By Joe Rich
Table of Contents
Who Makes the Fastest RC Car in the World?
The world record for fastest RC car is held by a man named Nic Case. His design, the RC Bullet has been clocked at speeds as high as 202 mph. He holds the Guinness World Record.
Remote controlled cars, also known as RC cars, have changed and evolved quite a bit throughout the years.
There was a time where they were considered to be cool toys, driven around in the backyard on a whim and enjoyed by friends and neighbours.
But this hobby has become serious business in the decades since its initial development.
There are a number of varieties available on the market today that make them similar to miniature cars in the way that they are constructed and maintained.
Of course, finding the fastest RC cars out there is the goal of many who get into the hobby.
After all, who doesn’t like having the fastest car around? But there is a difference between having a fast RC car and having the fastest RC car.
Here is a comprehensive look at the fastest electric, gas-powered, and nitro RC cars out there.
We will cover their specifications, top speeds, and any other details that you need to know about these high-powered RC cars.
We have a article about how fast RC cars go click here to read.
What is the Fastest Nitro RC Car
Traxxas is one of the premier manufacturers of RC cars in the industry, claiming the crown in this category as well as in the electric RC car category.
For nitro RC cars/trucks, it is hard to beat the Traxxas Jato 3.3 truck.
The Traxxas Jato 3.3 is a high-performance, nitro-powered, 2WD stadium truck that’s designed for speed enthusiasts. With its sleek design, impressive features, and powerful engine, it’s intended to deliver an exhilarating RC experience.
Performance
The Jato 3.3 truly shines when it comes to performance. Powered by the advanced TRX 3.3 racing engine, this truck can reach speeds of up to 65+ mph, making it one of the fastest ready-to-run vehicles in the market. Whether you’re on-road or off-road, the Jato 3.3 handles brilliantly. Its adjustable suspension and the inclusion of the TQi 2.4GHz radio system with Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) ensure excellent control, even at high speeds.
Quality and Durability
The quality of the Jato 3.3’s parts is top-notch. The powerful TRX 3.3 engine provides reliable performance, while the Anaconda performance tires offer good traction on various surfaces. The truck’s aluminum chassis and adjustable oil-filled shocks contribute to its durability, allowing it to withstand rough handling and challenging terrains. However, like any high-performance vehicle, regular maintenance is required to keep the Jato 3.3 in top condition.
Ease of Use
Starting the Jato 3.3 is relatively easy, thanks to the included EZ-Start system. Maintenance, while necessary, is straightforward with clear instructions provided in the manual. As for control, the TQi 2.4GHz radio system is user-friendly, but given the truck’s high speed, it is more suitable for intermediate to advanced users. Beginners might find it challenging to control at first.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-speed performance
- Excellent handling and control with TSM
- Durable build with high-quality parts
- EZ-Start system for easy starting
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Might be challenging for beginners due to high speed
Conclusion
In summary, the Traxxas Jato 3.3 is a high-quality, high-performance RC truck that delivers thrilling speed and excellent handling. It’s best suited for hobbyists who love speed and have some experience in controlling fast RC vehicles. Remember, to keep this beast performing at its best, regular maintenance is crucial. If you’re ready for adrenaline-pumping action, the Jato 3.3 won’t disappoint.
Traxxas builds their cars with stability and control in mind, which is why they use front and rear sway bars.
This allows for maximum stability, keeping the tires on the ground no matter what type of turns come your way.
To view the Traxxas Jato 3.3 on the Traxxas website click here.
Click here to view the Traxxas Jato 3.3 on Ebay
What is the Fastest Electric RC Car
The Traxxas X0-1 has become the name when it comes to electric RC cars.
The Traxxas XO-1 is a 1/7 scale all-wheel-drive (AWD) supercar that promises to redefine the RC car experience. This electric powerhouse is a large, commanding presence on any track, measuring 27 inches in length, with a front track of 11.61 inches and a rear track of 11.81 inches.
A notable feature of the XO-1 is its high-downforce wing and splitter, which optimize aerodynamics and enhance stability at high speeds. It comes equipped with the Traxxas Stability Management system and TQi 2.4GHz Radio for superior control.
Performance
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Traxxas XO-1 is its speed. Touted as the “fastest RC car in the world”, this supercar can reach an astonishing speed of over 100 mph. The car’s performance is powered by its robust motor, which generates 3.5 horsepower and can spin up to 40,000 rpm.
Handling is smooth and responsive, thanks to the AWD system and advanced radio controls. The ground clearance sits at a low 0.59 inches, which may limit off-road use but contributes to improved handling and speed on flat surfaces.
In terms of durability, the XO-1 exhibits the high-quality construction expected from Traxxas. However, given its high-performance nature, potential buyers should anticipate regular maintenance to keep it in top condition.
Battery life will depend on how you drive, with high-speed runs draining power quicker. The exact battery specifications are not included in the search results, so potential buyers should check this detail before purchasing.
Value and Rating
Weighing the impressive speed, handling, and unique features, the Traxxas XO-1 offers substantial value for RC enthusiasts seeking extreme performance. However, its high speed and complexity may not be suitable for beginners.
Pros:
- Exceptional speed capacity
- Smooth and responsive handling
- High-quality construction
- Unique aerodynamic features
Cons:
- Not suitable for off-road use due to low ground clearance
- Regular maintenance required
- May not be beginner-friendly due to high speed
Conclusion
The Traxxas XO-1 is an excellent choice for experienced RC hobbyists looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Its blend of speed, design, and advanced features make it a standout addition to any RC collection. However, its speed and complexity mean it might not be the best choice for beginners. If you’re an enthusiast who craves speed and performance, the Traxxas XO-1 is well worth considering.
There is no other RC car that is going to beat the Traxxas X0-1 off the line, let alone to top speed, in a shorter amount of time.
Simply put, this is a supercar when it comes to electric-powered RC cars.
None can hope to match its 0-100 capabilities, making it the optimal racing supercar on the market today.
To read our article Are Traxxas RC cars any good click here
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To view the Traxxas XO-1 on the Traxxas website click here.
What is the Fastest Gas-Powered RC Car
Clocking in as the fastest gas-powered RC car out there is the Losi DBXL Racing Truck.
Overview and Specifications
Losi, a reputable name in the RC industry, brings us their 1/5 scale RC truck, an impressive machine that promises to deliver high performance and thrilling off-road action. This RC truck’s large size is an immediate standout feature, with dimensions such as a length of 35.75 inches and a width of 26.25 inches, making it a commanding presence on any track.
The design of these Losi trucks is robust, with features like a final drive ratio of 10.25:1 for the 5IVE-T 2.0 and a formidable Dynamite 29cc gasoline engine for the Monster Truck XL. The build quality is top-tier, with specifics like a vehicle weight of 35.4 lbs for the 5IVE-T 2.0, attesting to its solid construction.
The battery used for these trucks is a 7.4V 5200mAh 2S 154C LiPo for the 5IVE-T, which should provide substantial run time, although this would depend on driving conditions and style. Unfortunately, there was no specific mention of waterproofing or adjustable suspension in the search results.
Performance
When it comes to speed, the Monster Truck XL impresses by reaching blistering speeds of over 30+ MPH. The power output from the engines is substantial, with the 5IVE-T 2.0 boasting a 32cc Zenoah G320.
The tire grip is robust due to the square pin tire tread on the 5IVE-T 2.0, providing excellent traction on various surfaces. Handling is also commendable, thanks to the 4-wheel independent suspension on the 5IVE-T, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough terrains.
While the trucks perform admirably on-road, they truly excel off-road. Despite their large size, they handle various terrains with ease, from gravel to dirt tracks, showcasing their versatility. However, their low ground clearance, such as the 3.75 inches on the Monster Truck XL, may limit their ability to tackle extremely rough terrains.
Overall, the Losi 1/5 scale RC trucks provide an exhilarating off-road experience. Their impressive size, powerful engines, and high-quality construction make them a worthy addition to any RC enthusiast’s collection. However, their pricing is on the higher end, and potential buyers should consider this alongside the performance and features offered.
While beginners might find these trucks challenging due to their size and speed, experienced hobbyists looking for a high-performance, large-scale RC truck would find them a great option. If you’re seeking a thrilling off-road experience and don’t mind the price tag, the Losi 1/5 scale RC trucks would be a fantastic choice.
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We have a article about the best 1/5 scale RC car click here to read.
To view the Losi DBXL on the Losi website click here.
Other Remote Controlled Cars
Technically speaking, the fastest battery-powered remote-controlled model car out there is known as the “radio controlled bullet”. This remote-controlled car clocked in at an amazing 202.02mph in the United States.
Built by Nic Case, it hit that mark in Saint George, Utah back on October 25, 2014. This falls in the category of “other” because it is not comparable to traditional RC cars so it shouldn’t count in the RC car category.
This car is more built to resemble a bullet car, sleek and narrow in design to achieve top speed.
It is meant simply to go straight ahead and is not meant to move around turns or tight spaces as an RC car would.
Still, the speed is impressive and definitely worth noting.
Other Traditional RC Cars
While the vast majority of RC cars can’t quite match the 60+mph range that some of the elite cars on the scene can, there are more than a few great options out there when it comes to both RC cars and trucks.
Generally speaking, the majority of them will hit the 30mph range to provide ample speed and power while ripping up the track.
Some of the best RC cars out there are lightweight but made to handle the wear and tear of ripping up an outdoor course.
And despite being lightweight in nature, these RC cars can maintain their top speed without coming off the pavement.
Being able to retain top speed in tight turns means the difference in competitive RC racing circuits so don’t overlook this aspect.
Design matters a great deal as well. If an RC car looks cool but isn’t meant to stand up to the wear and tear of usage, it simply is not a good RC car.
That is why a sleek, cool look that is durable and aerodynamic is so important.
There are plenty of RC cars out there that feature smooth, futuristic designs that look as cool as possible but have a solid engineering that is meant to distribute tension and weight throughout the car for the least amount of wear and tear.
And though some of these RC options can’t quite match the top speeds listed above, they do make it a point to be aerodynamic.
Doing so means that they can traverse the course more quickly and efficiently than their counterparts without burning up additional battery or gas along the way.
Being able to conserve fuel or battery power might not seem to be the biggest issue but it can make an impact in the way that you drive your RC car.
It is just one of many options that need to be taken into consideration with competitive RC cars as it can make an absolute difference.
An Optimal RC Car
Unless you are competing in very serious circuits, finding an RC car that hits those crazy maximum speeds might not be necessary, especially given the costs that can come along with it.
Finding a cheaper option is something that many hobbyists look to do, meaning that you can find a quality option for a price that won’t break the bank.
And while that 30mph limit might not be the most impressive, it will get you around the course in a hurry.
Getting a durable car with a good body design is more important than top speed for hobbyists and enthusiasts.
Unless you are in seriously competitive races, the key is looking for good speed with even better control.
Whip around your backyard, through the roughest of terrains, and over custom courses as never before with an RC car that has maximum control while retaining its top speed.
These aren’t your dad’s RC cars.