This Blog Was Updated In June of 2022 To Reflect Newer Models and Types Of Rc Cars
So, when it comes to remote control or RC cars, what is considered “fast” anyway?
An article at Wikipedia reports that,
“In the mid-late 1960s a British company, Mardave, based in Leicester, began to produce commercially viable RC Cars. Their first cars were nitro- or gas-powered cars sold in the local area in the early 1970s. In the early 1970s several commercial products were created by small firms in the US.”
Because of their size, even relatively slow RC cars can seem fast. For example, the same article notes that off-the-shelf, lower-end toy cars have weaker motors and are powered by alkaline or NiCad batteries, which means their top speed is usually just between 5 to 15 mph.
And, in an enclosed area, that can seem quite speedy, especially in the hands of an eight-year-old! But there are cars on the other end of the “speed spectrum” that are incredibly fast.
However, keep in mind that 15 miles an hour is over three times faster than most people walk.
In fact, there are few humans that we know of who can exceed that speed even at a fast sprint.
Although Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, regarded as the fastest man on the planet, did achieve an average ground speed pf 23.35 mph and hit a top speed of 27.78 mph at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.
Just for fun – because we do love to have fun – here’s a quick factoid for you: The fastest recorded speed by a remote control car is 218.79 miles per hour by a battery-powered unit in Saint George, Utah, in 2014.
Back in the real world of “normal” high-speed RC cars, most high-end models can reach speeds of up to 70 mph for well-built radio-controlled cars, and a few RC dragster-style models can also exceed 100 mph on rare occasions. But these are not the RC cars that you would categorize as “cheap” and are often, in fact, as much as $800 to $3000 or more.
Looking for “High Speed” and “Low Cost”
With this equation, the first consideration should be budget. While it may be tempting to simply shop for the least expensive RC “racing” car you can find, don’t be fooled by looks and price. In fact, you should stay away from cheaply made RC cars because they can break down quickly due to their substandard construction and inferior materials.
Remember, “cheap” is a relative term when it comes to remote control cars. If we assume a top-end of around $200 for your budget, there are quite a few good models to choose from.
Traxxas Rustler RTR with XL-5 ESC Vehicle®
The Traxxas Rustler RTR with XL-5 ESC Vehicle®, for example, can hit speeds of over35 mph and, while the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) comes in at just over $200, it can often be found for less.
Here’s how the manufacturer describes it,
“The Traxxas Rustler is a proven favorite with a formula for rugged fun that nothing else can touch. The Rustler blows the doors off the competition with more power, smoother control, better grip, and performance that makes it one of the fastest Ready-To-Race® electric trucks available.”
Desert Rush Brushless®
The Desert Rush Brushless® is another good example of relatively low-cost and high-speed. Well designed and highly detailed, this quality vehicle boasts the power of a brushless motor and a high-capacity battery that allows it to hit speeds of up to 37 mph.
And, best of all, it is ready to run right off the shelf and just in time for Christmas!
Tornado EPX PRO 4WD
If your budget allows for a bit more than $200 then you can’t go wrong with the Tornado EPX PRO 4WD. This sleek, high-performance electric buggy comes with a powerful brushless motor and like the other models mentioned here, is ready-to-run right out of the box.
The Tornado EPX PRO will easily tear through any off-road track, blast through yards or fields, and look great while doing it.
And did we mention that it has the power to rip past you at speeds up to 50 mph?
And There Are Also Super-Fast Traditional Race Cars, Too
Most of us are familiar with Formula One and Indy cars, NASCAR machines, and the various types of Le Mans racecars. And the RC car racing world has its share of scaled-down versions of these and much more.
While we understand that those “beefy” and rugged racers have a certain appeal and the versatility of being driven outdoors as well as in, there is something scintillating about sleek, high-horsepower race cars that especially cater to that “need for speed” in many RC car enthusiasts!
So, here are a few, more “traditional” styled, RC race cars that also pack plenty of speed.
Lightning EPX 4WD Brushed 1/10th Scale Drift Car RTR
This “ready-to-run” drift car simply drips with a sense of speed. And drift racing, while certainly requiring a certain level of speed, also requires deft handling and a low profile to hug the track. All of which is part of the allure of drift racing.
Not familiar with drifting?
Essentially, drifting is a style of driving and racing where the balance between control and chaos is continually challenged, so dependability and precision are necessary, as are drift-specific tires and a specially designed brushed motor.
All of which come as standard features with the Lightning EPX 4WD Brushed 1/10th Scale Drift Car.
And this sleek drifting vehicle is available in either blue or red, is a massive 14 inches long, and reaches a top speed of 15 mph.
GT24 Hyundai I20 WRC 4WD Brushless 1/24th Scale Micro Rally Car RTR
Part of the beauty of this almost seven inch long RC rally car is that is a detailed scale version of the World Rally Car built by Hyundai for use in the World Rally Championship starting in 2017, which was based on the Hyundai i20 subcompact car.
With a top speed of close to 20 mph, the GT24 Hyundai i20 WRC,
“Takes the 1/24th Micro Rally Car class to a new level of performance and scale realism. With all its expertise in genre defining RC, Carisma has worked closely with Hyundai to bring this officially licensed rally car to market.”
And best of all, it does it without breaking the bank – or your budget!
GT24 Subaru Impreza WRC 4WD Brushless 1/24th Scale Micro Rally Car RTR
And since we’re on the subject of rally cars, here’s another 1/24th Micro Rally Car that will make your heartrate go up and your excitement level top out!
The GT24 Subaru Impreza WRC from Carisma is another sterling example of performance and scale realism combined with superb construction and technology. And, like the Hyundai i20 WRC version, the manufacturer has partnered with Subaru to bring this officially licensed rally car to the RC car market.
Featuring a brushless motor and standard components such as 2.4Ghz radio gear, a fast and responsive hobby-grade steering servo, a fully ball bearing-equipped 4WD transmission, and Rally Pin tires, the GT24 Subaru Impreza WRC packs a lot of rally racing punch into a relatively small package.
But don’t let the size of these two rally cars fool you – they are both fast and nimble. And their smaller chassis and wheelbase means you can set up your rally course indoors as well in your backyard.
Fast is Fun But So Is Saving Money
Part of the thrill of RC car racing is the sense of speed that RC car and truck drivers experience as the maneuver these miniature vehicles across a paved lot or through a dirt and gravel course. But speed is relative when it comes to RC cars.
While 15, 20 or even 25 miles per hour may not seem particularly fast when one thinks of full-size cars or trucks, when we’re driving a 10-inch long RC car it can be not only challenging to control but breath-takingly exhilarating!
And when you consider that a fast walking pace is just around five miles an hour and the average male can only run at about eight miles an hour and maybe sprint up to 15 miles per hour (if you’re an athlete!)
In other words, most RC cars, especially race cars, can easily attain top speeds that will leave all of us bi-pedal creatures in the dust.
Then there is the topic of price.
While it is possible to spend $300, $400, or even over $900 on a high-speed, top-end RC race car, it is nice to know that a perfectly capable and high-quality kit can be easily had for under $200. And you can find these and much more at Fundemonium.
We could say something cheesy like, “Race on down today!”, but we won’t. However, we would love to see you and answer any questions you have about cheap and fast remote control cars or any other RC toys.
Cheap and Fast: Remote Control Cars for Your Budget and Speed!
Whether you want fast, super-fast, or blazing fast, there is bound to be an RC car for you and your budget at Fundemonium.
We love to provide fun: hands-on, virtual, and vicarious – it’s all good! And, at Fundemonium, we’re much more than just a toy, hobby, and game store. Fundemonium is a “family fun experience”. We are a place where families and hobby enthusiasts of all ages can meet and play.
Fundemonium offers a safe and friendly space where adults and children of all ages can experience creative fun. People can shop for a great selection of toys, games, and hobbies for the entire family. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is committed to helping you have fun.
We do our best to quickly respond to inquiries about remote control cars (and other toys!) through our website. However, you can also find an answer to your question by calling us.
If you’d like to speak directly with one of our Fundemoniacs during our business hours, you can call us at (707) 540-0701.
