classic shape.
Will either run on my Carrera track?
The Cobra is listed as compatible with Carrera Evolution track. The McLaren is listed for Scalextric 1:32 analog only, so check your track before buying.
Do both have working lights?
Yes. The Cobra has front and rear lights. The McLaren has working rear lights plus xenon-effect headlights.
Which handles better on a tight home layout?
The Cobra's Magnatraction gives more grip through tight corners. The McLaren's sidewinder pod sits lower, which helps on fast, flowing layouts.

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More comparisons

  • Scalextric 1963 AC Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd #47 COB289 1:32 Slot Race Car C4338 vs Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 1:32 Slot Car
  • Scalextric 1963 AC Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd #47 COB289 1:32 Slot Race Car C4338 vs Scalextric McLaren 720S Glacier White 1/32 Slot Car
—
high impact body
Color—glacier white
Style—Mclaren 720S
Length—25.4 cm
Assembled Length—25.4 cm
Assembled Height—15.2 cm
Assembled Width—10.2 cm
Height—15.2 cm
Weight—0.27 kg
Width—10.2 cm
Durability Material—high impact body