Image via Complex Original
Auto racing is really, really expensive. A single day with your car at a track is going to cost hundreds of dollars. Preparing a car to race usually costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and the car that these modifications are going into better not be some $16,500 econo-hatch. RC racing, on the other hand, is an exciting and fun alternative. A few hundred bucks and you're ready to go. Take a look at the top ten most awesome RC cars to help you get your racing fix.
#10. CEN CT5-S Nitro Ford Gt
73.4 miles per hour is illegal in a real car, so it sure seems real fast in an RC car. It doesn't just top out at a high speed either, it gets there quickly as a result of all-wheel drive and two drivetrains to simulate a two-speed transmission. It comes in a variety of body styles including Porsche 911 GT3, BMW 320i, Mini Cooper, Subaru WRX, and Mercedes CLK-DTM, but the Ford GT is surely the coolest.
#9. Freakishly Accurate Lego Porsche
This RC Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Cabriolet PDK is both made of Legos and unbelievably accurate to the real thing. The Porsche 911 and the Lego 911 both have dual-clutch 7-speed plus reverse gearboxes, MacPhearson front struts, 22 degree steering wheel tilt, 40/60 axle load weight split, retractable and adjustable spoilers, disc brakes, unibody chassis, 3.36 degree camber, Ackermann steering, two degree caster angle... The list just keeps going on. Check out Sheepo HL's build page.
#8. Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec 3.3
At 70mph due to the powerful engine and road clawing all-wheel drive, this is a bloody fast RC car. In addition, it has some lightweight, durable wheels that can put up with the serious beating they will no doubt receive. To top it all off, it just looks as fast as it is.
#7. HPI Racing Firestorm 10T Nitro Truck
The HPI Firestorm is an excellent 2WD off-road RC truck. With crisp handling, a powerful engine, competitive stock parts, and a variety of available body graphics, the Firestorm is a great value considering it's $350-ish price tag.
#6. HPI Racing RTR Baja 5SC
Quite possibly the most competitive off-road car out of the box. Every little detail is heavy-duty, finely made, and carefully designed to perform at its best... and it damn well better be with a $2,399 MSRP.
#5. Kyosho Lazer ZX5
One of the best buggies money can buy. It has a few nice options right out of the box and is very tweakable for the tinkerer who wants to really create a personalized racing machine.
#4. Team Associated Nitro TC3
This car wins competitive races. It wins lots of competitive races. It handles brilliantly and has a ton of options so it can be tuned for whatever track lies ahead. A modified TC3 holds the world record for fastest RC car at an absurd 134.4 miles per hour.
#3. HPI Racing Baja 5B
The Baja is built to be tough and fast. It has the shocks to survive encounters with seriously nasty rocks and potholes, and extremely durable chassis, and great differentials. All this makes for a car that can handle any terrain elegantly. To top it all off, it's bloody huge at 1/5 scale and runs on regular unleaded gasoline, just like your real car.
#2. Traxxas Jato 3.3
Probably the best all-round RC car. It handles nicely on dirt or pavement, and hits 65mph on dirt or pavement. Nobody can complain about the Jato's looks either, since it has the 4.2 second 0-60 to back it up.
#1. Traxxas Rally VXL
In the world of RC cars, “best” and “electric” don't usually go together, but the Traxxas Rally VXL's superbly precise handling earns it the top spot on this list. It accelerates very quickly and even though the top speed out of the box is only about 30mph, a few simple modifications will get it up to 50mph. This car will easily tackle stunt driving, racing, drifting, and just general 1/16 scale hooning. It can even be had with a licensed Ken Block Ford Fiesta body.
