The 10 Best RC Nitro Cars
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Whether you're completely new to the world of RC racing or you're looking to graduate from electric motors to something with a little more jump, you'll find these nitro cars to be fast and furious. They rely on a nitromethane fuel mixture that results in exceptional performance, and we've ranked them here by their top speed, handling, durability, and maximum running time. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Traxxas Jato 3.3
2. Losi 1/8 4WD Buggy
3. HPI Racing Trophy 4.6 Buggy
Editor's Notes
November 18, 2020:
While a great deal of the models by Traxxas and others have been in high demand recently, and have suffered some backordering as a result, the models of theirs included in our previous ranking have remained. Redcat Racing, on the other hand, has had some notable turnover in their lineup, forcing us to replace a trio of their models. Two were supplanted by other Redcats in the Redcat Racing Earthquake Monster Truck and the highly adjustable Redcat Racing Volcano S30, while the third was replaced by the HSP Road Touring Drift.
The difference between most of our list and that HSP illustrates a particular difference in this category, namely that RC trucks that run on nitro are often superior in build and versatility to cars like the HPS, and knowing where exactly you intend to run your car or truck will be vital for choosing the right model. That HSP is outfitted with some pretty durable tires that could theoretically withstand use on tough terrain, but its ground clearance is an issue. Its low profile is one of the driving forces of its impressive speed and acceleration, but you'd better keep in on a flat, paved track if you don't want to be doing body work after every lap. Compare that to the Traxxas T-Maxx Monster Truck with its 4.2 inches of clearance and top speed comparable to the HSP, and you see how these trucks can be the best of both worlds.
February 20, 2019:
Traxxas and Redcat hold a lot of the positions on this list, mainly due to the reliability each company has established over the years. There are plenty of small moving parts in these vehicles, and a lot can go wrong, so grabbing a model from an unproven name is a surefire way to spend more time tinkering and less time racing. The Jato made its way toward the top primarily thanks to its speed, but there are also a few fantastic options if you're planning to encounter more hazardous terrain, like the T-Maxx with its enormous and trustworthy wheels.
4. Traxxas Revo
5. Traxxas T-Maxx Monster Truck
6. Traxxas Slash 2WD
7. Traxxas Slayer Pro 4X4
8. Redcat Racing Earthquake Monster Truck
9. HSP Road Touring Drift
10. Redcat Racing Volcano S30
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).