[CMOTD]

Thanks Andy, an excellent summary. 

An even briefer one:
Carrera Plus
Built like a tank so difficult to break.
Lovely choice of bodies that other makes don't do.
Reliable.
Virtually zero quality control problems.
Reasonably priced.
 
Carrera Minus
Built like a tank - therefore cannot compete with other makes that are a lot lighter. Acceleration is not great and braking near non-existent.
Rubbish tyres although not as bad as Scalextric.
 
Horses for courses - put a decent set of boots on them, race them against each other and they are great fun. I just love racing my Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Daytona.