How Fast Do RC Cars Go? Speed Guide for RC Car Enthusiasts

RC cars speed ranges from 20 mph for beginners to 100+ mph for higher models. Learn what determines RC car speed and what scales affect performance.

RC speeds range from beginner-friendly 30 km/h cruisers to record-breaking monsters exceeding 300 km/h.

However, the numbers rarely tell the whole story.

For starters, RC cars right out of the box don’t perform as fast as you’d like or as advertised. To be fair, they cater to beginners and intermediates who want to get started with the hobby.

But upgrading your RC cars to reach maximum speed is a different story.

Poorly chosen upgrades waste money and time, while the right modifications can transform your RC's performance.

Thankfully, this guide reveals what determines RC speed and how to upgrade your car to reach its top speed based on the hundreds of setups we’ve tested. Let’s begin!

The Speed Breakdown

Below are the different types of RC cars and how fast each can go:

• Brushed Electric: 30-60 km/h
• Brushless Electric: 60-100+ km/h
• Nitro Power: 65-110 km/h
• Gas-Powered Large Scale: 70-120 km/h
• Competition Grade: 100-150+ km/h
• Record Breakers: 150-325+ km/h

Next, let’s get into the details to find out why certain types are faster than others:

Brushed Electric

These entry-level systems provide enough speed to feel exciting without overwhelming new drivers.

A typical RTR (Ready-To-Run) brushed car hits around 45 km/h on average, which feels much faster than it sounds because of the car's small size. Perfect for learning the basics while still having fun.

Brushless Electric 

The standard for serious hobbyists. Even basic brushless setups deliver eye-opening acceleration and speeds. 

A 2S LiPo-powered brushless car typically reaches 60-70 km/h, while stepping up to 3S power pushes many models into the 80-100 km/h range, fast enough that your reaction time becomes the limiting factor.

Nitro Power

These fuel-powered cars deliver similar speeds to brushless electrics, but with a completely different experience. 

The distinctive sound, smell, and power delivery make nitros unique. A well-tuned .21 engine typically delivers 70-80 km/h, with larger .28-.32 engines capable of pushing beyond 100 km/h in the right chassis.

Want to understand how Nitro RCs vary from the electric ones? Read our detailed guide on Nitro vs Electric RC Cars to understand how they compare in terms of speed, acceleration, run time, noise level, and other factors. 

Gas-Powered Large Scale 

These 1/5 scale beasts combine impressive speed with substantial size. 

Weighing 10kg or more and powered by 23-30cc engines, these monsters typically reach 80-100 km/h while having the mass and power to handle rough terrain at speeds that would launch smaller cars.

Competition Grade

Purpose-built racing machines balance raw speed with the handling required for actual competition. 

While these cars can exceed 100 km/h on straights, their true performance comes from their ability to maintain high speeds through corners and accelerate quickly between track sections.

Record Breakers 

The extreme end of the spectrum. The current world record stands at 325.7 km/h (202.38 mph), set by a purpose-built speed run car that shares little with conventional RC models. These specialized machines sacrifice everything for pure straight-line speed.

These speeds represent what different RC types can achieve, but getting there depends on several critical factors. Let's examine what really determines how fast your RC car will go, beyond just what's printed on the box.

What Determines RC Car Speed: A Quick Overview

The top speed of your RC car depends on much more than what's advertised. Below is a table containing these key factors, listed in order of impact, each accompanied by a short description. 

Factor	Impact	Description
Power System	High	Brushless motors offer 40-50% more power than brushed systems. Higher KV ratings directly increase top speed potential.
Battery/Fuel	High	LiPo batteries outperform NiMH. 2S provides good power, 3S or higher maximizes performance. For nitro, fuel quality affects power output.
Gearing	High	Higher gear ratios boost top speed but reduce acceleration. A single tooth change on the pinion can alter speed by 5-7%.
Weight	Medium-High	Lighter cars accelerate faster and reach higher speeds. Focus on reducing rotating mass (wheels, driveshafts) first.
Aerodynamics	Medium	Critical above 80 km/h. Low-profile bodies with smooth contours reduce drag and maintain stability at high speeds.
Surface	High	The same car might reach 80 km/h on asphalt but only 40 km/h on grass. Each surface requires specific setup adjustments.
Drivetrain Efficiency	Medium	Well-maintained bearings and properly meshed gears reduce friction and power loss, especially at high speeds.
Temperature	Medium	Overheating drastically reduces performance. Proper cooling solutions are essential for sustained speed.

Speed Modifications for Electric RC Cars 

The upgrades you can make to your RC car to improve speed depend on what powers it. If you have an electric RC car, below are the modifications you must make in order of impact. 

Upgrade to Brushless Power

This change can produce the highest impact on your RC car's speed, as you can get greater than 50% more speed with brushless power compared to stock brushed systems. 

When upgrading, remember that the ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is just as important as the motor. Look for one with programmable settings and the right amperage rating for best results.

Here’s our detailed guide on brush versus brushless RC motors. 

Switch to LiPo Batteries

LiPo batteries can boost your speed more than NiMH batteries can. One thing to remember is not to be fooled by battery labels with huge C-ratings. A quality 35C pack from a trusted brand usually works better than off-brand batteries claiming to be 100C.

Optimize Gearing

Adding just one tooth to your pinion gear can increase speed as high as 15%. After making changes, always check your motor temperature. If you can't keep your finger on the motor for 3-5 seconds after a run, your gearing is too aggressive and might damage your car.

Improve Bearings and Drivetrain

Keeping your bearings and drivetrain clean and well-lubricated. Regular maintenance often works better than buying expensive ceramic bearings. Start by taking care of the drivetrain bearings before moving on to wheel bearings.

Reduce Weight

For every 50 grams you remove, you can potentially gain as high as 5% more speed! Start by making wheels and rotating parts lighter, as these have the biggest impact. Fancy titanium screws look cool but don't help as much as lighter wheels do.

Speed Modifications for Nitro RC Cars

For nitro-powered RCs, below are the modifications you can make to them and other tips you need to know before upgrading. 

Master Engine Tuning

A properly tuned engine can run faster than a poorly tuned one, and it costs nothing to learn. Try to tune by ear using the pinch test. When you briefly pinch the fuel line while running, you should see a slight RPM increase before returning to normal if your high-speed needle is set correctly.

Upgrade Exhaust System

Upgrading your exhaust system is a highly cost-effective modification. Remember that pipe length and diameter affect how your engine performs. Shorter pipes generally give better top-end speed, while longer pipes improve mid-range power.

Use Higher-Quality Fuel

Interestingly, higher-quality fuel matters more than nitro percentage. A good quality 20% nitro fuel often performs better than cheaper 33% blends because it has better oil and methanol components.

Optimize Air Filtration

Many racers ignore this simple upgrade that can improve, which is too bad for them. A quality foam filter that's properly oiled makes a huge difference in both engine performance and how long your engine lasts.

Final tip: Make one change at a time and test thoroughly before moving on to the next modification. This careful approach helps you understand what works best for your specific setup and driving conditions.

How Fast Do RC Cars Go FAQs

What is scale speed and why does it matter?

Scale speed compares the speed of an RC car to a full-size vehicle based on model size. It matters because a 60 km/h RC car at 1/10 scale feels like 600 km/h in real-world scale, influencing driver perception, control, and safety requirements.

What safety precautions are needed for high-speed RC driving?

Essential safety precautions for high-speed RC driving include wearing eye protection, keeping a safe distance, using speed-rated tires, and ensuring the driving area is clear of obstacles and people. High-speed crashes can cause serious injury or equipment damage without proper precautions.

Are there speed limits for RC cars in public areas?

Yes, many public areas enforce speed limits for RC cars to ensure safety for bystanders and property. Local park rules, municipal regulations, and RC-specific facilities often set maximum speeds, typically around 20–40 km/h, especially in mixed-use spaces.

How do weather conditions affect RC car top speed?

Weather conditions like rain, wind, and extreme heat significantly affect RC car top speed. Wet surfaces reduce traction, strong winds create instability, and high temperatures cause overheating, all lowering overall performance and risking component failure.

What typically fails first when pushing RC cars to maximum speed?

When pushing RC cars to maximum speed, drivetrain components like gears, bearings, and differentials typically fail first. Excessive heat, friction, and stress on these moving parts cause breakdowns in motors or batteries under extreme conditions.

Find Your Perfect Speed at EuroRC

The pursuit of RC speed is a journey, not a destination. Every step up the performance ladder brings new thrills and challenges.

So, if you’re looking to speed up your RC cars, we at EuroRC are here to help! Our expertise is built on thousands of hours of testing, racing, and pushing RC cars to their limits in real-world conditions. This hands-on knowledge informs every product we stock and every recommendation we make.

You can start by searching for our quality upgrade parts that provide real, measurable improvements. We offer fast shipping to over 90 countries and ship orders placed before 15:00 EET on the same day.

Unsure which part to buy or upgrades to make? Reach out to us for expert advice that’ll help you achieve your speed goals efficiently.