The world of building blocks has expanded far beyond the aisles of your local toy store. With the rise of global marketplaces like AliExpress and Temu, many hobbyists are finding themselves at a crossroads: do you stick with the premium, official LEGO brand, or do you take a gamble on the “knock-off” alternatives that promise a similar experience for a fraction of the cost?
In my latest project, I decided to dive headfirst into this debate by purchasing and building a 1:10 scale version of the Porsche 911 RSR. This set is an exact replica of the now-discontinued Lego Technic 42096, boasting 1,580 pieces. After spending roughly 10 hours on the build, here is my detailed breakdown of the experience, the quality, and whether it’s truly worth your hard-earned money.
The Price Gap: Reality vs. Retail
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, we have to talk about the elephant in the room: the price.
Official Lego sets, especially those in the Technic line, are premium products with premium price tags. The original Porsche 911 RSR model no. 42096 retailed for around £170, though it could sometimes be found on sale for £120–£130. Now that it’s discontinued, prices on secondary markets like Amazon or eBay often soar above £200.
In contrast, I picked up this version from AliExpress for roughly £15 to £16. That is less than 10% of the original retail price. While there are certainly ethical and copyright considerations regarding “exact ripoffs,” from a pure value-for-money perspective, the gap is staggering.
Preparing for the Build: Tips for Success
When you buy these budget sets, they often arrive in a plain box or just plastic bags to save on shipping costs. Organization is key. I personally use an extendable plastic tray and even recycled cake trays to sort pieces by color and type.
One unique tip for those who struggle with small print: these sets come with a paper manual that can be quite small. I scanned the pages using a phone app to create a PDF, allowing me to zoom in on my tablet. This was a lifesaver for identifying tricky pins and ensuring everything was aligned correctly.
The Build Experience: Step-by-Step
1. The Foundation and Suspension
The build begins with the rear suspension and differential framework. Because this is a larger 1:10 scale model, it features working spring suspension on all four wheels. The framework is surprisingly solid, and the pieces clip together with a satisfying “click” that mirrors the official Lego brand experience.
2. The Engine and Steering
One of the highlights of Technic-style builds is the mechanical realism. This model includes a working engine where the pistons move up and down in sync with the rear wheels. The steering mechanism is equally detailed, involving a complex assembly that connects the steering wheel to the front axle.
3. Bodywork and Detailing
As the frame grows, you start to see the iconic silhouette of the Porsche. The doors are reinforced with internal struts because they are fully functional. The front bumper is a multi-piece assembly involving curved panels and a “wing” section that gives the car its aggressive racing profile.
Quality Control: How Do the Bricks Feel?
A common fear with “knock-off” sets is poor plastic quality—pieces that won’t fit together or are so sharp they hurt your fingers.
In my experience with this 1,580-piece set, the quality was excellent. I didn’t encounter any missing pieces, though I did briefly misplace two flexible pipes myself. As someone who suffers from arthritis in my hands, I occasionally struggled with tight pieces, but that was a physical limitation rather than a defect in the bricks.
The car is incredibly solid once finished. At 50cm long and 19cm wide, it has a significant “heft” to it. It doesn’t feel like a fragile toy; it feels like a display-grade model.
The Sticker Situation
The set comes with a full racing livery sticker pack. Often, these budget sets have poor color matching, but here the white stickers matched the white bricks perfectly. My only caveat is that after a few months in my display cabinet with LED lighting, some stickers have started to peel slightly at the edges.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you are a collector who values the investment potential and the “brand” of official Lego, then this isn’t for you. However, if you are a hobbyist who loves the process of building and wants a beautiful display piece without breaking the bank, it’s hard to argue against this.
Pros:
- Unbeatable Price: £15 vs £200+ for the discontinued original.
- Mechanical Detail: Working pistons, steering, and suspension.
- Size: A massive 50cm long model that looks great on a shelf.
- Compatibility: The bricks are virtually indistinguishable from the leading brand.
Cons:
- Ethical Dilemma: It is an exact copy of a copyrighted design.
- Sticker Longevity: May require some extra glue or careful placement to stay put over time.
For me, the 10 hours of relaxation and the final result were well worth the £16. Whether it’s for yourself or a gift for a child who just wants to build a “cool car,” these AliExpress sets provide a high-quality experience for a fraction of the cost.
I also have built a Lamborghini building blocks set, read the article & watch the video HERE.
