There are essentially 3 types of RC vehicles to choose from. Besides electric and Nitro, there’s another commonly known as petrol. However, by far the two preferred RC autos are electric and Nitro. I’ll discuss the differences between these two so you can decide which one suits you best. The biggest difference is in their performance. Both are highly fast and handle exceptionally well. But Nitro models typically take the lead in overall speed. They’re powered by a two-stroke engine, which, agree with it or not, have reached speeds up to 200 mph. Naturally, 75 miles per hour is the high average, and forty miles per hour is an exceedingly fast car. Electric RC cars have recently adopted a new technology of brushless motors and high-performance batteries. Since this new development, many of these brushless wonders have reached speeds over sixty mph, with the quick punch of a DC motor. Now don’t think for a minute that simply because Nitro cars have a slight edge in performance, that these DC cars won’t excite you immensely. And if they're on a gravel road when you suddenly hit the go button, I hope you’re wearing safety glasses because you might need them.
The main difference between the two is that Nitro engines require much more maintenance than electric ones, and they appeal more to RC car enthusiasts. They feel more like a real car since you get the exciting noise from the internal piston engine, and you must carry fuel and an oil can along for suspension upkeep. But each refueling usually lasts for around an hour of hardcore racing action. And when it runs out of fuel, you simply refill and start racing again. In contrast, electric cars are generally good for about 10-20 minutes, after which you must stop and recharge them for twenty minutes or have another set of batteries available, which take 45 minutes to charge.
Many of these Nitro and electric cars are virtually indestructible. I’ve seen them fly over 40 feet in the air, land straight down, and keep going. The new controls, suspension parts, and technology make them highly durable and easier to control than in years past. From my perspective, having raced cars for over 14 years, it’s generally the RC car enthusiasts who prefer Nitro cars. They're more exciting, they run for longer durations, and they operate more like a real car. But they definitely require more work; you have to constantly tinker and adjust them, the fuel smells and seems to get on everything due to the oil mixture. So if you consider buying one, it takes an extra commitment with all the additional responsibilities that come with it. Electric cars, on the other hand, are much safer because there’s no fuel involved, making them easier to manage without carrying a huge box of tools. They’re definitely the first choice for beginners or young children because of their ease of use and higher regard for safety without fuel. With the advent of new brushless high-spec motors, their performance is almost equivalent to Nitro cars. So if you need something straightforward, where you don’t have to get your hands dirty, the electric option might be your choice. Finally, electric vehicles are even less expensive to buy and operate. When I was a kid, they were flying radio-controlled airplanes in a field near my home. I recommend you call your local RC car shop and find out where they race their toys so you can mingle with people and get a better feel for which one would make you happiest. I encourage you to visit my sites, where you'll find much more personal information. Start with ControlledCars.com for vehicles and RadioControlVehicles.net for additional information. Thank you, Jim Renolds.