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Nitro vs electric RC cars
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
Nitro cars were the height of RC excitement in the 2000s: real little engines, smoke and noise. RC Mods sold plenty, including budget models from HSP. Since then, brushless electric has caught up and overtaken them for most people.
The comparison
| Nitro | Electric (brushless) | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast | As fast or faster |
| Acceleration | Builds with revs | Instant |
| Noise | Loud | Quiet |
| Run time | 10 to 15 minutes per tank, refuel in seconds | 10 to 25 minutes per pack, then recharge or swap |
| Mess | Exhaust oil and fuel residue | Clean |
| Maintenance | Engine tuning, air filter, after-run oil, clutch | Minimal |
| Where you can use it | Clubs, private land | Almost anywhere sensible |
| Start-up | Glow starter, pull or rotary starter | Switch on |
| Running costs | Fuel, glow plugs, engine wear | Batteries, occasional motor or ESC |
How a nitro engine works
A nitro (glow) engine runs on glow fuel, a mix of methanol, nitromethane and oil (Wikipedia: glow fuel). A glow plug with a small platinum coil is heated by a 1.5V glow starter to start the engine, and then stays hot from the combustion (Wikipedia: model engine). Fuel mixture is set with high and low-speed needles, which need adjusting for temperature and humidity.
Running costs
Nitro: fuel by the litre, glow plugs, air filter oil, after-run oil, and eventually engine rebuilds or replacement. A new engine needs careful running in before it's driven hard.
Electric: the upfront cost of LiPos and a good charger, then very little: electricity, and batteries replaced every few hundred cycles. See LiPo batteries explained.
Where you can use them
Nitro cars are loud. Gardens, residential streets and most parks aren't suitable, and many clubs have specific nitro areas or times. Electric cars can be used far more widely, with permission and consideration for others.
Who should choose nitro?
- People who enjoy engines and tinkering.
- Racers in nitro classes.
- Those who want the sound and smoke, and have somewhere to run.
Everyone else, especially beginners, will be happier with electric. If you're choosing between motor types, see brushed vs brushless RC cars.
Keeping a nitro car running
Clean the air filter, use after-run oil when storing, keep the fuel fresh, and check the clutch and glow plug. General upkeep is in RC car maintenance. The full buying decision is in the RC car buyer's guide. Back to the RC cars hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is nitro faster than electric?
Not any more, in most cases. Modern brushless electric cars on LiPo are as fast or faster, with instant acceleration.
What fuel do nitro RC cars use?
Glow fuel: a mix of methanol, nitromethane and oil. Car fuel usually contains somewhere around 16 to 30% nitromethane; follow your engine maker's recommendation.
Can I run a nitro car in my local park?
Often not. They're loud and many parks and residential areas aren't suitable. Clubs and private land are the usual places.
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