| By definition, radio controlled (RC) cars are powered | | | | rarely need tuning or repair. They aren’t able to |
| model cars driven from a distance via a radio control | | | | reach some of the speeds that the nitro vehicles can, |
| system. The introduction of ready-to-run (RTR) radio | | | | but they have more power and are bigger. They |
| controlled cars has expanded the marketing | | | | downside of these gassers is their price, which can be |
| demographic. This allows men and women of all ages | | | | as high as $3,000, more than both electric and nitro RC |
| to buy and drive their RC cars without complicated | | | | cars. |
| assembly. | | | | Electric cars are considered by enthusiasts to be toy |
| The first RC cars were released in the mid 1960’s | | | | models. This misconception stems from the fact that |
| by Elettronica Giocattoli. The first model available for | | | | most children’s RC cars are electrically powered. |
| commercial sale was a Ferrari 250LM. Since then, | | | | There are many RTR and assembly kit RC vehicles |
| engineers from all around the world have contributed | | | | that are electrically powered. They have decent |
| to what we now know as the RC car. There are two | | | | power and speeds. These cars are more geared for |
| basic types of hobby-grade radio controlled vehicles, | | | | beginner and less dedicated RC car fans. Price is the |
| nitro-powered and gas-powered. | | | | biggest factor involved in buying electric RC cars. Their |
| Nitro-powered RC cars run more similarly to full-size | | | | price range varies around $50 to $100 dollars. Battery |
| vehicles than their electric counterparts. The throaty | | | | packs and chargers are usually required purchases to |
| sound of the engine is one of the biggest selling points | | | | run an electric powered RC car. |
| for nitro-powered RC cars. They are also able to run | | | | With the wide selection and varying grades of RC |
| for much greater lengths of time than electric RC cars, | | | | cars, including RTR models, it is easy for anyone to |
| which are considered to be toys. They are made with | | | | get started. Many websites offer cheaper prices and |
| more durable parts and have considerable power. | | | | a wider variety than retail stores. There are also used |
| RC Cars that run on gasoline (“fuelies” or | | | | accessories and vehicles that can be purchased for a |
| “gassers“) run on a pre-mixed combination of oil | | | | hobbyist on a budget. Lots of information is also |
| and gasoline, similar to lawnmowers and other small | | | | available to help you purchase your first or most |
| engines. Gassers have an extremely long lifespan and | | | | recent RC vehicle. |