An electric RC car racing in the dirt

Is There a Difference Between Gas vs. Electric RC Cars?

- Laegendary Brand Team

The debate between Gas vs. Electric RC cars has always been heated. If you ask a group of people for their opinion, you will always get varying answers. The truth is that there's no correct answer. Both types of RC cars offer a great driving experience, and it all boils down to their unique differences.

So, whether you're an experienced or beginner RC car hobbyist, you should choose based on the operation efficiency and performance you're looking for. You should also consider the features you prioritize and the model to deliver them at your preferred budget.

This guide will give you a detailed description of what both cars have to offer, including their pros and cons and their main differences. Let's dive right in!

Pros and Cons of Gas-Powered RC Cars

If you're an RC car enthusiast, you already know how difficult it is to choose the perfect car. There are various models, sizes, and shapes to choose from, all of which can be used for either off-road or on-road driving.

When it comes to Gas-powered RC cars, most are scaled-down replicas or versions of the actual vehicle. Driving them is thrilling as it would be if you were driving the life-sized version. If you're still not decided whether you should go for a Gas-powered RC car, here's an overview of its benefits and drawbacks.

Pros of Using Gas-Powered RC Cars

Gas-powered RC cars have various benefits you can not ignore:

  • Reliability: Gas-powered RC motors are more reliable than Electric-powered cars. This is because they are more mechanical and water resilient than their Electric counterparts. For instance, when running an Electric-powered RC vehicle, you will have to be cautious around water deposits to not damage it. With a Gas-powered system, this is a non-issue.
  • Equips you with skills:  If you want to learn tuning and care-taking skills, Gas-powered RCs are ideal. This is because they need to be maintained and have a tuned engine to function efficiently. Therefore, you'll be able to learn mechanical skills that will come in handy when dealing with an actual car. 
  • Faster speed and more power: Admit it: one of the things you look for in an RC car is speed and power. Well, gas-powered RC cars are winning on this front. Using actual Gasoline to power your RC car makes it more powerful and faster than other RC vehicles. You will, however, need to constantly replenish it and keep your tank full. 
  • There will be no time-outs due to a lack of power: Don't you just hate it when you have to stop your session due to power? With gas-powered RC cars, you won't have to worry about running out of Gasoline or taking breaks. 

You also won't have to worry about recharging your battery as long as you replenish your petrol tank. This ultimately means that you will never have to abandon a race because your batteries have died.

  1. Realism: The most significant benefit of these cars is that they add realism to your RC car. There's nothing as thrilling as looking at your RC car as it's emitting smoke and making a satisfying hefty starting noise. It closely resembles an actual automobile. 

So, if you desire your RC car to look more like a real car, you should go for a Gas powering system.

Cons of Using Gas-Powered RC Cars

Much as there are numerous advantages to owning a Gas-powered RC car, there are a few drawbacks. 

  • The learning curve: Worrying about the tune and petrol refills is annoying if you are a beginner. So, if you hope for an enjoyable and relaxing time, this is not for you.
  • Time-consuming when starting: To start the car, you will need to take multiple steps involving tools and extra accessories that may be absent from your vehicle.
  • Constant maintenance: After each run, you must perform standard maintenance such as cleaning the engine and changing the glow plugs, which can be exhausting at times. 
  • Gas is Costly: Finally, Gasoline is expensive. So, you need to be ready to invest in your RC car. 

Pros and Cons of Electric RC Cars

Electric RC cars have been gaining popularity among hobbyists, and it's not hard to see why. They are convenient and low maintenance. If you're thinking of getting one, here's a quick overview of the pros and cons. 

Pros of Electric RC Cars

  • The ease of use: Electricity Remote Controlled cars are easy to use. With other RC cars, you have to follow detailed instructions before using them, which is sometimes frustrating. Electric RC cars, on the other hand, merely require suitable batteries to operate.
  • You can easily operate it: This is why they are highly preferred by beginners.  
  • They are cost-effective: Going for an electric version of a remote-controlled vehicle will cost you less than gas-powered models where you constantly have to pay for fuel to keep it running.
  • More environment friendly: You can use Electric RC cars indoors because they do not emit toxic substances into the environment. On the other hand, Gas-powered cars create a lot of noise even when they're not running and emit smoke as they operate, which is harmful to the environment

Cons of Electric RC Cars

  1. You must replace the battery pack in the car or recharge the existing one once the battery time is depleted. Additionally, your driving time is limited by the battery pack's capacity.
  2. Battery packs are expensive. You will need to purchase extra battery packs to extend your driving time.
  3. The initial setup expenditures for an Electric RC car are higher than for a Gas RC car.
  4. The speed of Electric RC cars is slower than that of Gas RC cars. If you want to match the speed of a Gas engine, you will need a more powerful motor and engine.

Gas vs. Electric RC Cars: What Are the Differences?

To understand the differences between Gas and Electric RC cars, you need to first analyze their features.

Electric RC Cars

  • Powered by a rechargeable battery.
  • Compared to Gas Cars, they require less maintenance.
  • You can use Electric RC cars indoors.
  • Cleaner than Gas Cars, and no engine adjustment is needed.
  • Running costs are usually lower.
  • Compared to Gas Automobiles, these cars are much quieter and almost silent.
  • Electric automobiles are much faster than upgraded Gas cars. 

Gas RC Cars

  • Powered by fuel
  • Compared to Electric vehicles, they are driven for more extended periods. You fill it up when your automobile runs out of Gas and resume driving. There's no need to wait for a battery to charge!
  • Running Gas automobiles indoors results in hazardous exhaust fumes that contaminate the air.
  • More maintenance and repair work is required.
  • If you want to race, you will need someone to refuel your car in the middle of the race.

Gas vs. Electric RC Cars: Which Is Better for Racing?

Everyone has their own opinion on which car is suitable for racing so let's see what each vehicle has to offer. 

RC cars that run on Electricity are faster than those that run on Gasoline. Electric cars with LiPo batteries and brushless motors are also faster than Gas RC cars, reaching over 100 mph.

Gas or nitro RC cars are excellent for a more authentic driving experience. On the other hand, Electric vehicles take the trophy in terms of car speed and cost-efficiency.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned RC vehicle enthusiast, the question of whether to go with Gas or Electric will always come up. The answer is determined by the level of performance and efficiency you anticipate from your RC car. 

FAQS

When it comes to choosing Gas-powered RC Cars vs. Electric RC Cars, you should consider the following:

Which RC has a faster top speed: Gas or Electric?

Surprisingly, it is challenging to decide between the two technologies in most circumstances. Regardless of the underlying machinery that powers them, vehicles must perform within a specific tolerance. Gas RC motors, however, last longer before being recharged.

Which is Better for Beginners: Gas vs. Electric RC?

Novices should stick with Electric models. If you have a bit more experience or a desire to modify the engine and learn more about the mechanics, you should go for Gas models. Adjusting and driving a Gas vehicle, however, requires more patience, but if you love working on it, you'll find it to be a gratifying experience.

Which is Faster: Electric or Gas RC?

Generally, Gas will always be the fastest fuel source. However, because they're so good and tend to dominate on long and short tracks, some RC racing organizations have outlawed them.

If all other factors are equal, a vehicle driven by liquid fuels will always be faster than an Electric Car. It's not much of a competition assuming they're all running properly, though there are some incredibly fast Electric vehicles that are so quick off the line that this is beginning to change.

Gas-Powered RC Cars vs. Electric RC Cars: Which One Should You Go For?

Eventually, it's all about what features you want in your RC car and which model can provide them. Let us help you with your RC car needs. Contact us today for an interactive engagement!