Some enthusiasts swear by the power and speed of nitro engines, while others prefer the convenience and simplicity of electric motors. Many new RC owners ask are electric RC cars faster than Nitro cars? In this blog post, we will compare the two types of cars and see which one comes out on top. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each type of car so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
TLDR Are Electric Cars Faster Than Nitro
The short answer is yes, electric RC cars are faster than nitro RC cars. If you compare the same two 1/10 scale RC trucks, like the Traxxas Rustler, The brushless electric version will be much faster than the nitro version. However, a hobby grade nitro RC car will probably go faster than a cheap electric RC car. So you have to make an apples to apples comparison.
What is a Nitro RC Car?
A Nitro RC car is a radio-controlled car that uses a small internal combustion engine to power it. The engine runs on a special mixture of nitromethane and methanol, which is why they are sometimes also called “nitro” cars.
Nitro Vs Electric RC Cars: Which is Better?
Some major differences between Electric and Nitro RC cars are:
Engine: A nitro car has a glow plug engine, while an electric car has a brushless motor. Similar to an internal combustion engine, the glow plug engine needs a fuel source and an ignition source.
Fuel: An electric car uses battery power as its fuel source, while a nitro car uses a special mixture of nitromethane and methanol.
Chassis: Nitro cars typically have a more sturdy chassis than electric cars because they need to be able to withstand the vibrations of the nitro engine. It is typically made of aluminum or other metals.
Electric cars, on the other hand, have a lighter plastic chassis.
Drivetrain: Gears, axels, and drivetrains in a nitro car are usually more complex than those in an electric car. This is because the nitro engine produces more torque, which can put more stress on the drivetrain components.
Nitro RC cars use metal components in the drivetrain, while electric RC cars use plastic and metal.
Maintenance: Nitro cars require more maintenance than electric cars because they have more moving parts.
Duration: A nitro car’s engine will run for about 20 minutes on a tank of fuel. An electric car’s batteries will last for about 30 minutes.
Price: Nitro RC Cars are usually more expensive than electric RCs. The cost of the engine, fuel, and additional maintenance can add up.
Electric RC cars are generally easier to use than nitro RC cars because they:
- require less maintenance
- Don’t produce exhaust fumes
- can be driven indoors
Electric RC cars can also reach higher speeds. It is ultimately up to the user to decide which type of car is right for them.
If you’re looking for an RC car that is comparable to a real life gas-powered car, then a nitro RC car might be the right choice for you. However, keep in mind that they require more maintenance than electric cars and their engines produce noise and fumes.
If you are just starting out with RC cars, check out our beginners RC car guide.
Are Electric RC cars faster than Nitro?
The answer to the question are electric RC cars faster than nitro largely depends on the type of RC cars you are comparing. Generally speaking, electric RC cars are going to be faster than their nitro counterparts.
For instance, if you are comparing a high-end electric RC car to a lower-end nitro car, the electric car is going to be faster.
Additionally, the speed of an RC car is also going to be determined by its weight. Heavier RC cars are going to be slower than lighter ones, regardless of whether they are electric or nitro powered.
Electric cars with brushless motors are also going to be faster than electric cars with brushed motors. So, if you are looking for a fast RC car, you should opt for an electric car with a brushless motor.
Batteries also play a role in the speed of an electric RC car. A higher voltage battery is going to result in a faster car.
To summarize, electric RC cars are generally faster than nitro RC cars. However, there are some factors that can affect the speed of an RC car, such as its weight and type of motor.
Since we are on the topic of speed, you may be interested in our post about how to make your RC car faster!
Nitro vs Electric RC Car Race: Who Wins?
The debate of which is better, electric or nitro RC cars, has been around for years. There are pros and cons to each type of car. It really depends on what you are looking for in a racecar. If you want speed and acceleration, go with an electric car. If you want more power and longer run times, go with a nitro car. If you are new to RC cars, check out our beginner RC car guide to learn more about the hobby.
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of RC car:
Electric RC Cars:
Pros:
- They are cheaper to operate than nitro cars.
- They require less maintenance than nitro cars.
- They have instant torque (which means they have great acceleration).
- They are quieter than nitro cars.
Cons:
- They require frequent battery changes.
- They don’t have the same power and speed as nitro cars.
- They can be affected by weather conditions (such as heat and cold).
Nitro RC Cars:
Pros:
- They have more power and speed than electric cars.
- They can run for a longer period of time than electric cars.
- They are not affected by weather conditions as much as electric cars.
Cons:
- They are more expensive to operate than electric cars.
- They require more maintenance than electric cars.
- Their engines produce fumes, so they’re not as environmentally friendly as electric cars.
So, which type of RC car is better? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a RC race car. If you want speed and acceleration, go with an electric car. If you want more power and longer run times, go with a nitro car.
Are Nitro RC Cars Worth It?
The answer to that question depends on your personality. If you like to change your own oil and work on your cars, you will love a nitro RC car or truck. They require more maintenance and you have to tinker with the motor to get it to run smoothly. So if you are patient and don’t mind working on your RC car, Nitro RC cars are definitely worth the investment.
Although nitro RC cars are generally slower than electric models, they are still fast. Its not like nitro cars are slow and sluggish, they just aren’t quite as fast as hobby grade electric RC cars.
Many nitro cars can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, which is a bit faster than many cheap electric RC cars.
You can also drive nitro cars all day long. You don’t have to stop driving while a battery charges. Just fill up the tank and drive.
Finally, nitro RC cars are just plain fun. They make noise, have a unique smell, and are produce a realistic driving experience. Keep in mind that you can’t drive nitro cars indoors due to the exhaust gas.
Nitro RC Cars Vs Electric RC Cars: The Cost Breakdown
The cost of a Nitro RC car can range from $200 to over $1000. The average cost of an electric RC car is around $300. So, if you’re looking at purchasing your first RC car, the initial investment for a Nitro RC car is going to be significantly higher than that of an electric RC car.
However, when you factor in the ongoing costs associated with each type of car, things start to even out a bit. For example, the fuel for a Nitro RC car can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per gallon. And then you have to factor in the cost of tune-ups and repairs, which can add up quickly. On the other hand, electric RC cars don’t require any fuel, and tune-ups and repairs are typically much less expensive.
LiPo batteries are the most expensive part you need for your electric RC car. LiPos can run between 60 and 100 dollars and you can expect to get about 150 charge cycles before you battery will start to degrade.
So, when you compare the upfront cost of a Nitro RC car with the ongoing costs associated with it, an electric RC car is actually the more budget-friendly option in the long run. Plus, electric RC cars are much easier to maintain than nitro RC cars, so you’ll save yourself a lot of time and headaches down the road by going with an electric RC car.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s easy to maintain, an electric RC car is a way to go. But if you’re willing to invest more upfront and put in a little extra work, a Nitro RC car can be a lot of fun. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have a blast!
Are electric RC cars faster than nitro RC cars?
Are nitro RC cars good for beginners?
Conclusion Are Electric RC Cars Faster Than Nitro
Nitro RC cars are fun to drive and work on in the shop. However, electric RC cars are faster and better for new drivers. Electric motors produce far more acceleration compared to nitro engines. So if you are looking for an RC car that is easy to maintain and has lots of power, go with an electric RC car. If you have been driving RC cars for a long time a nitro RC car will be a whole new challenge for you. If you are looking to buy the fastest RC car on the planet, go with electric.
