RC Monster Truck vs. RC Car: What Do I Actually Want?

Each type of RC vehicle offers its own unique thrills and experiences, but understanding what sets them apart is crucial in choosing the one that's right for you. Before diving into the world of RC racing or off-road adventures, it's essential to grasp the nuances of these vehicles. From high-speed on-road racing to adrenaline-fueled off-road bashing, the options are vast and varied. So let's explore the distinct characteristics of RC monster trucks and RC cars to help you determine which one suits your desires and preferences best.

Typical RC Car Types and Their Uses

To help you choose the perfect RC vehicle, you should first understand the different types that exist and which purpose they are designed for. When it comes to the types of RC cars, there are 3 main ones: 

1. On-road/touring RC cars - these cars are designed for high-speed racing on smooth surfaces like asphalt or indoor tracks. They typically have sleek aerodynamic bodies and low ground clearance for optimal speed and handling. These cars prioritise speed, agility, and cornering ability, making them perfect for circuit racing and time trials. On-road cars are usually compact in size to enhance maneuverability, allowing you to navigate tight turns with precision. Tamiya’s 1/10 McLaren Senna is a popular model of an on-road RC car for people just getting into the hobby.
2. Off-road RC cars - Off-road RC cars are engineered for rugged terrain and adventurous driving on all sorts of surfaces. Compared to on-road cars, they have robust suspension systems, durable chassis, and large, knobby tyres to effectively conquer rough surfaces like gravel, dirt, and grass with ease. With powerful motors and high ground clearance, they tackle obstacles such as bumps, jumps, and uneven terrain effortlessly. The FTX Outlaw 1/10 buggy is an off-road car you’ll often see.
3. Drift RC cars - Drift cars have carved out a special niche within the hobby. These specialised cars feature unique tyres with low traction and are built to slide sideways through corners with style and precision. They prioritise controlled oversteer, allowing you to execute graceful drifts and maneuvers on smooth surfaces like asphalt or polished concrete. With rear-wheel drive configurations, adjustable suspension setups, and precise steering, they can offer you the ultimate drifting experience. The FTX Banzai 1/10 is a prime example of this type.

Types of RC Trucks

On the other hand, RC trucks are a little harder to classify. As all RC trucks are modelled after real-life vehicles, you can encounter an RC version of almost any truck you can think of. So, you can find an RC fire truck that can spray water and lift and rotate its ladder, a traditional American RC tractor truck that can hitch a semi-trailer container, or a classic RC pickup truck for touring.  

What these RC trucks have in common is that they are meant for on-road recreational driving and to emulate real-world situations. They are also rarely, if ever, used for competitions. These types of RC trucks are meant for enthusiasts who simply enjoy these vehicles and wish to drive RC versions on their own terms. If this miscellaneous collection of RC trucks would be one type, the other type would be RC monster trucks.

RC Monster Trucks

All RC monster trucks have a few things in common - oversized tyres, engineering that focuses more on torque than all-out speed and overcoming serious obstacles, and the ability to do stunts like backflips or wheelies. RC monster trucks are off-road vehicles, so their intended use is somewhat similar to off-road cars, but RC monster trucks are often customised for stunts instead of traditional races. 

For instance, bashing is one of the favourite activities of RC hobbyists for monster trucks. The point of bashing is to push the vehicle to the limit (or beyond) by driving quickly and aggressively. Think of taking unreasonably big jumps with little regard for the landing. What if something breaks? Well, that is part of the thrill (and you have access to spare parts). The purpose of monster trucks is, typically, not to race in a competition but to have fun in any way you can think of. 

There is also a large social media community where these exploits are shared. So, in the sense that monster trucks are not necessarily meant for racing competitions (although they can be used for that, of course) but for simply having fun, monster trucks are similar to other on-road RC trucks. The 1/10 Kraton 4x4 monster truck is a good representative of this type. 

How To Choose the RC Vehicle You Want

Now that you understand the types of RC vehicles that exist, it is probably a bit easier to make a choice. Thus, when choosing your vehicle, consider:

• Purpose - Determine whether you're primarily interested in casual driving for enjoyment, competitive racing, or off-road exploration. Consider if you'll be using the RC vehicle for specific activities such as drifting, bashing, or stunt performances. For instance, if you are into competitive racing, an on-road car is probably the best choice. If leisurely, recreational driving is your thing, a pickup truck might be best.
• Terrain - Evaluate the type of terrain you'll predominantly be driving on, such as smooth pavement, gravel, dirt trails, or indoor tracks. Try to match the capabilities of the RC vehicle to the terrain.
• Speed vs. Power - Don’t forget to think about your preference between high-speed performance and raw power. Determine whether you prioritise achieving top speeds on straightaways or require sufficient torque and traction for climbing obstacles and performing stunts. Consider the balance between speed and control, especially if you'll be racing competitively or engaging in precision maneuvers.
• Budget - Finally, calculate your budget for both the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance of the RC vehicle. Factor in costs beyond the vehicle itself, such as batteries, chargers, spare parts, and upgrades. Do a bit of research on the long-term affordability of the chosen RC vehicle, including the availability and cost of replacement parts and aftermarket upgrades.

After you’ve made your choice and decided on your budget, the only thing left is to find the specific model that you like best. That’s where RCMA can help - take a look at our collection of RC cars and trucks, find the one you like best, order online and we’ll ship it to your address. If you have any questions or still need help choosing, contact us and we’ll gladly help you in any way we can.