In this guide, we’ll look at the best nitro gas-powered RC cars and trucks.
We’ve compared performance, features, speed, and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Are The Best Nitro RC Cars & Trucks?
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More Detailed Nitro RC Car & Truck Reviews
Exceed-RC 1/5th Giant Scale Hannibal
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Exceed-RC 1/5th Giant Scale Hannibal Review
The Exceed Hannibal RC car is not for the faint-hearted. This car is ideal for experienced nitro RC car drivers that are confident in their car controlling abilities.
You can enjoy a four-wheel center drive experience, and a very solid frame while you drive this car on multiple surfaces. You can count on this car keeping itself together as the wheel rim is assembled with 24 screws to ensure that it doesn’t come apart during high-speed racing.
Safety should be one of your main focuses when searching for the best nitro car on the market, and this car is as safe as nitro cars come. It is secure, sturdy, and easy to control for experienced RC car users, it really is a treat to drive!
Traxxas Slayer Pro Short Course Racing Truck
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Traxxas Slayer Pro Short Course Racing Truck Review
Another by Traxxas and it’s the turn of the Slayer Pro Racing Truck. This 4WD model is on a 1/10 scale and available in four awesome colors. It has a powerful TRX 3.3 racing engine and a 2-speed transmission to help it reach incredible speeds of 50+mph, with extreme acceleration.
Despite the speeds, the Slayer is durable and easy to control. It’s designed to cruise effortlessly over both smaller and larger bumps in the terrain,
Like most Traxxas products, this model has TSM stability management to keep the power contained while maintaining that adrenaline thrill. It comes equipped with a battery and charger, arriving ready to run straight out the box.
HPI Racing 107014 Trophy 4.6 Buggy
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HPI Racing 107014 Trophy 4.6 Buggy Review
Another nitro buggy, this one by HPI Racing who have produced this incredible speed machine. This HPI Racing Trophy 4.6 buggy has a strong and reliable F3.5 engine and thick aluminum shock towers to help durability.
It’s perfect for off-road racing in all weather, equipped with waterproof servos and a waterproof receiver. Its ⅛ scale makes it a fantastic size for those wanting a little more excitement.
Whether you want to bash away other vehicles or trying your hand at some stunts, this little buggy should be right by your side.
Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD Short Course Racing Truck
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Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD Short Course Racing Truck Review
Another by Traxxas and it’s the turn of the Nitro Slash 2WD racing truck on a 1/10 scale. This racing truck reaches speeds of up to 50mph and boasts some serious power. Despite the speeds, it’s stable to drive, equipped with TSM stability control.
This model also comes with a Bluetooth module to turn your smartphone into a tuning tool. The robust design stops breakages and saves you money long-term, while the aluminum chassis helps to draw heat away from the engine to keep it going for longer.
This model arrives ready to run and replacement parts are easy to purchase if needed. While not quite as speedy as the Jato 3.3, the Nitro Slash is still a seriously powerful nitro RC.
TEAM LOSI RACING RC Car 1/8 8IGHT-X 4WD Nitro Buggy
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TEAM LOSI RACING RC Car 1/8 8IGHT-X 4WD Nitro Buggy Review
This racing buggy is fitted with an aluminum body that is strong and sturdy. The chassis is also made out of aluminum, so you can race your buggy confidently without worrying about damaging its frame.
The Team Losi Racing RC car is relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 8.5 pounds. This is a great weight for an RC car as it is weighty enough to feel durable and sturdy but light enough to perform stunts and tricks with.
Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 Nitro Powered Monster Truck
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Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 Nitro Powered Monster Truck Review
On a 1/10 scale, this Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 is a fantastic mini monster truck. The TRX 3.3 engine delivers a huge amount of power and the model is 4WD meaning it can easily conquer any terrain.
Enjoy speeds of up to 45mph with this monster truck, safe in the knowledge that the TSM stability will keep you in control round those tighter corners.
This model arrives ready to run and is available in 4 awesome colors. It includes everything you need to get going and is built for durability – with a heavy-duty chassis, transmission skid plate, and all-terrain tires.
Exceed RC Infinitve Nitro Gas Powered RTR Off Road Monster 4WD Truck
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Exceed RC Infinitve Nitro Gas Powered RTR Off Road Monster 4WD Truck Review
Enjoy the Exceed RC Infinitive nitro gas-powered monster truck straight out of the box. It is factory assembled and ready to use straight away, just fuel up and go!
There are front and rear skid plates for brilliant impact protection, so if you want to race your car or take it on off-road expeditions you can do so easily. The eight long-stroke oil-filled shocks with springs keep the wheels on the ground at all times.
Finally, you will be incredibly impressed with the aluminum alloy chassis that is lightweight and incredibly durable. This RC car is built to last you a long time that is for sure!
Redcat Racing Nitro Volcano S30 Truck
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Redcat Racing Nitro Volcano S30 Truck Review
The Redcat Racing Volcano S30 is a great budget truck with an impressive design; available in two colors. It’s 4WD and 1/10 scale, with a single-speed transmission. This means it doesn’t have reverse but with this much power, you won’t even miss it.
The engine has a fun pull-start, and a great top speed. It’s faster and more powerful than other Volcano options, but the 2.5mm aluminum chassis is sturdy enough to take those sharper corners on.
This model arrives ready to run and is of fantastic quality. It’s easy to pick up replacement parts from Redcat Racing and their customer service is exceptional.
Exceed RC Thunder Fire Nitro Gas Powered RTR
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Exceed RC Thunder Fire Nitro Gas Powered RTR Review
Just by looking at this RC truck, you can tell that it isn’t here to mess about! The Thunder Fire RC truck has a large capacity fuel tank that is built for endurance racing.
The car has a built-in fuel line filter that keeps impurities out of the fuel tank. This keeps the vehicle strong, powerful and running at its best.
Anyone familiar with nitro car racing will know that these cars are fast, so having the ability to stop the car abruptly is a brilliant safety feature to have. This car can stop very quickly, keeping you and other onlookers safe.
Team Associated 80937 RC8T3.1 Off Road Truggy
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Team Associated 80937 RC8T3.1 Off Road Truggy Review
The Team Associated RC car’s arms have been upgraded to match race specs, and the gearbox has been upgraded too to give users a more smooth and comfortable ride.
This buggy has strengthened upper suspension arms for increased durability and a high-quality motor that is easy to maintain. Maintenance and ease of use are vital RC nitro cars, and this certainly is a car that ticks all of the right boxes. If you want to be able to perform tricks using your RC car then this is a good car to go for as it is lightweight, and has improved balance and durability during jumping and landing.
Exceed RC Forza Off Road Buggy
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Exceed RC Forza Off Road Buggy Review
The Forza Off Road Buggy is the best nitro gas-powered RC car on the market and is a lot of fun!
The design is awesome with bright green and blue on the body, while the lightweight aluminum chassis provides great performance and durability. This buggy is specifically designed for off-road driving. The new .18 engine provides reliable and consistent power, and it’s also a great model for beginners, with top speeds of around 30mph.
Finally, this buggy has a differential system design that provides quick access to the front or rear differential with just a few screws. This makes it easy to maintain and replace any parts.
If you’re in the market for the best nitro gas-powered RC car – this is the one for you!
Exceed RC Rally Monster
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Exceed RC Rally Monster Review
The Exceed RC Rally Monster is another fantastic budget rally car and arrives totally ready to run. This 1/10 nitro-powered car is 4WD to tackle any terrain, and it has a lightweight aluminum chassis for great durability.
This model is stable to drive with lightweight suspension arms which reduce the overall weight of the car. This allows for greater speeds while maintaining good balance. With a new .18 engine, this model delivers fantastic power, greater torque, and good cooling.
With 2-speed transmission for good acceleration and a top-end speed of around 30mph, this Rally Monster is perfect for some high-speed adrenaline thrills no matter what your experience. A solid contender for the best nitro gas-powered RC car!
Nitro RC Car Buyer’s Guide
We know there are lots of options out there – but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best nitro gas-powered RC car for you!
While electric RC vehicles suit most children or beginners down to the ground, buying a nitro RC for a beginner is a little more tricky. Most nitro vehicles are advertised as not for beginners to use, and should only be purchased when you have more experience. They are faster and harder to control than the majority of electric RCs.
However, buying an electric RC with the possibility of breaking it, only to spend a huge amount more on a nitro vehicle a short while later seems illogical.
If you simply don’t have the option to buy your child or beginner an electric vehicle to get into the swing of first, look for a nitro vehicle without a massively powerful engine. Fast and furious cars powered by nitro fuel can often reach speeds of 80+mph which is dangerous in the wrong hands.
If you’re a beginner, sacrifice the speed for something that’s big, bulky, and suits any terrain. It’ll be more durable than the low-profile cars and won’t go fast enough to do too much damage.
Despite the lack of speed, large monster trucks or off-road buggies can still pack a huge amount of power. Be very careful and, start off slow – ideally with someone there with you who knows what they’re doing.
Safety features to help you control your vehicle are readily available – Traxxas are usually the best for these – and while these can add to the price tag, they are a valuable add-on.
Features
Power
Unlike electric RCs, nitro vehicles rely on fuel to make them run. Their engines are complex and require a lot of maintenance – and they can make a serious noise once you get going.
The size of the engine will directly impact the power your RC has. If you are a beginner or purchasing an RC for a child, go for one with a slightly smaller engine.
Body/Chassis
The body of your RC will be made from either plastic or metal. Nitro-powered RC chassis are usually made of lightweight aluminum. This is due to the excessive heat produced, and it’s also great for speed.
Parts
Nitro cars generally come with the car, transmitter, and glow plug. You’ll often need to supply your own batteries and occasionally your own glow plug. You will certainly need to supply your own nitro fuel.
It’s very likely that your RC vehicle will break eventually – whether that’s due to a collision or standard wear and tear. Most reputable brands will sell spare parts separately. I’d recommend buying a separate set of tires straight away.
Safety Features
Many brands, especially Traxxas, offer safety features with their RC. Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) allows you greater control over your vehicle on uneven or slippery surfaces like loose dirt, wet concrete, or ice and snow. This means you can still experience those great speeds without the worry of losing control.
Fail-safe devices can also prevent your RC from going out of control. This will set the servo in a pre-set position in case of interference – such as someone else using the same frequency. While these are not 100% reliable, they are still a great add-on and work well if your battery is charged.
Number of Channels
Most radio systems are 2-channel units. These are generally good value although you may have to purchase batteries separately. The first channel is for steering and the second for throttle. Some RCs have 3 channels, the third channel allowing your RC to reverse.
RC tanks may have 6 or more channels to control the turret movement and sound systems, but for just a standard nitro RC car or truck, 2 or 3 channels is ideal.
Upgrades
Once you’ve mastered your RC, you might want to upgrade certain parts in order to get a bit more speed or power. Most RC vehicles are easy to upgrade and parts needed can be bought from your manufacturer.
Electric cars are often used for beginners as they are cheaper, easier to maintain, and less powerful. They have good acceleration and can still get to some great speeds, but they lack the power of nitro RCs, making them easier to control. They are also a lot quieter and in general, less aggressive.
Nitro cars on the other hand are loved for their fun factor. They have long run times and boast immense power, often too much for beginners to handle. Driving a nitro RC well takes time and experience, but once you master the basics they will give you a seriously fun drive. They have an awesome engine sound, are expensive, and require a lot of maintenance – but there’s no simple contest when it comes to power.
A nitro car can provide hours of fun, but when it comes to RCs, it’s not a case of one size fits all. Finding out what suits your ability and preferences is the best way to get the most from the hobby, and track down the best nitro gas-powered RC car for you. Many RC enthusiasts find they spend a lot more than they budgeted for. Be realistic about what you want to do, as well as your ability, and you’ll be a skillful RC driver in no time!
FAQ
Q: What is the best nitro RC remote control car?
A: The Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 Nitro Powered Monster Truck is considered by many to be the best Nitro RC truck.
Q: What should I look for in an RC monster truck?
A: power, speed, and ease of use are very important features. Take a look at the guide above to learn what else you should look for.
Q: Are high-speed trucks good for HPI racing?
A: Yes, high-speed RC cars are brilliant for HPI racing. All of the cars featured in this post are great HPI racing options.
Q: How do I choose the best nitro RC car for me?
A: The best way to choose the right nitro RC car for you is by following a buying guide. We have outlined some important features in the section above.
Q: Can I modify my RC car?
A: Some RC cars can be modified, while others can even be made to order!
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