RC cars come in all shapes and sizes, and the 1/16 scale class is a popular size because they aren’t too big or too small. You can think of 1/16 scale vehicles as a medium size RC. RC cars in the 1/16 scale class are around 10 x 8 x 5 inches. This size car is a bit bigger than a football. In this post, we will discuss how big is a 1/16 scale RC car and look at a few different models that are dominating the market.
What are 1/16 scale RC cars?
Every RC car has a scale, and the scale is a measure of how big the vehicle is compared to a real-life car or truck just like it. So, a 1/16 scale RC car is one-sixteenth the size of a full-size real-world vehicle.
How Big Is a 1/16 Scale RC Car?
There’s not a single size or dimension for a 1/16 scale RC car. The scaled down size depends on the size of the real life vehicle that the RC car is based on.
If you scale down a Bugatti Chiron to 1/16 from the size of the actual car, then the RC version will be about 8 to 9 inches long.
If you are looking at a 1/16th scale Ford F-150, the RC truck will be about 10.5 inches long. There can be some variation in the size of the vehicle even though they are in the same scale class.
As a general rule of thumb, a good size estimate of a 1/16 scale RC car is around 10-14 inches long and 7 inches wide. But keep in mind, there will be some variation depending on the car’s specific model and make. So always divide the real life vehicle by 16 to get the 1/16 scale size.
Some Popular 1/16 Scale RC Cars on the Market Today
Our top picks for 1/16 scale RC cars are:
- Traxxas 1/16 E-Revo VXL 4WD
- Traxxas Summit 1/16 4WD Monster Truck
- Losi 1/16 Mini-B 2WD Buggy Brushed RTR
- Bugatti Chiron 1/16 Beginner RC Car
I think 1/16 scale RC cars are a fun scale to drive. They are a change of pace compared to larger 1/8 and 1/10 scale rigs that are designed for bashing and road racing. You could easily drive a 1/16 scale RC in your house or garage.
Here is some more information on our four top picks above:
The Losi 1/16 Mini-B 2WD Buggy Brushed RTR is a great choice for beginners. It’s small and lightweight but still durable enough to withstand some bumps and bruises.
If you’re looking for a bit more power, then the Traxxas 1/16 E-Revo VXL 4WD is a great option. It’s fast and fun to drive, but still relatively affordable. I would only drive this car outside as it is a hobby grade RC truggy and too powerful to drive in doors.
If you are looking for an interesting crawler/basher combo, the Traxxas Summit 1/16 4WD Monster Truck is a top choice. It is a big wheel 1/16 scale truck that can crawl over rough terrain and jump into the air. It has quality Traxxas components that provide plenty of speed and power.
There are some downsides to 16th-scale RC cars. They aren’t as fast as larger scale vehicles like the Traxxas Slash or the DEERC 9201E Truck. They also don’t sit up as high off the ground and could have a hard time driving through thick grass and mud.
Why Would I Want a 16th Scale Car?
The price range is the number one selling point of 1/16 scale RC cars. Most vehicles in this class run from 50 to 250 dollars. Traxxas does build some very nice 1/16 scale vehicles that cost more, but your average 16th scale vehicle will fit in this price range.
The next selling point for 16th-scale cars is they are a great choice for beginner drivers. They are small and lightweight, and easy to control.
Finally, 16th-scale vehicles are large enough to take a hard crash and keep driving. I think they are more durable than smaller 1/24 scale models, which means you won’t have to worry about breaking them quite as easily.
The Different Sizes of RC Cars, and What To Consider When Choosing One
The size of the RC vehicle is one of the most important factors when picking out a new RC car. Here is a guide to help you understand the different sizes of RC cars and what to take into account when making your decision.
Small Scales: Anything less than a 1/10 scale
The most common scale for RC cars on the market is 1/16 and 1/18 scale. These cars are typically around 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. Many RC drift cars are smaller scale models.
They are perfect for driving around tight spaces, such as in your garage or backyard. If you are looking for a more challenging model, then the next size-up would be a good option for you.
Check out our post about how big is a 1/10 scale RC car to learn more about this RC car scale.
Mid-size RC Scales: 1/8 – 1/10
Mid-size RC cars are about double the length and width of small scale vehicles. They can reach speeds of up to 65 mph (or faster) and are more suited for race tracks, bashing, or speed runs on an empty road. My favorite 1/8 scale RC cars are either the Traxxxas Slash or the Rustler.
However, if you want an even more extreme vehicle, check out a large scale vehicle.
Large RC Scales: 1/5 – 1/6
Large-scale RC cars can be up to four feet long! These cars are built for bashing and are extremely detailed. These cars are not cheap and not for beginners – only experienced drivers should purchase and buy a large scale RC car. You can crash and break them in a hurry if you’re not careful.
How To Choose the Right Scale RC Car for You
Now that you know more about the different sizes of RC cars, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to consider:
Your skill level: If you are a beginner, then it is best to start with a smaller car. As you become more experienced, you can move up to larger models.
The space you have: If you only have a small area to race in, then a micro or mini car is the best option. However, if you have more room to work with, then you can go for a larger model.
Your budget: RC cars come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to consider how much you are willing to spend. Micro and mini cars are typically the most affordable options, while large-scale cars can be quite expensive.
Final Thoughts on How big is a 1/16 Scale RC car
When it comes to choosing the right size RC car, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider what kind of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you’re planning on doing any off-roading, a larger car like the Traxxas X-Maxx might be a better option. Second, think about how fast you want your car to go. If speed is a priority, again, a larger car might be the way to go. Finally, consider your budget. Larger cars tend to be more expensive than smaller ones, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand a little bit more about RC cars and what size might be right for you.
