LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Overview
This is the second part of my review of the 2024 LEGO Technic Mercedes AMG, F1 W14 E Performance Sets 42171 and 42165. In the first video you could see the detailed building process with all the highlights and features of the sets. If you missed it, you can watch it by clicking on the link in the description. Today, I’m going to focus more on the big one as the pullback car doesn’t have as many features to compare. But we’ll come back to that.
Pricing and Comparisons
When we talk about the prices, here’s our 1:8 scale Formula 1 Technic car that’s coming out in March 2024. I have two other sets here for comparison. One is the 42141 McLaren Formula 1 set released in 2022, and the other is not from LEGO – the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 that came out last year.
LEGO Sets Changes Over the Years
Let’s take a look at the two LEGO sets first, what has changed in the last 2 years? First of all, the concept. This set was released in March 2022. It said 2022 on the box, but in reality, it is not the 2022 McLaren car. The reason for this is obvious. The design of the set should have been ready by the end of 2021 to hit the shelves the following March, so the designers had no idea how the car will really look like. They used the main features of the prototype provided to the teams and added the livery from the previous year.
Mercedes-AMG F1 W14: A Look at the Design
Im very happy that the approach has changed with this one, because this is the Mercedes AMG car of 2023. In this case, the designer had enough reference material about the actual car, which is much better. But this is Formula 1 and, as it turned out, this wasn’t the best model choice for multiple reasons. Firstly, the car wasn’t that successful in 2023, but it’s hard to prepare for that.
But the way I see it, the set is based on the original zeropod design, according to the shape and placement of the Petronas logo, which was already changed back in May. If I remember correctly. That could have been taken into account, but a Formula 1 car is upgraded several times over the course of a season so it’s difficult to have a fixed design.
Features of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Set
This car had steering but no Hand of God control option so that’s an upgrade for the new one. You can’t align the steering wheel properly on either set due to the amount of gears used. Before you try to prove me wrong, yes, there’s enough slack in the LEGO system to do this carefully on both cars, but it’s LEGO Technic – it’s supposed to show you how the mechanics work and, if you use two similar gears, one of them will definitely not be centered.
This car also has that axle sticking out in the middle of the steering wheel, which is a strange design decision. That’s not a building mistake.
McLaren F1: A Different Perspective
When comparing the LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 to the McLaren F1 set, there are noticeable differences in design and features. The McLaren F1 set brings its own unique approach to capturing the essence of a Formula 1 car.
CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42: Breaking the Mold
The CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 set offers another take on the Formula 1 theme, providing a fresh perspective on the world of racing cars. With its unique design elements and features, this set stands out among its LEGO Technic counterparts.
LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14
The official photos have the same thing. The suspension is also more realistic on the new car. This one has push rods on both axles. The new one has push rod at the front and pull rod at the rear. But, as you can see, the suspension on this car has given up the ghost after 2 years, it’s practically on the ground. That’s a shame because these are hard shock absorbers in the set. The new one uses a slightly different design, which is still classed as hard but I’m afraid after a year or two, there won’t be much difference.
42141 McLaren F1
If you want to avoid that, put something under your car. This one had a weird cutout above the engine to make the pistons visible. I understand the intent, but it just looks funny. The new set has a removable engine cover. It’s not the sturdiest thing in the world, but at least it’s there, and you can check the engine and differential if you want. And the most striking update is the tires. The McLaren had the so-called tumbler tires, which appeared on this set for the first time. The new car finally has slick tires. A bigger rim and nice covers so that’s certainly a plus. The downside is that we still have 4 identical tires. The difference is not as big as in 1988, that was 50 between front and rear width. Now it’s about 30, but in this scale it would certainly be visible. I have the same problem here as in the case of the McLaren.
CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42
The suspension is more realistic on the new car. This one has push rods on both axles. The new one has push rod at the front and pull rod at the rear. But, as you can see, the suspension on this car has given up the ghost after 2 years, it’s practically on the ground. That’s a shame because these are hard shock absorbers in the set. The new one uses a slightly different design, which is still classed as hard but I’m afraid after a year or two, there won’t be much difference. If you want to avoid that, put something under your car. This one had a weird cutout above the engine to make the pistons visible. I understand the intent, but it just looks funny. The new set has a removable engine cover. It’s not the sturdiest thing in the world, but at least it’s there, and you can check the engine and differential if you want. And the most striking update is the tires. The new car finally has slick tires. A bigger rim and nice covers so that’s certainly a plus. The downside is that we still have 4 identical tires. The difference is not as big as in 1988, that was 50 between front and rear width. Now it’s about 30, but in this scale it would certainly be visible. I have the same problem here as in the case of the McLaren.
The Authenticity Dilemma
If there is a decision to develop new tires to improve authenticity, then why stop without finishing the job properly. You wanted to know what the sets look like. If I change the tires well here it is. All these 3 new Formula 1 sets have slick tires and LEGO only decided to print the smallest one. The material of these two is pretty similar, very hard rubber, so I’d say this one could have been printed, but probably not this one. Otherwise, this car just has more small details, but the Formula 1 car design has changed a lot in 2 years. So it’s hard to compare and LEGO keeps releasing new Technic panel fairings like crazy, which is clearly visible with this set. So I think the Mercedes AMG F1 set is a step up from the old one, but there are still things to improve.
CaDA Enters the Fray
Let this CaDA set join the party. In case you don’t know, the brand CaDA is a Chinese manufacturer of building blocks that creates its own designs or releases authorized sets from MOC designers and has recently greatly improved the quality of parts and released officially licensed sets featuring Mercedes, AMG, or Alfa Romeo.
A Note of Caution
Before I start, a little disclaimer. I really ask everyone to stay respectful in the comments section. I know every brand has fans and critics, so a comparison like this is sure to spark debate. I’m doing my best to show you the pros and cons based on my experience, which may differ from yours.
LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 vs 42141 McLaren F1 vs CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42
Alfa Romeo C42 from 2022
This car is based on the Alfa Romeo C42 from 2022, featuring a blend of both Technic and System style bricks in its build. A standout feature of this set is the slicks in two sizes, which are intricately printed and serve as the highlight of the design.
Material Comparison
When comparing the materials used in the sets, the CaDA version appears to be harder, shinier, and less rubbery in appearance. The wheels on the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 are impressive, however, it’s disappointing that they are not available for individual purchase.
Functionality and Suspension
The CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 boasts functional steering with no hand of God option, and the steering wheel is accurately positioned. The pushrod suspension on both axles adds a touch of realism to the C42 model, with the front suspension functioning effectively. However, there are issues with the rear suspension, as it sits too low to the ground and feels cramped during construction, leading to a lack of stability in the overall design.
Undercarriage Comparison
Despite the challenges with the rear suspension, the underside of the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 outshines LEGO’s solution, showcasing a more refined and polished appearance that adds to the overall quality of the set.
Design Features
The designer has clearly tried to replicate the Venturi tunnels of the current F1 cars. The set has many stickers with transparent backgrounds. This might be an attempt to eliminate the color differences for the background, but I think it also detracts from the look. There are a lot of system elements used for the details, which makes the shaping more accurate, but on the other hand, they aren’t very stable and can be easily dislodged.
Interior and Color Scheme
The set has an almost fully black interior during building with very few colorful pieces. This can either be a pro or a con, depending on what you prefer. Some may find it frustrating as it makes it difficult to distinguish between different types of pins that are all black. Casual LEGO builders also shared the same opinion. It seems that CaDA may cater to a specific group of builders who prefer this approach.
Building Experience
The overall building experience is less polished and more challenging than a LEGO set. The instructions are hard to understand in places, less logical, and there are sections that feel forced. The set definitely looks nice from a certain distance, but it has its own technical challenges. Additionally, there is a small fake engine that is not visible after building, and an optional motorization feature that may not be necessary for a set of this size.
Pricing
Lastly, let’s talk about the price. The CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 set is priced at $150 in the official CaDA store. While the set has its unique design features and challenges, the price point may be a deciding factor for many potential buyers.
Target Audience Differentiation
I know you can buy it cheaper elsewhere, but so can the LEGO set. So I think its a reasonable approach to compare the RRPs. So I think you can differentiate these two sets depending on their target audience. The LEGO, Mercedes AMG W14 has technical and visual improvements over the McLaren, but they missed out on producing proper tires for the rear and its still a pretty basic build, aimed primarily at casual LEGO builders and Formula 1 fans. The looks are fine for the most part. That’s very subjective, but what’s more important to me, is that it doesn’t offer any special tricks from a Technic point of view, it’s a big build with basic car functions. If I had to compare to another set I’d say that the Peugeot 9×8 offers a much more interesting, Technic building, experience. I’m sure a lot of people will buy it and like it, which is perfectly fine. For me personally, the build just isn’t interesting enough to compensate for the amount of stickers I had to put on it.
Build Quality and Features
The CaDA Alfa Romeo C42, on the other hand, is aimed at experienced builders who prefer an all black interior, also with a motorization option. It doesn’t have particularly sophisticated technical solutions either, and the build process certainly has more frustrating traps than the LEGO. CaDA has greatly improved the quality of the parts. I haven’t found any particular issues in this regard, but they still need to improve the build experience.
LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14
The LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 set offers a detailed representation of the iconic Formula 1 car. Priced at 220 USD, this set provides a high-quality building experience for fans of both LEGO and Formula 1.
The set includes intricate details and functions, capturing the essence of the Mercedes-AMG F1 car. However, some flaws in the design may be noticeable, but these can be overlooked considering the premium price tag.
LEGO Technic 42141 McLaren F1
Compared to the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 set, the LEGO Technic 42141 McLaren F1 set comes at a lower price point of 150 USD. This makes it a more affordable option for those looking to build a Formula 1 car with LEGO Technic.
While the McLaren F1 set may lack some of the intricate details found in the Mercedes-AMG set, it still offers a satisfying building experience for fans of McLaren and Formula 1.
CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42
For buyers who prioritize price when choosing a LEGO-compatible set, the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 is a strong contender. Priced competitively, this set offers a budget-friendly option for building a Formula 1 car.
In addition to the affordable price, CaDA has taken steps to ensure their parts do not infringe on LEGO’s designs, a move that reflects their commitment to legal compliance and innovation in the construction toy industry.
The Alfa Romeo F1 set may not match the level of detail found in official LEGO sets, but it provides a solid building experience at a fraction of the cost.
Summary
When comparing the LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14, the LEGO Technic 42141 McLaren F1, and the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 sets, it’s clear that each design has its strengths and weaknesses. While the Mercedes-AMG set offers intricate details at a higher price point, the McLaren set provides a more affordable alternative without compromising on the building experience.
On the other hand, the CaDA Alfa Romeo set stands out for its competitive pricing and commitment to legal compliance in the construction toy market. Ultimately, the choice between these sets comes down to personal preferences and priorities when it comes to building and collecting LEGO Formula 1 cars.
LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14
The LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 is a meticulously designed set that captures the essence of the iconic Formula 1 racing car. With its detailed features and authentic colors, this set is a must-have for any F1 enthusiast. The intricate Technic pieces make for a challenging yet rewarding building experience, and the end result is truly impressive.
LEGO Technic 42141 McLaren F1
In contrast to the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14, the LEGO Technic 42141 McLaren F1 set offers a different but equally thrilling building experience. The sleek design and aerodynamic details of the McLaren F1 are faithfully replicated in this set, showcasing the beauty of one of the most legendary racing cars in history. Building this set is a joy for any car enthusiast, with its intricate pieces and realistic features.
CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42
The CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 brings a unique twist to the world of brick-built racing cars. This set offers a different take on the F1 racing car, with its distinctive design and creative building techniques. The attention to detail in this set is commendable, and the result is a visually stunning model that stands out from the rest. Building the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42 is a refreshing and enjoyable experience for LEGO fans looking for something new and exciting.
Conclusion
Each of these LEGO sets offers a unique and rewarding building experience for fans of Formula 1 racing cars. Whether you prefer the realistic details of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14, the iconic design of the McLaren F1, or the creative twist of the CaDA Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whichever set you choose, you’re sure to have a great time building and displaying these impressive models. Let me know in the comments which set is your favorite!