Nitro RC Truck & Car Reviews
The Losi RC Car 8IGHT Nitro 1:8 4-Wheel Drive Buggy is a high-performing and durable nitro-powered RC, designed for experienced hobbyists and racing enthusiasts. It’s equipped with a convenient pull-start so you don’t need to buy a starter box.
With a powerful engine and a 4WD system, this buggy offers exceptional speed, acceleration and handling capabilities. As it’s pre-assembled, it arrives ready to run straight out of the box, so there’s no head-scratching trying to put it together.
I was most impressed with the durability of this buggy. It’s made from high-quality materials, with a 4 mm 6061-T6 aluminum chassis plate that enables it to withstand rough driving. There’s pre-set suspension although this can be adjusted, and 15 mm adjustable oil-filled shocks that ensure driving is smooth.
The Gen III radio tray prolongs steering and throttle servo life, which again reduces the amount of wear and tear on the vehicle.
As your skills progress, you can gradually upgrade the vehicle’s performance with 8IGHT parts, which are very easy to source.
There aren’t many drawbacks, but one thing to note is the cost. This is at the pricier end of those I’ve recommended, and although the quality is very good, this may be enough to put off those on a budget. Regular maintenance and tuning of course are essential with any nitro-fueled RC.
I had a lot of fun testing this buggy and if you’ve got the budget, it’s worth the higher cost. It offers superior durability, performance and customization options than others I’ve tested.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:8
- Max. Speed
- 72 kph
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
The Losi RC Car 8IGHT Nitro 1:8 4-Wheel Drive Buggy is a high-performing and durable nitro-powered RC, designed for experienced hobbyists and racing enthusiasts. It’s equipped with a convenient pull-start so you don’t need to buy a starter box.
With a powerful engine and a 4WD system, this buggy offers exceptional speed, acceleration and handling capabilities. As it’s pre-assembled, it arrives ready to run straight out of the box, so there’s no head-scratching trying to put it together.
I was most impressed with the durability of this buggy. It’s made from high-quality materials, with a 4 mm 6061-T6 aluminum chassis plate that enables it to withstand rough driving. There’s pre-set suspension although this can be adjusted, and 15 mm adjustable oil-filled shocks that ensure driving is smooth.
The Gen III radio tray prolongs steering and throttle servo life, which again reduces the amount of wear and tear on the vehicle.
As your skills progress, you can gradually upgrade the vehicle’s performance with 8IGHT parts, which are very easy to source.
There aren’t many drawbacks, but one thing to note is the cost. This is at the pricier end of those I’ve recommended, and although the quality is very good, this may be enough to put off those on a budget. Regular maintenance and tuning of course are essential with any nitro-fueled RC.
I had a lot of fun testing this buggy and if you’ve got the budget, it’s worth the higher cost. It offers superior durability, performance and customization options than others I’ve tested.
Pros
- Powerful engine and 4WD system means it’s a lot of fun to use and very powerful
- Constructed using high-quality materials so it should withstand rough driving
- Being a RTR model, it’s ideal for beginners who want to get started quickly
- It’s easy to fine-tune and upgrade, for instance, users can adjust the suspension and shock depending on the track conditions
Cons
- Fairly costly when compared to other cars
- Requires regular maintenance and tuning
If you’re after high-speed thrills, the Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD Short Course Racing Truck 1:10 is well worth considering. This 2WD truck can reach speeds of up to 50mph! It has an officially licensed racing replica body and tires and comes in a 1/10 scale.
As you’d expect from a brand like Traxxas, this truck is equipped with quality components that make it even more thrilling to drive, including high-torque steering and throttle servos, high-flow dual-stage air filters and a tuned exhaust system.
The build quality is excellent but while rough driving shouldn’t pose too many problems, the sheer speed of this truck means that you should try to avoid crashing!
There’s also stability management which helps prevent accidents. This allows for arrow-straight acceleration, even on slippery surfaces, with no spins or loss of control.
It has a large 150 cc fuel tank that keeps the action going for longer, and the electric starting system means it can be started with just the press of a button. It comes with all you need to get going (apart from fuel), including a starter control box, extra glow plug, tool kit and fuel dispensing bottle.
I’m a firm believer that any RC enthusiast will adore this racing truck but it’s worth noting that breaking in does take a bit of time and needs to be undertaken with care. I also wouldn’t recommend this truck for beginners, purely due to the speed.
All things considered, I was just as pleased with this racing truck as I have been with several other Traxxas products. It’s fast, powerful and has a very good-quality build.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:10
- Max. Speed
- 80 kph
- Charge Time
- 45 mins
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 2WD
If you’re after high-speed thrills, the Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD Short Course Racing Truck 1:10 is well worth considering. This 2WD truck can reach speeds of up to 50mph! It has an officially licensed racing replica body and tires and comes in a 1/10 scale.
As you’d expect from a brand like Traxxas, this truck is equipped with quality components that make it even more thrilling to drive, including high-torque steering and throttle servos, high-flow dual-stage air filters and a tuned exhaust system.
The build quality is excellent but while rough driving shouldn’t pose too many problems, the sheer speed of this truck means that you should try to avoid crashing!
There’s also stability management which helps prevent accidents. This allows for arrow-straight acceleration, even on slippery surfaces, with no spins or loss of control.
It has a large 150 cc fuel tank that keeps the action going for longer, and the electric starting system means it can be started with just the press of a button. It comes with all you need to get going (apart from fuel), including a starter control box, extra glow plug, tool kit and fuel dispensing bottle.
I’m a firm believer that any RC enthusiast will adore this racing truck but it’s worth noting that breaking in does take a bit of time and needs to be undertaken with care. I also wouldn’t recommend this truck for beginners, purely due to the speed.
All things considered, I was just as pleased with this racing truck as I have been with several other Traxxas products. It’s fast, powerful and has a very good-quality build.
Pros
- Has very good suspension which protects components when used on different surfaces
- As Traxxas are such a reputable, established brand, sourcing replacement parts and upgrades is very easy
- Build quality is very good, as is expected with Traxxas products
- Reaches speeds of up to 50 mph so it’s one of the fastest I’ve recommended
- Comes with an extra glow plug, fuel dispensing bottle and starter control box included
Cons
- Breaking in period takes time so patience is required
- Fast and powerful so not a good option for beginners
If you’ve got some experience with nitro RCs and you want to take it up a notch with a drift buggy, the HSP 4WD 1:10 On Road Touring Drift Nitro RC Car should be on your list.
Available in a 1/10 scale, this car is not for the faint-hearted. HSP recommends it’s only used by those with experience or over 17 years of age.
This is primarily down to the speed. This model can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, while the hard drift tires allow it to drift around corners at those top speeds. It’s 4WD, so capable of being used on a range of surfaces, and it’s extremely lightweight which means reaching those higher speeds is easy.
Other key features include V-tread durable tires that are suitable for both on and off-road environments, an extra large capacity fuel tank and a fiberglass disc brake system with replaceable pads. Most of the parts are upgradeable and serviceable, so you can achieve even more speed and power.
The remote control range is an incredible 100 m, and the steering and throttle stay highly responsive up until this distance.
It arrives fully ready to run, so there’s no complicated assembly needed.
Finally, the design itself deserves a mention. It has a realistic buggy design with awesome graphics that ensures it’s not only fun to drive, it’s great to look at too. It has an IPX4 waterproof rating so you can drive through puddles and wetter areas (although it shouldn’t be submerged).
I don’t have many criticisms of this vehicle. There’s no reverse function, and it’ll almost certainly be too much for a beginner to handle, but for those with more experience, the high speeds and awesome design are sure to thrill.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:10
- Max. Speed
- 65 kph
- Charge Time
- 2 hours
- Body Material
- PVC
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
If you’ve got some experience with nitro RCs and you want to take it up a notch with a drift buggy, the HSP 4WD 1:10 On Road Touring Drift Nitro RC Car should be on your list.
Available in a 1/10 scale, this car is not for the faint-hearted. HSP recommends it’s only used by those with experience or over 17 years of age.
This is primarily down to the speed. This model can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, while the hard drift tires allow it to drift around corners at those top speeds. It’s 4WD, so capable of being used on a range of surfaces, and it’s extremely lightweight which means reaching those higher speeds is easy.
Other key features include V-tread durable tires that are suitable for both on and off-road environments, an extra large capacity fuel tank and a fiberglass disc brake system with replaceable pads. Most of the parts are upgradeable and serviceable, so you can achieve even more speed and power.
The remote control range is an incredible 100 m, and the steering and throttle stay highly responsive up until this distance.
It arrives fully ready to run, so there’s no complicated assembly needed.
Finally, the design itself deserves a mention. It has a realistic buggy design with awesome graphics that ensures it’s not only fun to drive, it’s great to look at too. It has an IPX4 waterproof rating so you can drive through puddles and wetter areas (although it shouldn’t be submerged).
I don’t have many criticisms of this vehicle. There’s no reverse function, and it’ll almost certainly be too much for a beginner to handle, but for those with more experience, the high speeds and awesome design are sure to thrill.
Pros
- Realistic and engaging drift car body complete with hard drift tires
- Reaches a good top speed of 40 mph
- Designed for both on and off-road environments
- Fiberglass disc brake system with replaceable pads ensures the brakes are very responsive
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners or those without a lot of experience
- No reverse function
I’ve been a fan of Traxxas products for as long as I can remember, and the Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 4WD Maxx Monster Truck 1:10 is a perfect example of a high-quality Traxxas model.
The T-Maxx is the world’s best-selling RTR monster truck, and I can see why. It’s capable of tackling a range of terrains, and it can both climb and jump across rocky and uneven areas. For those wanting to head out to mountain routes or dirt tracks, this model is ideal.
The design itself is engaging and highly detailed, while the 1/10 scale makes it a good size. Although fast and powerful, I’d say it’s a good option for those new to nitro models as it’s fairly easy to drive and very durable.
It’s equipped with a range of great features, including the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM), a powerful 3.3 racing engine, heavy-duty chassis braces, and a high-torque digital steering servo. The auto-shifting two-speed transmission allows beginners to practice at slower speeds.
It also comes with a couple of handy extras that you may not expect, including a fuel filter bottle, a spare glow plug and a NiMh receiver plug.
Reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, it’s a seriously fast model too, while the large 6.3” tires assist with stability and grip across trickier terrains.
One small criticism I have is that the breaking-in process is fairly lengthy, although this is normal for a lot of nitro RCs. If you want to reach the very top speeds straight away, another model might suit you better.
All in all, this T-Maxx monster truck does everything you’d expect from a Traxxas truck. It’s great quality and a whole lot of fun!
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:10
- Max. Speed
- 72 kph
- Charge Time
- 45 mins
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
I’ve been a fan of Traxxas products for as long as I can remember, and the Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 4WD Maxx Monster Truck 1:10 is a perfect example of a high-quality Traxxas model.
The T-Maxx is the world’s best-selling RTR monster truck, and I can see why. It’s capable of tackling a range of terrains, and it can both climb and jump across rocky and uneven areas. For those wanting to head out to mountain routes or dirt tracks, this model is ideal.
The design itself is engaging and highly detailed, while the 1/10 scale makes it a good size. Although fast and powerful, I’d say it’s a good option for those new to nitro models as it’s fairly easy to drive and very durable.
It’s equipped with a range of great features, including the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM), a powerful 3.3 racing engine, heavy-duty chassis braces, and a high-torque digital steering servo. The auto-shifting two-speed transmission allows beginners to practice at slower speeds.
It also comes with a couple of handy extras that you may not expect, including a fuel filter bottle, a spare glow plug and a NiMh receiver plug.
Reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, it’s a seriously fast model too, while the large 6.3” tires assist with stability and grip across trickier terrains.
One small criticism I have is that the breaking-in process is fairly lengthy, although this is normal for a lot of nitro RCs. If you want to reach the very top speeds straight away, another model might suit you better.
All in all, this T-Maxx monster truck does everything you’d expect from a Traxxas truck. It’s great quality and a whole lot of fun!
Pros
- Powerful and very fast which makes it a lot of fun for experienced RC users
- Monster truck design is detailed and very engaging
- Although fast (max speed 45 mph), it’s a good option for beginners
- Arrives ready to drive with a fuel filter bottle, spare glow plug and NiMh receiver pack included
Cons
- Break in process is lengthy
- Some users have reported the glow plug wire getting damaged, especially if the car is flipped over
If size matters when it comes to your RC truck, the LAEGENDARY 4×4 Nitro Offroad Short Course RC Truck 1:8 is one of the largest I’ve recommended. Available in a 1⁄8 scale, this truck measures a meaty 53.5 cm x 29.5 cm. It arrives fully assembled, so you can get going straight away!
This high-performance vehicle has been built to handle tough terrains. It has a durable build and powerful brushless motor that enable it to tackle off-road adventures with ease.
One of the best things about this vehicle is that it’s very easy to handle. It has a 4WD system, a powerful nitro engine and a specially designed suspension system that allows it to tackle steeper inclines and
bumpier surfaces than other RC trucks.
The build itself is a fairly good quality given the price. It has a customizable body so if you fancy a change you can alter the colors.
It also has several advanced control features that make driving it a lot easier. The remote control has a long-range, while the precise steering and throttle control ensures it’s easy to drive safely. There are 2-speed modes, so beginners can master the controls at a slower speed. The maximum speed is a reasonable 21 mph.
It also has an IPX5 waterproof rating. While not fully waterproof, it can be driven through snow and puddles, withstanding splashes from any direction.
Although it’s not as fast as others I’ve recommended, this short course truck is easy to drive and its size makes it thrilling for drivers of any level.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:8
- Run Time
- 40 mins
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
If size matters when it comes to your RC truck, the LAEGENDARY 4×4 Nitro Offroad Short Course RC Truck 1:8 is one of the largest I’ve recommended. Available in a 1⁄8 scale, this truck measures a meaty 53.5 cm x 29.5 cm. It arrives fully assembled, so you can get going straight away!
This high-performance vehicle has been built to handle tough terrains. It has a durable build and powerful brushless motor that enable it to tackle off-road adventures with ease.
One of the best things about this vehicle is that it’s very easy to handle. It has a 4WD system, a powerful nitro engine and a specially designed suspension system that allows it to tackle steeper inclines and
bumpier surfaces than other RC trucks.
The build itself is a fairly good quality given the price. It has a customizable body so if you fancy a change you can alter the colors.
It also has several advanced control features that make driving it a lot easier. The remote control has a long-range, while the precise steering and throttle control ensures it’s easy to drive safely. There are 2-speed modes, so beginners can master the controls at a slower speed. The maximum speed is a reasonable 21 mph.
It also has an IPX5 waterproof rating. While not fully waterproof, it can be driven through snow and puddles, withstanding splashes from any direction.
Although it’s not as fast as others I’ve recommended, this short course truck is easy to drive and its size makes it thrilling for drivers of any level.
Pros
- At ⅛ scale, this truck is a lot larger than others I’ve recommended
- Many users have upgraded the motor to achieve more speed
- Axles and gears are made from hardened steel and very good quality
- Although it’s large, it’s been designed for entry-level and intermediate RC drivers
Cons
- Sourcing replacement parts is difficult
- Not as fast as others I have recommended
Tips for Buying
- Look for a reputable brand known for manufacturing high-quality nitro RC vehicles. Nitro RCs can be costly, so you’ll want it to be durable and good quality
- Consider the speed, acceleration and handling capabilities of the vehicle. Powerful engines and a suspension system will allow you to drive it on a range of terrains
- Nitro RCs require regular maintenance, so you should check for the availability of spare parts and ease of maintenance. It’ll be much easier to make repairs if spare parts are readily available.
- Nitro RCs run on a combination of fuel. Some are more efficient than others, but a very inefficient model will cost you more long-term.
- Finally, set a budget based on your experience and preferences. If you are a beginner, you don’t need a state-of-the-art RC that you’re going to crash in a few minutes! You’re better off opting for a cheaper model better suited to your driving capabilities.
FAQs
What’s the difference between nitro and petrol RC cars?
RC cars can either be powered by nitro fuel, petrol or electricity. Nitro engines have glow plugs for ignition, whereas petrol engines use spark plugs.
There is also a difference in the fuel. Nitro fuel is a combination of nitromethane, methanol and oil, whereas petrol RC vehicles require 2-stroke fuel, which is a combination of unleaded petrol and 2-stroke oil.
How do nitro RC vehicles differ from electric RC vehicles?
Nitro RCs use a combustion engine powered by a fuel mixture, while electric cars use rechargeable batteries. Nitro-powered vehicles tend to offer higher speeds and longer run times but require more maintenance and can be more expensive than electric-powered RCs.
Is it necessary to break in a nitro RC car?
In most cases, yes it is necessary to break in a nitro RC vehicle. This will help it to achieve optimal performance and longevity.
A break-in period requires you to run the vehicle at varying speeds, allowing the engine components to settle. You should only use the RC for a few minutes at a time, and be careful not to push the engine too hard.
Are nitro RC vehicles louder than electric ones?
Yes, nitro RC trucks and cars tend to be louder due to the noise of the engine.
While some people find the sound thrilling, others prefer the quiet of electric RC vehicles!
