What Is The Best Beginner RC Drift Cars [IN 2024]

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

Have you ever dreamed of executing perfect drifts, leaving a trail of smoke and excitement in your wake? Well, you’re in luck! Remote control (RC) drift cars offer an exhilarating way to experience the thrill of drifting without the risks associated with full-scale vehicles. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or just looking for a new hobby, RC drift cars provide an accessible entry point into the world of drifting.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the six best beginner RC drift cars that’ll have you sliding sideways in no time. We’ll break down their features, pros, and cons, helping you make an informed decision on which car suits your needs best. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the exciting world of RC drifting!

Top 6 Best Beginner RC Drift Car Reviews

1. HYPER GO 14301 1/14 RTR Brushless RC Drift Car

Kicking off our list is the HYPER GO 14301, a 1/14 scale brushless RC drift car that’s ready to tear up the asphalt right out of the box. This little beast packs a punch with its brushless motor and independent gyro system, making it a top contender for beginners looking for a high-performance entry-level drift car.

Pros

• Powerful brushless motor system capable of reaching speeds up to 38 mph
• Independent gyro for precise control and easier drifting
• Comes with three sets of tires for different surfaces
• Durable aluminum alloy chassis and metal support rods
• Interactive light system with brake lights and turn signals
• Versatile 4WD system for all-road performance

Cons

• May be too fast for absolute beginners
• Higher price point compared to some other beginner options
• Requires careful handling due to its speed and power

The HYPER GO 14301 is a fantastic choice for those who want to start with a high-performance RC drift car. Its brushless motor system and independent gyro provide an excellent platform for learning and improving your drifting skills. The inclusion of three tire sets also adds versatility, allowing you to adapt to different surfaces and driving styles.

However, its high speed might be intimidating for complete novices, and the price point could be a deterrent for those unsure about committing to the hobby. That said, if you’re serious about getting into RC drifting and want a car that’ll grow with your skills, the HYPER GO 14301 is hard to beat.

2. MJX 14303 1/14 Citroen C3 Fast RC Drift Car

Next up is the MJX 14303, a 1/14 scale replica of the 2017 Citroen C3 WRC. This licensed RC drift car combines style with performance, offering a unique blend of realism and drifting capabilities.

Pros

• Licensed Citroen C3 WRC design for authentic looks
• Independent gyro and ESC for improved drifting control
• Brushless motor system with speeds up to 38 mph
• Comes with three sets of tires for different terrains
• Interactive light system with brake lights and turn signals
• Durable aluminum alloy chassis and metal support rods

Cons

• May have responsiveness issues in some conditions
• Plastic inner guard might need modification
• Can be challenging for absolute beginners due to its speed

The MJX 14303 stands out with its licensed Citroen C3 WRC design, making it a great choice for car enthusiasts who appreciate authenticity. Like the HYPER GO, it boasts a powerful brushless motor system and independent gyro, providing excellent performance for drifting.

One potential drawback is the reported responsiveness issues, particularly when transitioning between forward and reverse movements. Additionally, some users have mentioned the need to modify the plastic inner guard to prevent it from interfering with the receiver plugs.

Despite these minor issues, the MJX 14303 offers a great balance of style and performance, making it an attractive option for beginners who want a realistic-looking RC drift car.

3. RC Drift Car 2.4GHz 1:16 Scale 4WD High Speed

Moving down in scale, we have this 1:16 RC drift car that offers a blend of speed, style, and special effects. This model is designed to provide an exciting drifting experience while being more manageable for beginners.

Pros

• 4WD system for better handling and drifting capabilities
• Includes both racing and drifting tires
• LED lights and water mist sprayer for cool effects
• Durable construction with a protective car shell
• Comes with two rechargeable batteries for extended play time
• 2.4GHz technology allows for multiple cars to be used simultaneously

Cons

• Lower top speed compared to some other models (18 km/h)
• Water mist effect only lasts for short bursts
• May be louder than some other RC cars

This 1:16 scale RC drift car is a great option for beginners who want to focus on mastering drifting techniques without the intimidation of extremely high speeds. The inclusion of both racing and drifting tires allows for versatility in driving styles and surfaces.

The LED lights and water mist sprayer add a fun, visual element to your drifting sessions, although the mist effect is short-lived. The dual battery setup is a nice touch, providing longer play sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

While it may not reach the high speeds of some other models on this list, its more manageable pace could be a benefit for those just starting out in the world of RC drifting.

4. Remote Control Car RC Drift 2.4GHz 1:24 Scale 4WD

This 1:24 scale RC drift car packs a lot of features into a compact package. It’s designed to offer an accessible drifting experience for beginners while still providing enough performance to keep things exciting.

Pros

• Compact 1:24 scale suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• 4WD system for improved handling and drifting
• Includes both racing and drifting tires
• LED lights for night driving
• 2.4GHz remote control for interference-free operation
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Lower top speed (15 km/h) compared to larger models
• Shorter battery life (20-30 minutes per charge)
• Some users report inconsistent steering trim

This RC drift car is an excellent choice for beginners on a budget or those with limited space. Its smaller scale makes it ideal for indoor use, while still being capable of outdoor drifting. The inclusion of both racing and drifting tires adds versatility to your driving experience.

The 4WD system provides good traction and control, essential for learning drifting techniques. However, the lower top speed might leave some users wanting more as they improve their skills.

One potential drawback is the reported issue with steering trim consistency, which might require frequent adjustments. Despite this, the affordable price point and beginner-friendly features make this a solid entry-level option for RC drifting.

5. Liberty Imports RC Drift Car 1/24 2.4GHz 4WD

The Liberty Imports RC Drift Car is another 1:24 scale option that offers a good balance of features for beginners. This model focuses on providing a fun drifting experience with easy-to-use controls and durable construction.

Pros

• Full function controls including forward, backward, left/right turns
• Comes with both speed and drift tires
• LED lights for night driving
• 2.4GHz remote control for multi-car racing without interference
• Durable construction with reinforced body frame
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Lower top speed (15 km/h) may not satisfy more advanced users
• Shorter battery life (20-30 minutes per charge)
• Some users report the car being quite loud during operation

The Liberty Imports RC Drift Car is designed with beginners in mind, offering full function controls that are easy to master. The inclusion of both speed and drift tires allows users to experiment with different driving styles and surfaces.

Its reinforced body frame adds durability, which is particularly useful for beginners who may experience a few crashes while learning. The 2.4GHz remote control system ensures smooth operation even when multiple cars are being used simultaneously.

While the lower top speed and shorter battery life might be limitations for some, these factors can actually be beneficial for beginners who are still getting to grips with controlling their RC car. The main drawback reported by some users is the noise level during operation, which might be a consideration depending on where you plan to use the car.

6. Remote Control Sports Car, 1/43 Scale 2.4G Full Proportional RC

Rounding out our list is this tiny but mighty 1/43 scale RC drift car. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with full proportional controls and realistic design.

Pros

• Compact 1/43 scale perfect for indoor use
• Full proportional RC system for precise control
• Realistic car shell design
• Ready to run out of the box
• Includes rechargeable battery and USB charger
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Very small size may be challenging for some users to control
• Lower top speed (15 km/h) compared to larger models
• May not perform as well on rough surfaces due to its size

This mini RC drift car is an excellent choice for beginners who want to practice their skills in limited spaces. Its 1/43 scale makes it ideal for indoor use, while the full proportional RC system provides precise control necessary for drifting.

The realistic car shell design adds a touch of authenticity, making it appealing to car enthusiasts. Being ready to run out of the box with an included rechargeable battery and USB charger means you can start drifting right away.

However, its small size might be a double-edged sword. While great for indoor use, it may struggle on rougher outdoor surfaces. Additionally, some users might find it challenging to control due to its tiny dimensions. Despite these limitations, its affordable price point and beginner-friendly features make it a solid option for those just starting out in RC drifting.

Choosing the Right Beginner RC Drift Car: Factors to Consider

Now that we’ve explored our top 6 picks for beginner RC drift cars, let’s dive into some key factors you should consider when making your choice. Remember, the “best” car for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Scale and Size

RC drift cars come in various scales, from the tiny 1/43 to the larger 1/10 scale. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Smaller scales (1/43, 1/24): Ideal for indoor use or limited spaces. They’re often more affordable but may lack some of the performance capabilities of larger models.
• Medium scales (1/16, 1/14): Offer a good balance between size and performance. They can usually be used both indoors and outdoors.
• Larger scales (1/10): Provide the most realistic drifting experience but require more space to operate effectively.

Consider where you’ll be using your RC drift car most often when deciding on the scale.

Speed and Power

For beginners, having the fastest car isn’t always the best option. While high speeds can be exciting, they can also make the car more difficult to control, especially when you’re learning drifting techniques. Look for a car that offers a good balance of speed and control.

Brushed motors are often more than sufficient for beginners, while brushless motors offer higher performance but may be more challenging to handle at first.

Control System

A good control system is crucial for successful drifting. Look for cars with:

• 2.4GHz technology: This allows for interference-free operation, even when multiple cars are being used in the same area.
• Proportional steering and throttle: This gives you more precise control over your car’s movements.
• Gyroscope: Some models include a gyro system that helps stabilize the car, making drifting easier for beginners.

Durability and Build Quality

As a beginner, you’re likely to experience a few crashes as you learn to control your car. Look for models with:

• Sturdy chassis: Aluminum or strong plastic chassis can withstand impacts better.
• Reinforced body: A durable body shell will protect the internal components.
• Replaceable parts: Being able to easily replace worn or damaged parts will extend the life of your car.

Battery Life and Charging Time

Nobody wants their fun cut short by a dead battery. Consider:

• Battery life: Look for cars that offer at least 15-20 minutes of run time per charge.
• Charging time: Faster charging times mean less downtime between drifting sessions.
• Spare batteries: Some models come with spare batteries, allowing you to swap them out for extended play time.

Tips for Getting Started with RC Drift Cars

Once you’ve chosen your beginner RC drift car, it’s time to hit the track! Here are some tips to help you get started on your drifting journey.

Understanding the Basics of Drifting

Drifting is all about controlled oversteer. In simple terms, it’s about making your car slide sideways through a turn. Here are the basic steps:

1. Approach the turn at a moderate speed.
2. As you enter the turn, apply more throttle to break traction on the rear wheels.
3. Counter-steer (turn the front wheels in the opposite direction of the turn) to control the slide.
4. Modulate the throttle to maintain the drift through the turn.

It takes practice to get the timing and control right, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect!

Practicing Control and Technique

Start with these exercises to improve your drifting skills:

1. Straight line drifts: Practice initiating and controlling drifts on a straight path.
2. Figure 8s: Set up two markers and practice drifting in a figure 8 pattern around them.
3. Donuts: Practice continuous circular drifts around a single point.

Remember, smooth inputs on the controls will generally yield better results than jerky movements.

Maintaining Your RC Drift Car

Regular maintenance will keep your car performing at its best:

1. Clean your car after each use, especially if you’ve been drifting outdoors.
2. Check for any loose screws or damaged parts after each session.
3. Lubricate moving parts as recommended in your car’s manual.
4. Rotate or replace tires as they wear down.
5. Keep batteries charged, but avoid overcharging them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What’s the difference between RC drift cars and regular RC cars? 

A: RC drift cars are specifically designed for sliding sideways through turns. They typically have harder, low-traction tires and are set up with more steering angle to facilitate drifting. Regular RC cars are designed for grip and speed, with softer tires and different suspension setups.

2. Q: Can I use my RC drift car on any surface? 

A: While RC drift cars can be used on various surfaces, they perform best on smooth, hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Some models come with different tire sets for various surfaces. Avoid very rough or dirty surfaces as they can damage your car and make drifting difficult.

3. Q: How long does it take to learn RC drifting?

 A: The learning curve varies for each individual, but with regular practice, most beginners can start performing basic drifts within a few weeks. Mastering more complex techniques and achieving consistent, controlled drifts can take several months of dedicated practice.

4. Q: Are RC drift cars suitable for children? 

A: Many RC drift cars are suitable for older children and teenagers, typically those aged 14 and up. However, always check the manufacturer’s recommended age range. For younger children, consider slower, more durable models designed specifically for kids.

5. Q: How can I improve my RC drifting skills? 

A: Improving your RC drifting skills comes down to practice and technique. Start with basic maneuvers like straight-line drifts and figure-8s. Watch tutorial videos, join local RC clubs, and don’t be afraid to ask experienced drifters for tips. Remember, every great drifter started as a beginner!

Conclusion

RC drift cars offer an exciting and accessible way to experience the thrill of drifting. Whether you choose the high-performance HYPER GO 14301, the realistic MJX 14303 Citroen C3, or one of the more compact options

Whether you choose the high-performance HYPER GO 14301, the realistic MJX 14303 Citroen C3, or one of the more compact options like the 1/43 scale Remote Control Sports Car, each of these beginner RC drift cars offers a unique entry point into the world of RC drifting.

Remember, the best car for you depends on your specific needs, available space, and budget. Don’t be afraid to start with a more manageable model as you learn the basics of drifting. You can always upgrade to a more advanced car as your skills improve.

The key to mastering RC drifting is practice, patience, and persistence. Start slow, focus on control rather than speed, and gradually push your limits as you become more comfortable with your car. Before you know it, you’ll be pulling off impressive drifts and maybe even competing in local RC drift events!

So, pick your ride, find a suitable drifting spot, and get ready to experience the exhilarating world of RC drifting. It’s time to slide into your new hobby!