As an RC hobbyist, you will have heard about the different scales of RC cars, such as 1/5, 1/12, 1/10, and 1/3. The scale of an RC car refers to the vehicle's size compared to a full-sized car. These RC cars have different scales, and their speed varies.
There are no 1/4 scale RC cars; the biggest scale sizes are 1/3 and 1/5 scale. A 1/3 RC car can go as fast as over 40 mph, while a 1/5 RC car will go for over 50 mph. The bigger an RC car is, the lesser the top speed. The reason for less speed is the weight of the car and its components.
Different RC cars have different top speeds. Many factors affect the speed of an RC car, the brand, the engine, the motor, the electronic speed control, and other parts. Although there is currently no 1/4 scale RC car, you can build yours.
What Is Considered Fast For A RC Car?
Every RC car has a top speed; some are 10 mph while some are 70 mph. The top speed considered to be fast for RC cars is 40 mph and above. There are several fast RC cars from different manufacturers that you can get.
Traxxas XO-I RC Supercar
Traxxas XO-I RC Supercar is the fastest RC car. It uses a brushless electric motor. This remote-controlled car is quite stylish and has a top speed of 100 mph. The ground clearance of the Traxxas XO-1 RC supercar is 0.59 inches; its width is 11.81 inches, its length is 27 inches, its height is 5 inches, and its weight is 8.6 pounds.
This RC vehicle operates with the help of the Traxxas Link app. This application offers a dashboard to view the RC car's temperature, battery voltage, speed, and RMP. The Traxxas XO-1 RC supercar is recommended for individuals over 16 years.
The major reasons this RC car is exceptionally fast are due to the Mamba monster ESC, the sealed differentials, the optimized aerodynamics, hard-anodized shocks, speed-rated tires, steel-spline dual driveshafts, and the standard downforce splinters.
Its tires are equipped with a special feature of Traxxas, called TSM or Traxxas Stability Management, that allows you to control the RC car on slippery surfaces like smooth concrete, snow, ice, or loose dirt. It also uses a 2.4GHz radio system.
JLB Racing Cheetah RC Brushless Off-Road Truck
The JLB Racing Cheetah is metal-made and also one of the fastest RC cars you can purchase. It weighs 8.59 pounds, is 23 inches long, 16.25 inches wide, and 11 inches high. The top speed of this RC truck is 62 mph. The tires are designed from a clear thread, improving traction when riding on any terrain.
The battery life of this RC car is 20 minutes, and it takes about 4 to 5 hours for it to be fully charged. When charging, you wait until all three lights on the charger turn green before you remove it. This RC car features a brushless 2500Kv waterproof motor, a brushless 120A electronic speed control, and waterproof metal gear servos.
It also has a 2.4GHz radio frequency and features a large shock absorber, stable double wheels, and a 2.4G remote control. With the high ground clearance of this RC Truck, there is no possibility of the underbody getting scraped while riding on uneven terrain.
All electronic accessories of the JLB Racing Cheetah are fully waterproof so riding in mud and puddles is no problem. It uses an 11.1 V 4000mh 30C lithium polymer battery which provides a superpower. It also has LED lights and uses an independent suspension system.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL
The Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL is another RC monster truck on the list of the fastest RC cars in the world, and it has a top speed of 60+ mph. This RC car features a brushless velineon motor that is waterproof and a 2.4GHz radio system. This monster truck is 22.36 inches long, 11.65 inches wide, 8.42 inches high, and weighs 3 pounds.
You can decide the top speed of this RC monster truck. When it is used with a 3000mAh NiMH battery, a 13-T pinion, and a 54-T spur, the car will reach a top speed of 35+ mph. With a 5800mAh 2S LiPo battery, a 19-T pinion, and 54-T spur, the car will reach a top speed of 40+ mph. With a 5000mAh 3S LiPo battery, a 19-T pinion, and 54-T spur, the car will reach a top speed of 60+ mph.
Only a few RC cars have this feature; it is very impressive and essential because every RC operator can operate the car, whether novice or professional. An RC car with three top speeds. All you need is to modify some parts and set the top speed. There is also an option to change the tires of the RC car to suit the terrain you are operating in.
Losi Ford Raptor Baja Rey
The Losi Ford Raptor Baja Rey RC car is an authentic desert truck powered by a 3800 kV brushless electric motor and has a top speed of 55 mph. It weighs 6.1 pounds, has a length of 26.5 inches, a height of 13.25 inches, and a width of 14.75 inches. It has a 4 link live rear axle and an independent A-arm front suspension.
The electronics of this vehicle are waterproof so that you will have no problem riding in muddy areas. Its chassis is made of aluminum; hence it is very strong and durable. You can jump it or bash it, and it will remain intact. There are LED lights at the front and back of the vehicle so you can ride it at night.
It features an independent front suspension, a solid rear axle, and a roll cage with good shocks. With this RC truck, you can run on any rocky terrain without any problem. The brushless motor of this vehicle can be easily accessed as it is just at the bottom of the chassis. A LiPo battery powers it.
What Determines The Speed Of An RC Car?
There are some factors that determine the top speed of RC cars; this is the reason why different brands of remote-controlled RC cars are faster than other brands. The difference is the quality of the RC accessories.
RC Motor
The type of motor used in an RC car determines how fast it will be. The fastest RC car in the world, the Traxxas X0-1, uses a brushless motor, which is more efficient and faster than a brushed motor. If you check the top ten fastest RC cars in the world, about 8 to 9 of them use a brushless motor. Always go for a car with a brushless motor.
RC Batteries
The type of battery used in an RC car also determines how fast it will go. There are two main types of RC batteries; LiPo batteries and NiMH batteries. LiPo batteries supply more power to an RC car than NiMH batteries, so they make the car faster. LiPo batteries unlock the speed potentials of your RC car.
RC Gears
There are two types of gears in an RC car; pinion gears and spur gears. Using a small spur gear or a large pinion gear will deliver more speed to your RC car, and using a large spur gear or a small pinion gear will deliver more acceleration and torque but less speed.
Final Thoughts
RC cars come in different scale sizes, speeds, features, and brands. Your choice of remote-controlled car depends on the specifications you want, the activity you will engage in, and the terrain you will operate the car. This is the reason it is not advised to purchase any RC car without considering these factors.
Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.