Cheap RC Drift Cars 1/10 Scale [A Comprehensive Guide]

Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

Hey there, adrenaline junkies and RC enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of RC drift cars? If you’ve been itching to get your hands on some sideways action without breaking the bank, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re going to explore six awesome and affordable 1/10 scale RC drift cars that’ll have you burning rubber (figuratively, of course) in no time.

But before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight: these aren’t your average toy cars. Oh no, my friends. We’re talking about miniature drift machines that’ll have you feeling like Dominic Toretto in your living room. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of budget-friendly RC drifting!

Our Top 3 picks

Feature	HSP RC Body Shell	WPL RC Car 1/10 Scale RC Kei Truck Suzuki	HSP Racing RC Drift Car 4WD 1:10 Electric Power
Type	Body shell only	4WD Kei Truck	4WD Drift Car
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Key Feature	Customizable shell	Unique Kei truck design	Purpose-built drift machine
Drive System	N/A (shell only)	4WD	4WD
Motor	N/A (shell only)	Not specified	Upgraded RC 540 Race Motor
Top Speed	N/A (shell only)	~20km/h	Not specified
Battery Life	N/A (shell only)	15-20 minutes	10-15 minutes
Controller	N/A (shell only)	Proportional controls	Not specified
Chassis Material	N/A (shell only)	Not specified	Plastic with some aluminum components
Suspension	N/A (shell only)	Not specified	Adjustable
Tires	N/A (shell only)	Not specified	Stock (upgrade recommended)
Best Surface	N/A (shell only)	Smooth surfaces and light off-road	Smooth surfaces
Waterproof	N/A (shell only)	Not specified	Not specified
Assembly Required	Yes (cutting and mounting)	Not specified	No (RTR)

What Are RC Drift Cars?

Now, for those of you who might be scratching your heads wondering, “What in the world is an RC drift car?”, let me break it down for you. RC drift cars are remote-controlled vehicles designed to slide sideways through turns, mimicking the drifting technique used in full-scale motorsports. It’s like regular RC racing got a shot of adrenaline and decided to go sideways!

These little beasts are typically built with:

• Specialized low-grip tires
• Four-wheel drive systems
• Powerful motors
• Adjustable suspension setups

All of these features come together to create a car that’s more slippery than a greased-up penguin on an ice rink. The result? Hours of tire-screeching, sideways-sliding fun that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Factors to Consider When Choosing RC Drift Cars

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s talk about what you should keep an eye out for when shopping for your perfect drift companion. After all, you wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first, right?

Scale: We’re focusing on 1/10 scale cars here. They’re a great balance between performance and affordability.

Drive System: Most drift cars are 4WD for better control, but some 2WD options exist for the brave.

Power Source: Electric is the way to go for beginners. They’re cleaner, quieter, and easier to maintain than nitro-powered cars.

Chassis: Look for something durable that can take a beating. Because let’s face it, you’re going to crash. A lot.

Customization Options: The ability to upgrade and modify your car is half the fun!

Price: We’re looking at budget-friendly options here, but remember, sometimes you get what you pay for.

Ready-to-Run (RTR) vs. Kit: For beginners, RTR is usually the way to go. You can hit the ground running (or drifting) right out of the box.

Top 6 Cheap RC Drift Cars 1/10 Scale Reviews

HSP RC Body Shell

Kicking off our list is the HSP RC Body Shell. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Wait a minute, this is just a body shell!” And you’d be right. But hear me out, because this little beauty is a game-changer for those of you who already have a chassis and want to give it a fresh new look.

Pros

• Customizable: This shell is a blank canvas for your creativity. Want to recreate your favorite drift car? Go for it!
• Lightweight: Made from durable PVC, it won’t weigh down your existing chassis.
• Versatile: Fits a variety of 1/10 scale chassis, including HSP, Redcat, and Exceed models.
• Affordable: A great way to breathe new life into your old RC car without breaking the bank.
• Includes Extras: Comes with stickers and a rear wing for that authentic drift car look.

Cons

• Assembly Required: You’ll need to cut holes for mounting and apply stickers yourself.
• Not a Complete Car: This is just a body shell, so you’ll need an existing chassis or buy one separately.
• Limited Compatibility: While it fits many models, it’s not universal. Double-check before buying.

WPL RC Car 1/10 Scale RC Kei Truck Suzuki

Next up, we’ve got something a little different. The WPL RC Car 1/10 Scale RC Kei Truck Suzuki is not your typical drift car, but boy, is it fun! This little truck brings a unique flavor to the drift scene.

Pros

• Unique Design: Stand out from the crowd with this adorable Kei truck design.
• 4WD System: Provides excellent traction and control for drifting.
• Realistic Details: From the intricate bodywork to the functional lights, this truck looks like it drove straight out of Japan.
• Versatile Performance: Great for drifting on smooth surfaces and light off-road action.
• Proportional Controls: Smooth acceleration and steering for precise drifting.

Cons

• Limited Top Speed: At about 20km/h, it’s not the fastest option out there.
• Learning Curve: The truck design might take some getting used to for drift beginners.
• Battery Life: With about 15-20 minutes of run time, you might want to invest in spare batteries.

HSP Racing RC Drift Car 4WD 1:10 Electric Power

Now we’re talking! The HSP Racing RC Drift Car is a purpose-built drift machine that’s ready to slide right out of the box.

Pros

• Full 4WD System: Excellent traction and control for precise drifting.
• Powerful Motor: The upgraded RC 540 Race Motor provides plenty of oomph for serious drifting.
• Adjustable Suspension: Customize your ride height and handling to suit your drifting style.
• Durable Construction: Aluminum components help this car withstand the inevitable crashes.
• Ready to Run: Comes with everything you need to start drifting immediately.

Cons

• Battery Life: The included NiMh battery provides about 10-15 minutes of run time.
• Plastic Chassis: While durable, it’s not as premium as some higher-end models.
• Stock Tires: You might want to upgrade to better drift tires for optimal performance.

Jada Toys Fast & Furious Han’s Mazda RX-7 Drift RC Car

For all you Fast & Furious fans out there, this one’s for you. The Jada Toys Fast & Furious Han’s Mazda RX-7 Drift RC Car lets you recreate your favorite Tokyo Drift scenes at home.

Pros

• Iconic Design: Accurate replica of Han’s RX-7 from Tokyo Drift.
• High-Performance Drifting: Designed specifically for smooth, controlled drifts.
• Extra Tires: Comes with an additional set of tires for extended play.
• Easy-to-Use Controller: The pistol grip controller is intuitive for beginners.
• Licensed Product: Perfect for collectors and Fast & Furious enthusiasts.

Cons

• Limited to Smooth Surfaces: Performs best on wood floors or smooth concrete.
• Short Battery Life: Approximately 10 minutes of play time per charge.
• Limited Steering Angle: Some users report difficulty with tight turns.

WPL D12 RC Car 1/10 RC Drift Car RTR

The WPL D12 brings us back to the world of mini trucks, but this time with a focus on drifting performance.

Pros

• Realistic Design: Looks like a miniature drift-ready pickup truck.
• Versatile Performance: Good for both drifting and light off-road use.
• Proportional Controls: Smooth acceleration and steering for precise handling.
• Durable Construction: Can handle crashes and rough play.
• Good Battery Life: Up to 30 minutes of play time on a single charge.

Cons

• Rear-Wheel Drive: Not as drift-ready as 4WD models out of the box.
• Stock Tires: May need upgrading for serious drifting.
• Assembly Required: Some users report needing to tighten screws before first use.

Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car

Last but certainly not least, we have the Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car. This little beast is ready to slide straight out of the box.

Pros

• Purpose-Built for Drifting: Comes with drift tires and tuned suspension.
• 4WD System: Excellent control and power distribution for smooth drifts.
• Highly Adjustable: Customize toe angle, camber, ride height, and more.
• Durable Construction: Aluminum top plate adds rigidity to the chassis.
• Waterproof Electronics: Can handle light moisture (but don’t go swimming with it!).

Cons

• Complex for Beginners: The high adjustability can be overwhelming for newbies.
• Battery Life: About 10-15 minutes of run time on the included battery.
• Loud Operation: Some users report that the drivetrain is noisier than expected.

Tips for Getting Started with RC Drift Cars

So, you’ve picked your poison and you’re ready to start drifting. Awesome! But before you go all Fast and Furious on your living room floor, here are some tips to help you get started:

Start Slow: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t become a drift king overnight. Take your time to get a feel for your car’s handling.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Find a smooth, open area and set up some obstacles to drift around. Old CDs make great makeshift pylons!

Upgrade Your Tires: The stock tires on many of these cars aren’t ideal for drifting. Consider upgrading to proper drift tires for better performance.

Master the Throttle: Smooth throttle control is key to maintaining a drift. Practice feathering the throttle to keep your car sideways.

Learn to Counter-steer: Just like in full-size drifting, you’ll need to turn into the drift to maintain control.

Join a Community: There are tons of RC drift communities online. Join one to get tips, share experiences, and maybe even find local meetups.

Invest in Spare Parts: Trust me, you’re going to crash. Having spare parts on hand will keep you drifting instead of waiting for repairs.

Remember, the key to getting good at RC drifting is the same as getting good at anything else – practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. And trust me, there will be mistakes. Lots of them. But that’s half the fun!

Maintenance and Care for Your RC Drift Car

Now that you’re well on your way to becoming the next RC drift sensation, let’s talk about keeping your little speed demon in tip-top shape. After all, a well-maintained car is a happy car, and a happy car means more drifting fun for you!

Clean Regularly: After each session, give your car a good once-over with a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris.

Check and Tighten Screws: Drifting can shake things loose. Make it a habit to check and tighten all screws regularly.

Lubricate Moving Parts: A little bit of RC-specific oil on bearings and moving parts can go a long way in extending your car’s life.

Inspect Tires: Drift tires wear out quickly. Check them regularly and rotate or replace as needed.

Battery Care: Always follow proper charging procedures. Don’t overcharge, and never leave batteries charging unattended.

Store Properly: Keep your car in a cool, dry place when not in use. Consider removing the battery for long-term storage.

Upgrade Wisely: When upgrading parts, make sure they’re compatible with your specific model.

Remember, a little bit of preventative maintenance can save you from a lot of headaches (and wallet-aches) down the road. Treat your RC drift car right, and it’ll reward you with hours of sideways fun!

FAQs

Can I use these RC drift cars outdoors? 

While most of these cars can be used outdoors, they perform best on smooth, flat surfaces. Rough terrain can damage the cars and affect their drifting capabilities.

How long does the battery typically last?

Battery life varies by model, but most of the cars listed here will run for about 10-20 minutes on a single charge. It’s always a good idea to have spare batteries on hand!

Are these cars suitable for children?

 While RC cars can be fun for kids, most of these models are recommended for ages 14 and up due to their speed and complexity. Always supervise younger children when using RC cars.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! We’ve drifted our way through six awesome and affordable RC drift cars, each with its own unique charm and capabilities. Whether you’re looking to customize an existing chassis with the HSP RC Body Shell, channel your inner Han with the Fast & Furious RX-7, or dive headfirst into the world of adjustable drifting with the Redcat Racing EPX, there’s something here for every budget and skill level.

Remember, the world of RC drifting is all about having fun and expressing your creativity. Don’t get too caught up in having the “best” or most expensive car. At the end of the day, it’s your skill and passion that’ll make the difference between a good drift and a great one.

So what are you waiting for? Grab one of these budget-friendly beauties, find a smooth surface, and start sliding! Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining about the constant sound of tiny tires screeching at all hours of the night. Happy drifting!