In the more than 50 years of Hot Wheel’s existence, they have produced thousands of different car models, each inspired by an actual vehicle or creatively envisioned to bring a unique design.
In more specific numbers, there have been more than 800 models of Hot Wheels cars and over 11,000 unique variations.
Perhaps the reason why Hot Wheels is such a hit is because of the variety of different types, models, makes, designs, weights, sizes, and colors.
It’s such a huge hit that 8 Hot Wheels are sold every second all around the world. Every car enthusiast or little boy has their own preferences. So they’re sure to find a Hot Wheels car that they like.
Speaking of the versatility of Hot Wheels cars, they also differ in terms of weight. There is no exact scaling for Hot Wheels cars as the weight can vary quite a bit depend on the specific model and materials that are used.
On average Hot Wheels cars weigh between 1-2 ounces (24 to 40 grams). That weight can vary based on the exact model, whether it is a smaller or larger car, as well as when the car was made (older Hot Wheels are often heavier).
The larger the Hot Wheel car is the heavier that it will be as well. For example, a fantasy Hot Wheel with a Dragon or other animal on top will weigh considerably more than a simple sports car or truck Hot Wheel will.
If you are wanting to know the exact weight of a specific Hot Wheel model then your best bet is to get out the kitchen scale and weigh the models yourself. Since the exact same car could have different weights depending on what year it was produced and since there have been thousands of models made over the years getting more specific than 1-2 ounces is difficult.
What Is The Significance Of The Weight For A Hot Wheels Car?
The weight of a Hot Wheels car may seem insignificant compared to its designs and details. Some people may not pay attention at all to weight and will only focus on the design aspects.
This is especially true for those who are only after displaying their Hot Wheels cars and adding to their collections.
However, some people, especially kids, still play with Hot Wheels cars. These toys, before they became as valuable as they are now, were raced, sped, and made to jump ramps too.
This is where the weight of a Hot Wheels car can have a pretty big effect. The heavier the toy car is, the faster it will be able to go down the track (or even down the hill). This is because it has more potential energy stored in its body.
The potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, helping the car go faster, especially downhill.
There is more weight to push them down and hasten their landing as compared to lighter Hot Wheels cars as well.
The weight also helps the car maintain its speed as it makes its way downhill.
Ideally, the weight of a Hot Wheels car, when after the fastest speed, should be situated on its back. This means that the center of gravity is at the back of the car.
This gives the car more potential energy, hence also increasing its possible speed. Not only that, but it helps the Hot Wheels car maintain a stable and straight decline downhill.
This is compared to a lighter car, which will have the tendency to bounce around and lose speed while on the track. A heavier car would have more momentum, helping it build up speed stably.
Aside from weight, there are plenty of other things that can speed up a Hot Wheels car, such as its structure, build, the size and shape of its wheels, smoothness of the track, etc.
How to Add Weight to a Hot Wheels Car
Now that you know that the weight of a Hot Wheels car actually matters when racing and playing with it, you might be wondering how you can add weight to your Hot Wheels.
Although some people opt to simply purchase heavier cars and use those for their racing games, others are a little more creative and have come up with effective ways to add weight.
Modeling Clay
A quick and easy strategy to increase the weight of your Hot Wheels is by using modeling clay. All you need to do is to stuff the empty spaces of the car with clay, such as under the base, at the top, and inside (if the doors can be opened).
But when working with clay, make sure not to get any on the wheels or its surroundings.
Otherwise, this will hinder the efficient rotation of the wheels and end up making the car actually run much slower.
Also, you will want to put more clay at the back of the car and add more weight from behind to put the center of gravity in an ideal place and increase speed and stability.
Lead Fishing Weights
While modeling clay can be a quick fix, there is also a cleaner and more effective way to add weight to a Hot Wheels car.
Many builders and Hot Wheels car enthusiasts like to use lead fishing weights. What they do is use the smallest size of fishing weights and glue them to the car.
Some, who are not concerned about the looks and appearance and are entirely focused on increasing the weight and thereby increasing the speed, will glue the fishing weights to the back seats, front seats, and other empty spaces as well.
However, if you are conscious about the looks of your Hot Wheels car and don’t want to ruin its exterior, you can opt to open up the toy and fill the inside with lead fishing weights.
You can take apart the car by using a drill bit to unfasten the rivets. When these are out, you can simply take the pieces apart.
Take your lead fishing weights and glue them on the empty spaces under the base of the car. Remember that it’s better to put more weight on the backside of the vehicle.
If you have a regular-sized Hot Wheels car, about 4 pieces of the smallest fishing weights will likely be enough.
After you’ve inserted the fishing weights, it’s helpful to top it off with a little more glue to make sure that they don’t bounce around inside.
The bouncing can ruin the car’s momentum and sabotage its speed as well.
Now let the glue dry and make sure that none of the lead fishing weights fall off. Reattach the parts of the car and affix the rivets securely.
And there you have it. Your Hot Wheels car should be a few ounces heavier than it was. Even the smallest weight additions can do a lot in regards to increasing speed, momentum, and stability also.
Conclusion
Hot Wheels does not have a standard weight for their car models as they all come in different weights, sizes, designs, and styles.
But that versatility is where the beauty of Hot Wheels cars really lies. There is a Hot Wheels for everyone, regardless of their preferences.
On average, a Hot Wheels car weighs about 24 to 40 grams (1-2 ounces), more or less. Should you want to add weight to increase your car’s speed, there are things that you can do for that purpose besides what have been mentioned in this article but the fishing weights and modeling clay are by far the most popular options.