Nitro RC Cars - General Information

Nitro RC car or Gas powered RC car is a radio controlled model car that runs on a special fuel - a mix of oil, nitro-methane and methyl alcohol.

The ESP of a Nitro RC car is that it is far more powerful and runs longer compared to Electric RC cars. They are a little more expensive than their electric counterparts - both to own and maintain. While electric RC cars are ideal for beginners, Nitro RC cars are ideal for serious hobbyists and racers.

Basically, a Nitro RC car has an internal combustion engine of 2-stroke or 4-stroke type. Fuel is supplied from a little tank that contains its special fuel. Normal gasoline will not work in these engines. It starts either with pull start cord or starter box.

As with real cars, these engines have a carburetor, air filter and such other subsystems of the internal combustion engine. They also have the universal subsystems like, electronic radio control, servo speed control, transmission / gear system, drive train, differentials, steering system, shock absorbers, and batteries for head lights.

OK, then what makes an RC car so special and expensive? First, the complex internal combustion engine and its subsystems are costly, compared to the simple motor in the electric RC car. In addition, the battery is a simple one time investment compared to recurring fuel cost of Nitro RCs.

Also, Nitro RC cars gather more dirt and grease. More the running components in any system mean there will be more wear and tear. Both these add to the maintenance cost.

But for the sheer power and racing range, the Nitro RC cars are the leaders in RC toys. For your choice, they are available in 1/8, 1/10, 1/12, 1/20 scales as well as mini nitro RC cars. The 1/8 and 1/10 scale Nitro RC cars are popular with racers and serious hobbyists. One can buy them in any hobby stores or in internet commerce sites for between $200 to $400.

This is a hefty price, indeed! But it does not cost you a fortune like the real racing cars, yet helps fulfil your racing dreams. At 60 to 100 kmph speeds, they are very fun and exciting!