Early and Late FTE's

Not sure of the year they switched, but the word on the street is they slowed way down on the second generation.

Not sure why. Different wheel? Or changed the axle a little??

Anyone? 

Personally the 2005-2006 years have for me the best performance  "out of the box" . Later years and variations have more issues with out of round or wobbly wheels. but there are exceptions to every rule. It has also been tested, (Racegrooves) on youtube the FTEII wheels seem to interfere with the track sides... and slow the cars down.  Regardless of which wheels you pick...wheels that don't wobble, and roll smooth go a long way into making a fast car. 

I think the nickel plating was just done better on the 2005, 06 axles...

Wheel diameter theories...

Small wheel = has to make more revolutions going down the track. this will show all imperfections as it needs to spin faster. but it should have a faster take off.

Medium wheel = best all around performance

Large wheel = takes longer to get rolling at max rpm but these will tend to hold the speed better on the flat areas of the tracks. Best on shallow ramps.

here's a few links

http://hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/Faster_Than_Ever

http://hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/FTE2

Yup...what TE said!

The 2005-06 FTE'S have been the best to me...bit you still have to check them to be sure they run straight  and don't wobble.