RC cars come in different sizes, shapes, features, designs, and scales. These are their distinguishing factors. So, it is vital to keep them in mind when purchasing an RC car. The scale of a remote-controlled car plays an essential role in the features of that vehicle, so you should know the different scales.
The scale of every RC car is labeled on the box. A 1/10 scale RC car is ten times smaller than a real car. The scale size of a remote-controlled car is the size in comparison to the size of an actual car. So, a 1/20 scale RC car is twenty times smaller than an actual car.
If you have wondered about the importance of knowing the scale size of an RC car before purchasing it, this blog post will enlighten you. With the right scale-sized remote-controlled car, you would have a great time.
What Is A 1/10 Scale RC Car?
RC cars are designed for different purposes, some are designed for recreational purposes, and others are designed for competitions and other off-road activities. Regardless of the purpose of the RC car, the scale size still plays an essential role in the functionality of the car.
One thing to keep in mind when learning about the scale size of an RC car is that the lower the scale size ratio, the closer the car is to an actual car. So, an RC car with a small scale ratio will be larger than one with a larger scale ratio. We mentioned earlier that the scale size or scale ratio of an RC car is its size in comparison to the size of an actual car.
The average size of a 1/10 scale RC car is within the range of 17.5 to 21.6 inches long, 7.8 to 14.4 inches wide, and 4.2 to 9.1 inches high. The average weight of a 1/10 scale RC car is between 3.2 to 11.2 pounds. You might be wondering why there is a variation in the sizes of all 1/10 scale RC cars, here is why.
You cannot compare an RC monster truck to an RC car, the same way you cannot compare a full-size monster truck to a full-size car. So, although you would see them all labeled as 1/10 RC cars, they do not have the same sizes and weight. A monster truck will always be larger than a car.
The same way the size of an RC car is obtained by comparing it with an actual car is the same way the scale speed is determined. The scale speed is the measure of the speed of an RC car in relation to the speed of a full-size car. So a 1/10 RC car will have a top speed that is 1/10 the top speed of the full-size car it is modeled after.
The average top speed of a 1/10 scale RC car is 45 mph, although, some like the Traxxas Rustler have a top speed of over 70 mph, making it one of the fastest RC cars in the market.
Traxxas Corvette Stingray
The Traxxas Stingray is a 1/10 scale RC car, and it has a length of 19.4 inches, a width of 8.9 inches, and a height of 5.1 inches. All these are within the range of 1/10 scale RC cars.
The length of the front track of this RC car is 8.1 inches, the rear track's length is 8.0 inches, the ground clearance is 0.3 inches, and it weighs 3.92 pounds without the battery included. The top speed of this 1/10 scale vehicle is over 30 mph.
ECX AMP 2WD Monster Truck
Unlike the Traxxas Corvette Stingray, the ECX AMP RTR 2WD is a 1/10 scale monster truck with a length of 16.9 inches, a width of 12.9 inches, and a height of 7.4 inches. The wheelbase of this monster truck is 11.6 inches in length.
The front and rear track are 12.9 inches long; the ground clearance is 1.73 inches, it uses a brushed motor, an independent suspension, and the tire treads are designed for off-road driving. The top speed of the ECX AMP RTR 2WD Monster Truck is 23 mph.
What Is A 1/20 Scale RC Car?
If you were to look at the scale size without knowing how it works, you would conclude that the higher the scale size, the larger the RC car. You would think a 1/5 scale RC car is smaller than a 1/10 scale RC car. However, the reverse is the case; the higher the scale size of an RC car, the smaller the RC car.
So, if you have a 1/20 scale RC car, it means that the car is ten times smaller than a real car of the same model. For example, if you own a 1/20 scale RC car modeled after a Ferrari Roma, the scale size means the RC car is twenty times smaller than the Ferrari Roma.
The length of a 1/20 scale RC car is between 7.1 to 10.5 inches, the width is between 3 to 7.5 inches, and the height is between 2.1 inches to 4.9 inches. The average weight of a 1/20 scale RC car is between 2 to 8 pounds. The size varies among RC cars and trucks. The average top speed of a 1/20 scale RC car is between 6 to 12 mph.
Vokodo RTR Beast Buggy RC Truck
The Vokodo RC truck is one of the few 1/20 RC trucks available, and it has a length of 8.7 inches, a width of 5 inches, and a height of 5.5 inches. The weight of this RC truck is 2 pounds. The top speed of this truck is 6 mph. This RC truck has a control range of up to 100 feet, and it is recommended for children from ages six and above.
Since this is an RC truck, it is not advisable to allow children to operate it. It has protection guards for the front and rear bumpers, an adjustable front wheel alignment, and the remote control is user-friendly; children can use it without experiencing difficulties.
Factors To Consider When Selecting The Scale Size Of An RC Car
Before purchasing an RC car, you need to have decided on some things. Your choice is the major determinant of the scale size RC car you will choose. It is not advisable to purchase one without first considering these factors.
The Terrain You will Operate The RC Car
All RC cars are designed for different purposes, some are designed to perform excellently on rough terrains, and others will not perform well. If you want to operate your RC car on rugged terrain, you should consider getting a big car because they have large tires.
You should select between an RC car of scale size 1/5 to 1/ 10. They are bigger and well suited for rough terrains. For smoother terrains, you can choose between a 1/10 scale to 1/24. These have low ground clearance that makes them unsuitable for rough terrains.
The Price
Your budget is also important in your choice of RC car scale size; most big remote-controlled cars with small scale sizes cost more. They have more functionalities than other smaller RC cars. So, you need to consider the money you have before choosing an RC car.
Final Thoughts
Most RC cars available are 1/8 scale size; 1/10 scale are also popular and readily available. However, 1/20 scale RC cars are scarce and not in mass production. Most RC car enthusiasts and lovers prefer larger ones, so large RC cars are more common and popular than smaller ones. Many of the small RC cars are designed for children.
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.