Bruder vs Tonka | Which one are you going for? Both beautiful brands

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: February 12, 2021

Both Bruder and Tonka are collectors' favorites and a true household name in the world of cars and a variety of other construction and utility vehicles, they have high play value and children can indulge in a variety of role-playing games.

Bruder and Tonka have many similarities at first glance.

But let me compare these brands to discover what the main differences actually are.

Bruder makes all vehicles – except the Roadmax children's series – in 1:16 scale, while Tonka makes its construction vehicles at 1:50 and its Minimover series at 1:64. Where Bruder always uses high-quality plastic, at Tonka you see that only plastic is used for the children's series, but steel is used for the other series. 

Bruder makes a good contribution to the - including technical - development of your child and shows how different professions are practiced, there are corresponding figures for most vehicles.

Spiel gut', the German Consumer Association recommends Bruder toys anyway on!

Tonka, however, also stimulates the development of technical insight.

Did you know Tonka has been manufacturing vehicles for over 70 years? All vehicles - except the kids series - are made of solid steel.

Here I'll put both toy brands versus each other for you:

Bruder	Tonka
(view the entire range)	(view the entire range)
Dimensions:    Professional series 1:16 B-world series 1:16 Roadmax series is not to scale	Dimensions:   Tonka mini movers 1:64 Construction machines 1:50  Children's series not to scale
Material:    the best plastic, comparable to what the car industry uses	Material:   the Steel Classic series is made of real steel the children's series is made of plastic
Bruder series:   Professional series B-world series  Roadmax series	Tonka series:   Steel Classic series  Mud Rescue series   Mini Movers  Mega Machines Storm chasers Children's series
Bruder for little ones: Roadmax series	Tonka for little ones: Tonka children's series

I believe these toy brands contribute to responsible playing; your child can take up the challenge and get ready for many adventures! 

There are a number of differences between these brands that you can read further in this article.

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What makes Bruder Toys so much fun?

(view the entire range)

Bruder has a huge range of all kinds of vehicles.

Beyond that, theirs is great quality toys known all over the world. Mainly their construction toys are excellent.

Bruder produces everything to scale, except for the series for the little ones.

If you are using Bruder toys you are probably familiar with the advantages:

• the details of the vehicles
• technical insight is stimulated
• nice to collect
• durable
• top quality

Bruder produces professional series of cranes, trucks and jeeps, among others.

The B-world series from Bruder consists of play figures and sets, also very nice for children to express their imagination.

The Bruder Roadmax series is for the little ones. The vehicles in this series have safely rounded corners.

What makes Tonka toys so much fun?

(view the entire range)

Tonka has been around for generations! For over 70 years, Tonka has been producing one of the world's most loved toy trucks.

Tonka makes thousands of models: bulldozers, police and fire trucks, garbage trucks, concrete mixers, cranes, pickups, tractors, and much more.

There is also a lot of interest in Tonka vehicles among collectors, especially the first Mighty Tonka series.

Did you know that Tonka means “big” in Sioux?

The beautiful Tonka toys inspires children to use their imagination and stay active, to embark on new adventures and not just 'hang in front of the computer'.

Tonka's most beautiful series now are the

• Tonka Steel Classics
• Tonka Mini Movers
• Tonka Mega Machinery
• Tonka Storm Chasers

The Steel Classic series is produced in real steel. These solid vehicles are ready for the toughest loading and unloading jobs!

Nice examples from this series are, for example, the Mighty Dump Truck or the Tonka Steel Class Bulldozer. The latter can easily move sand and gravel!

Tonka Mini Movers are built on a 1:64 scale. These - mostly collector's items - are also available in the Mud Rescue series.

The Tonka Mud Rescue series offers your child a spectacular way to play with their favorite Tonka vehicles.

In every pack you will find a vehicle, play accessories and Tonka Mud, a compound with real mud!

Tonka Mega Machines are large vehicles equipped with sound effects and real lights.

This series from Mega includes Mighty Mixers and Storm Chasers, which are strong enough to continue rescue missions during a huge storm.

One of the most important websites for Tonka collectors is Neatoldtoys.com.

This site features over 100 Tonka ads, a Tonka ID directory, Tonka history and lookbooks. You can also find restoration tips and other tips here.

A bit of history of both companies

In 1958 the German company became Bruder Games set up. However, it was not until 1987 that the products began to be expanded significantly.

All of their scaled vehicles have been hugely popular for decades, with children and collectors all over the world.

For decades, the toy vehicles of these two companies have been at the top of the wish list of many children and collectors.

The American brand Tonka started with the Regular series of trucks in 1949, followed by the Mini Tonka series in 1963.

The following year, production of the great Mighty Tonka trucks started.

Their extensive series of vehicles are lifelike and are often collected. Children love to play with the beautiful bulldozers and trucks of this brand.

FAQ Bruder and Tonka

Are old Tonka vehicles worth anything?

Most Tonka trucks in good condition from the late 40's to early 60's can be bought for between $ 100 and $ 300.

There were so many Tonka products manufactured; good places to find Tonka trucks are standard stores, flea markets, and antique stores.

Does Tonka also make real trucks?

There is a whole fleet of real trucks used for advertising purposes.

Unfortunately you cannot order one from the dealer, but some Tonka employees drive it every day, for example to work.

What kind of vehicle series does Bruder have?

Bruder has two main product lines: the Professional series, which is their primary line, and a Roadmax series toys with a simpler design for younger children.

Hun toys has been recommended by 'Spiel gut', a German consumer advisory committee.

Bruder vs Tonka: what are you going for?

It is not easy to point out the differences between Bruder and Tonka vehicles: these (work) vehicles are all sturdy and can withstand multiple impacts.

What we know is that both brands are extremely reliable and durable: they stand for solidity toys and give children so much fun!

What are you going for? Bruder or Tonka?

Also watch: Bruder vs Playmobil | Two toy giants compared.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.