Average RC Car Speed – (With 30 Examples Mph, KM/h)

Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by

RC or radio-controlled cars are miniature vehicles operated remotely using a transmitter. They are a popular hobby for both children and adults and come in various shapes, sizes, and types.

The first RC car was created in the 1960s, and since then, the technology and capabilities of these vehicles have greatly improved. Today, RC cars can reach high speeds, perform stunts, and even compete in races.

Average RC Car Speeds

The average speed of an RC car can vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle and the factors that affect its speed, such as the battery type and capacity, motor type and power, gear ratio, weight and size, terrain and surface, and wind conditions. Here is a table that lists some common types of RC cars and their average speeds:

Brand	Model	Average Speed (mph)	Average Speed (km/h)
Traxxas	TRX-4	9	15
HPI Racing	Mini Recon	15	24
Traxxas	Summit	23	32
Traxxas	Stampede	30	48
HPI Racing	Blitz	30	48
Traxxas	Bigfoot	30	48
Traxxas	Slash Brushed	30	48
HPI Racing	E-Firestorm	31	50
Traxxas	Rustler	35	56
Traxxas	Bandit	35	56
HPI Racing	Bullet Flux	39	62
Traxxas	T-Maxx Classic	40	64
HPI Racing	Trophy Truggy Flux	42	67
Losi	Ten-SCTE	45	72
Traxxas	Revo 3.3 (Nitro)	45	72
Traxxas	T-Maxx 3.3	45	72
Losi	8IGHT-E	50	80
ARRMA	KRATON 4s	55	88
ARRMA	KRATON 8s	55	88
HPI Racing	WR8 FLUX	60	97
ARRMA	KRATON 6s	61	98
HPI Racing	Savage Flux	62	100
HPI Racing	Vorza Flux	64	103
HPI Racing	Savage XS Flux	65	104
Traxxas	Rustler VXL w/TSM	70	112
HPI Racing	E-Firestorm Flux	77	123
Traxxas	XO-1	100	160

It’s important to note that these are just rough estimates and that the actual speed of an RC car may vary based on the specific model and its capabilities. Some high-performance RC cars can reach speeds of over 100 mph, while others may have slower speeds depending on their design and intended use.

In addition, it’s worth noting that the speeds of RC cars are quite modest compared to full-size cars. The average speed of a full-size car is around 65 mph, while the fastest production car in the world, the Bugatti Chiron, can reach speeds of over 250 mph.

Factors that Affect RC Car Speed

Several factors can affect the speed of an RC car. Some of the most important ones include the following:

1. Battery type and capacity: The type and capacity of the battery can greatly influence the speed and power of an RC car. LiPo (lithium-polymer) batteries are often considered the best option for high-performance RC cars because they are lightweight and have a high energy density, allowing them to deliver a lot of power quickly.
2. Motor type and power: The motor is the heart of an RC car, and the type and power of the motor can greatly affect the vehicle’s speed. Brushless motors are generally more efficient and provide more power than brushed motors, and higher-wattage motors will produce more power and faster speeds.
3. Gear ratio: The gear ratio determines the number of times the motor must turn for the wheels to make one full rotation. A lower gear ratio will result in more torque and slower speeds, while a higher gear ratio will produce less torque and faster speeds.
4. Weight and size of the RC car: The weight and size of the RC car can also affect its speed. Lighter vehicles will generally be faster than heavier ones, and larger vehicles may be slower due to increased wind resistance.
5. Terrain and surface: The type of terrain and surface on which the RC car is driven can also affect its speed. Hard, smooth surfaces generally provide better traction and faster speeds, while rough or uneven surfaces may slow the vehicle down.
6. Wind conditions: Wind can significantly impact an RC car’s speed, especially if it is lightweight. Strong winds can slow the car down or cause it to lose control.

RC car speed calculator

Variable	Description	Example
Battery type and capacity	The battery’s type and capacity can affect the RC car’s speed and power.	LiPo battery with a capacity of 7,000 mAh
Motor type and power	The type and power of the motor can affect the speed of the RC car	Brushless motor with a power output of 1,000 watts
Gear ratio	The gear ratio determines the number of times the motor must turn for the wheels to make one full rotation	16:1 gear ratio
Weight and size	The weight and size of the RC car can affect its speed, with lighter vehicles generally being faster.	RC car weighing 2 pounds and measuring 8 inches long
Terrain and surface	The type of terrain and surface that the RC car is driven on can affect its speed, with hard, smooth surfaces providing better traction	Racing on a flat, smooth asphalt track
Wind conditions	Strong winds can slow the RC car down or cause it to lose control	Driving in wind speeds of 15 mph

Example Calculation:

Suppose we have an RC car with a LiPo battery with a capacity of 7,000 mAh, a brushless motor with a power output of 1,000 watts, a 16:1 gear ratio, a weight of 2 pounds, and it is driven on a flat, smooth asphalt track in wind speeds of 15 mph. In that case, we can estimate that the average speed of the RC car would be around 35 mph.

Tips for Increasing RC Car Speed

If you’re looking to increase the speed of your RC car, there are a few things you can try:

1. Upgrade batteries and motors: As mentioned earlier, the type and power of the battery and motor can greatly affect the speed of an RC car. Upgrading to a higher-capacity LiPo battery and a more powerful motor can help increase the speed of your vehicle.
2. Adjust the gear ratio: Changing the gear ratio can also affect the speed of an RC car. A higher gear ratio will result in faster speeds but less torque, while a lower gear ratio will produce more torque but slower speeds. Experimenting with different gear ratios can help you find the right balance for your RC car.
3. Reduce weight: Every extra ounce on your RC car will add resistance and slow it down. Removing any unnecessary weight, such as excess body panels or batteries, can help increase the speed of your vehicle.
4. Choose the right tires: The type of tires you use can also affect the speed of your RC car. Harder compound tires will generally provide better traction and allow for faster speeds, while softer compound tires may provide more grip but result in slower speeds.
5. Proper maintenance and cleaning: Proper maintenance and cleaning can help ensure that your RC car runs at its best. Keeping the battery charged, the motor clean, and the gears well-lubricated can all help improve the speed and performance of your vehicle.

It’s important to note that increasing the speed of your RC car may also increase the risk of accidents or damage. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and take appropriate safety precautions when operating your RC car at high speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

conclusion

In conclusion, the average speed of an RC car can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the battery type and capacity, motor type and power, gear ratio, weight and size of the vehicle, terrain and surface, and wind conditions.

Touring and drift cars tend to have the highest average speeds, reaching around 30-40 mph, while monster trucks and rock crawlers are generally slower, with speeds of around 20-30 mph and 10-15 mph, respectively.

While the speeds of RC cars may seem modest compared to full-size cars, there are ways to increase the speed of your RC car by upgrading the batteries and motors, adjusting the gear ratio, reducing weight, choosing the right tires, and properly maintaining and cleaning the vehicle.

Overall, the average speed of an RC car can provide plenty of excitement and entertainment for hobbyists. The potential for even higher speeds is there with the right modifications and care.