Best nitro RC car for beginners [Our Top 5 Picks!]

Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

Are you a beginner looking to get into the exciting world of nitro RC cars? Look no further! In this article, we will be reviewing the top 5 best nitro RC cars for beginners. Nitro RC cars offer a thrilling driving experience unmatched by electric RC cars. They require a little more maintenance and setup, but the rewards are well worth it. We will also provide a buying guide to help you decide which nitro RC car is the best fit for you. Lastly, we have included a list of frequently asked questions to address any additional concerns you may have.

1. Losi 8IGHT Nitro RTR RC Car

The Losi RC Car 8IGHT Nitro RTR is a top choice for beginners, as it comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box. It’s a 1/8 scale 4-wheel drive buggy that can handle rough terrain and high speeds. The nitromethane fuel dispenser and glow igniter are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.

Pros:

• It comes with a durable and lightweight chassis for improved handling and performance.
• Adjustable suspension for a customizable driving experience.
• High-quality aluminum parts for durability and reliability.
• 4-wheel drive system for improved traction and stability.

Cons:

• Nitromethane fuel dispenser and glow igniter are not included.
• It may require some assembly.

#2. HSP Roadwi 4WD RC Car

The HSP Roadwi 4WD RC Car is a 1:10 scale touring drift car that is perfect for beginners. It has a two-speed transmission and a 4-wheel drive system that allows for high-speed drifting and touring. The included 2.4GHz radio system provides reliable and interference-free control.

Pros:

• Two-speed transmission for added versatility.
• 4-wheel drive system for improved traction and stability.
• Reliable 2.4GHz radio system for interference-free control.
• Durable and lightweight chassis for improved handling and performance.

Cons:

• Nitromethane fuel and oil are not included.
• It may require some assembly.

#3. Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3: Powered Monster Truck

The Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 is a 1/10 scale 4-wheel drive monster truck that is perfect for beginners. It’s powered by a 3.3-horsepower engine that delivers plenty of power and speed. The TQi 2.4GHz radio system provides reliable and interference-free control, and the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system helps to keep the truck stable and under control at high speeds.

Pros:

• 3.3-horsepower engine for robust and fast performance.
• Reliable TQi 2.4GHz radio system for interference-free control.
• Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system for improved stability and control at high speeds.
• Durable and rugged design for rough terrain.

Cons:

• Nitromethane fuel and oil are not included.
• It may require some assembly.

#4. Losi nitro RC Truck

The Losi RC Truck 1/5 5IVE-T 2.0 V2 is a 4-wheel drive short course truck that is perfect for beginners. It has a durable, lightweight design that can handle rough terrain and high speeds. The transmitter, receiver, charger, fuel, and 2-cycle oil are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.

Pros:

• 4-wheel drive system for improved traction and stability.
• Durable and lightweight design for improved handling and performance.
• Adjustable suspension for a customizable driving experience.
• High-quality aluminum parts for durability and reliability.

Cons:

• The transmitter, receiver, charger, fuel, and 2-cycle oil are not included.
• It may require some assembly.

#5. Traxxas Nitro Rustler: 2WD Stadium Truck

The Traxxas Nitro Rustler is a 2-wheel drive stadium truck that is perfect for beginners. It’s powered by a 2.5-horsepower engine that delivers plenty of power and speed. The TQi 2.4GHz radio system provides reliable and interference-free control, and the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system helps to keep the truck stable and under control at high speeds.

Pros:

• 2.5-horsepower engine for powerful and fast performance.
• Reliable TQi 2.4GHz radio system for interference-free control.
• Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system for improved stability and control at high speeds.
• Durable and rugged design for rough terrain.

Cons:

• Nitromethane fuel and oil are not included.
• It may require some assembly.

How do I start a nitro RC car?

Starting a nitro RC car can initially seem intimidating, but with a little practice, it’s a relatively simple process. Here are the steps for starting a nitro RC car:

1. Mix the nitromethane fuel and oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Nitro RC cars run on a mixture of nitromethane fuel and oil, and it’s important to mix these two components in the proper ratio. The manufacturer’s instructions will specify the recommended ratio of fuel to oil.
2. Fill the fuel tank with the fuel mixture. Once you’ve mixed the fuel and oil, pour it into the car’s fuel tank. Be sure not to overfill the tank, as this can cause the fuel to spill out and make a mess.
3. Install the glow plug igniter and connect it to the battery. The glow plug igniter is a small device that fits into the spark plug hole of the engine. It’s used to preheat the spark plug before starting the engine. To install the igniter, push it into the spark plug hole until it clicks into place.
4. Pull the starter cord to start the engine. The starter cord is a long, thin rope that is used to start the engine manually. To start the engine, pull the cord gently until the engine starts. It may take a few tries to get the engine started, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t start on the first try.
5. Adjust the throttle and steering as needed. Once the engine is started, you can use the throttle and steering controls to adjust the speed and direction of the car.

Starting a nitro RC car may take some practice, but with a little patience and persistence, you’ll be able to get the hang of it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions when starting and operating your nitro RC car.

How do I maintain a nitro RC car?

Maintaining a nitro RC car is important to ensure that it runs smoothly and performs at its best. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain a nitro RC car:

1. Check the fuel level regularly and refill the tank as needed. Nitro RC cars require a mixture of nitromethane fuel and oil to run, and it’s important to make sure that the fuel tank is always filled with enough fuel.
2. Replace the air filter element periodically. The air filter element helps to keep dirt and debris out of the engine, and it should be replaced every few months or as needed.
3. Check the tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure. Proper tire pressure is important for optimal traction and handling.
4. Clean the car after each use. Remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated on the car, and clean the air filter element.
5. Check the car for any loose or damaged parts. Any parts that are loose or damaged should be tightened or replaced as needed to ensure the car is running smoothly.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance. This may include periodic engine tune-ups, cleaning the carburetor, and replacing the spark plug.
7. Store the car properly when not in use. Nitro RC cars should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your nitro RC car is running at its best and providing hours of driving fun.

Buying Guide

When shopping for the best nitro RC car for beginners, there are a few key factors to consider:

Brand:

Some of the best nitro RC car brands for beginners include Traxxas, Losi, and HSP. These brands offer high-quality and reliable products that are suitable for beginners.

Engine:

Nitro RC cars are powered by engines that run on a mixture of nitromethane fuel and oil. The size of the engine, measured in horsepower, determines the power and speed of the car. A smaller engine (around 2.5 horsepower) is typically recommended for beginners.

Scale:

Nitro RC cars are available in different scales, ranging from 1/5 to 1/10. The scale refers to the size of the car, with a larger scale corresponding to a larger car. For beginners, a smaller scale (around 1/10) is typically recommended.

Drive System:

Nitro RC cars are available with either a 2-wheel drive or a 4-wheel drive system. A 4-wheel drive system offers improved traction and stability, making it a better choice for rough terrain.

Radio System:

The radio system is what allows you to control the car remotely. Look for a 2.4GHz radio system, as this provides reliable and interference-free control.

FAQs:

What is a nitro RC car?

A nitro RC car is a radio-controlled car that runs on a mixture of nitromethane fuel and oil. Nitro RC cars offer a more realistic and powerful driving experience compared to electric RC cars.

What is the best nitro RC car brand for beginners?

Some of the best nitro RC car brands for beginners include Traxxas, Losi, and HSP. These brands offer high-quality and reliable products that are suitable for beginners.

What is the best nitro RC engine for beginners?

A smaller nitro RC engine (around 2.5 horsepower) is typically recommended for beginners. This will provide enough power and speed without overwhelming the beginner driver.

Are nitro RC cars more expensive than electric RC cars?

In general, nitro RC cars tend to be more expensive than electric RC cars due to the cost of the nitromethane fuel and oil required to run them. However, electric RC cars may require more frequent battery replacements, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.

What is the best Traxxas RC car for beginners?

The Traxxas Nitro Rustler is a good choice for beginners, as it offers powerful and fast performance and reliable and interference-free control.

Can beginners handle nitro RC cars?

While nitro RC cars may be more challenging for beginners to handle due to their power and speed, with proper instruction and practice, most beginners can learn to handle them safely.

What is a beginner nitro RC car kit?

A beginner nitro RC car kit is a complete package that includes everything you need to get started with nitro RC car driving. These kits typically include the car, engine, radio system, fuel, and any other necessary components.

Do I need to assemble a nitro RC car?

Some nitro RC cars may require partial or full assembly. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided in the manual to ensure that the car is properly assembled and ready to run.

Conclusion

If you’re a beginner in the world of RC cars, a nitro RC car is a great choice for a more realistic and powerful driving experience. The top 5 best nitro RC cars for beginners reviewed in this article are the Losi RC Car 8IGHT Nitro RTR, HSP Roadwi 4WD RC Car 1:10 On Road Touring Drift Two Speed Nitro Power Vehicle (Blue), Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3: Powered 4WD Maxx Monster Truck (1/10 Scale), Red, Losi RC Truck 1/5 5IVE-T 2.0 V2 4 Wheel Drive SCT Gas BND Transmitter Receiver Charger Fuel and 2-Cycle Oil Not Included Gray/Blue/White LOS05014V2T1, and the Traxxas Nitro Rustler: 2WD Stadium Truck with TQi 2.4 GHz Radio & TSM (1/10 Scale), Blue. When shopping for the best nitro RC car for beginners, be sure to consider the brand, engine size, scale, drive system, and radio system. A nitro RC car can provide hours of exciting and thrilling driving fun with proper care and maintenance.