There are two types of engines that will drive your car… Electric or Nitro gas.
GAS POWER OR ELECTRIC POWER?
RC vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, but the most basic distinction between types of RC car models is their power source. All are either powered by an electric motor and battery, or by an engine that runs on fuel. Which is better for a beginner? Faster? More fun? The answers may surprise you!
- An electric remote control race car (also called RC electric car) is the best choice for beginners because it is the simplest to operate. All you have to do is charge ‘em up, plug ‘em in, and you’re off!
For a first car, stick to a 2WD (two-wheel drive) because it will have fewer parts to deal with and maintain if you decide to assemble it from a kit. These cars run on rechargeable NiCd (nickel-cadmium) batteries.
If you’re new to the world of RC vehicles, and so don’t want the hassle of a highly complicated, high-maintenance machine to start out with, but you’re equally leery of a cheap plastic toy that’ll buzz around pathetically and break down every five minutes, we’ve got GREAT news for you – there is another option. . . . the CEN RACING – BMW 320i – 2WD Electric.
- Gas-powered RC cars and trucks (sometimes called nitro RC cars) are very popular. Some excellent ready-to-run gas-powered cars are on the market so even beginners can have fun with these vehicles. They run on specially made nitro fuel.
Gas engine remote control cars are much larger than virtually all nitro models. Nitro RC cars are typically 1/8th scale or below. But there are 1/16 mini models that are a load of fun and gather tremendous speed.
Gas-powered radio-controlled cars are often as large as 1/5th scale– which means many of them are around 30 inches long and weigh 20 pounds or more! They need to be this large because they use the kinds of two-stroke gasoline motors originally employed in similarly-sized gardening tools. Greater size means a larger price; some gas engine remote control cars will cost you as much as $1000. They’re a big investment and a big responsibility, so make sure you’ve had experience operating fuel-powered RC vehicles before you buy gas RC cars.
