Cardinal Purple vs Nocturnal Red

How close are they?

ΔE 7.2, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Nocturnal Red is more saturated, cooler than Cardinal Purple.

Can I use Nocturnal Red instead of Cardinal Purple?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Nocturnal Red is more saturated, cooler than Cardinal Purple.

Can I use Cardinal Purple instead of Nocturnal Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Cardinal Purple is more muted, warmer.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.