RC Car Comparisons
Comparing RC cars and trucks can be tricky. The truth is though, you can't
really select the wrong RC car. There is practically something out there for
everyone. But, there are those times when you thought you wanted something, and
once you got it, you realized there was a better model available that you
should have gotten. Happens to the best of us I'm afraid.
There are so many options available - Traxxas, HPI, CEN, Nikko, Kyosho,
Tamiya, XTM, GS, Team Losi - it can all get quite confusing if you're new to
the RC world.
So which one do you get? Well, there is no simple answer to this question
because if there was one true great RC car or truck, then everyone would
have it, wouldn't they? Ultimately it's up to you to decide what you want -
the look, the speed, the price. So, start by identifying what you want first
and then see our recommended comparisons.
What Do You Want From Your RC Car Or Truck?
- When comparing, first make sure you know what type of RC car you're
looking for. There are RC cars
or RC trucks - with
nitro and
electric
versions available in both - determine which one is best suited to your needs.
- Engine Power - when choosing
rc nitro cars, often
it is best to go with the latest engine available because manufacturers
tweak and fix errors in their older models. They also offer greater
horsepower and the end result is less time in pit stops and more time
racing. Newer modeled engines such as Traxxas's TRX 3.3 or HPI's F 4.1 are
good examples to keep in mind when comparing.
- Speed - The speed of an RC car is vital. How fast are you
thinking? 45+ mph? 65+ mph? Or maybe
you aren't in to that kind of speed and would like something
less powerful
- when comparing vehicles, make sure you know how fast you want to go.
- Handling - you need to be able to control your RC vehicle at
top speeds. Make sure that the RC car you're looking for has been
manufactured for just that type of thing. You can see the
Traxxas Jato or
Traxxas Revo as
good examples.
- Wheelbase - a wider or longer wheelbase ultimately means more
stability with your vehicle. Traxxas makes a great line of trucks with long
wheelbases - including the
Traxxas Revo.
- Terrain - depending on what type of terrain you want to
cover, you might want to choose an RC car
suitable
for pavement, or ready for rock
crawling. I would suggest seeing
HPI Racing,
CEN Racing or
Traxxas if you want to handle
some rugged terrain.
- Stunts - Most RC vehicles can pull of stunts - some better than
others. I recommend seeing the
Traxxas Jato for all
around terrain stunts (on road and off), and either the
Traxxas
Nitro 4-Tec or the HPI RS4 for
RC drifting purposes.
- Easy Starter Systems - when choosing nitro vehicles, a lot of
nitro cars come with a pull start engine, which can be quite the
annoyance at times. I recommend going with an easy start system which
starts up the engine with a push of a button. Try
Traxxas for their 'Ez Start'
system.
-
Remote control car kits - If you're looking to
build your own rc car, then definitely go with a kit. A kit enables you
to build from a set-frame, allowing for optimal customization. See the
HPI Savage or the HPI
Savage 4.6 SS.
- Hop Ups - simply put, upgrades. They range from body hop ups
to nuts and bolts. This makes it so that in the future, you can easily
upgrade your vehicle. When comparing, make sure that the vehicles you're
reading about talk about hop ups. See the
RC car reviews
page for more information.
- Wheelie Bars - kind of a personal choice, wheelie bars attached
to your RC vehicle help you do longer, more stable pop-a-wheelie's. A must
have if you want to impress or pull off better stunts.
Recommended Comparisons
Traxxas Revo vs
HPI Savage X
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