Purpose (class)
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Stunts. Cars of this class are designed for driving and performing various tricks, mainly related to acrobatic performances, jumping and overcoming obstacles. They are characterized by being an off-road type (usually a “monster” or truggy, see below), a powerful engine, high ground clearance, large wheels and reinforced suspension.
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Short course. Short-course models are off-road vehicles (buggies, truggies, “monsters”, see below), specialized for cross-country speed racing. They offer good crash and jump protection, a rugged design, a rigid body that covers most of the sensitive parts, and shock absorbers designed to withstand heavy loads.
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Drift. Drifting competitions on radio-controlled models involve passing an asphalt track at maximum speed with the constant use of a controlled drift. Based on this, drift cars must have rear-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and tires with a shallow pattern that are stiffer than most other models. It is worth noting that their appearance can much more accurately replicate real cars than in the case of
ring models.
- Ring. A variety of road-type models (see below), designed for passing on flat roads with a hard surface (like asphalt) for a while. A distinctive feature of most of these cars is the smooth, “sleek” shape of the body to ensure aerodynamics (or to
...simulate it if the maximum speed is low).
Let us note that professional models intended for competitions and serious car racing usually have one of the specializations listed above. If the class is not specified, the machine most likely belongs to the entry-level and has a purely entertainment purpose (although such models can also have quite advanced characteristics).Motor model
The name of the engine installed in the machine. Usually, knowing this name, you can easily find information about the features of the engine — both official manufacturer data and reviews from users — and determine how much you are satisfied with its characteristics. This can be very important when choosing a model for professional motorsports.
In addition to the name, this paragraph can also specify the type of electric motor (see "Engine") installed in the machine — collector or brushless.
The collector design of the electric motor can be called classical. It allows you to create fairly light, compact, inexpensive motors, which are also easily repaired. The disadvantages of this option are relatively low efficiency, a tendency to spark (especially when overheated), as well as less durability than brushless models. In addition, with a collector motor, it is more difficult to ensure high speed. As a result, this option is typical for entry-level and middle-level models (relatively slow).
Brushless motors are considered more advanced than brushed motors: they are more powerful, more economical, more durable, better protected from pollution and well suited for overclocking to high speeds. On the other hand, such engines are much more expensive, and the complexity of the design does not allow you to repair the motor on your own. In light of all this, brushless motors are used primarily in advanced high-speed cars; the presence of such a motor is an ind...icator of a rather high class model.
Some models of radio-controlled cars can be produced in two versions, differing only in the type of electric motor.
Max. speed
The highest speed that the machine can develop. Usually, this parameter is indicated for certain "perfect conditions": a flat track, high-quality fuel or a full battery charge (depending on the type of engine, see above), etc. Real figures tend to be somewhat lower; however, different models can be compared with each other according to this characteristic.
High maximum speed is important primarily for "racing" cars (ring and short-course, see above); in stunt and drift models, it does not play a decisive role. Also, you should pay attention to the maximum speed values when buying an amateur model for entertainment — here you need to take into account the features of its application. For example, if the machine is intended for a 3-4 year old child as a toy in an apartment, high speed will not be an advantage, but a disadvantage (especially since the cost of the “apparatus” directly depends on its speed).
Ground clearance (ride height)
Ground clearance, or ground clearance, is the distance from the lowest point of the car body to the road surface. Large ground clearance is important for off-road models (buggies, truggies, "monsters", see "Type"): it increases the cross-country ability in general and allows you to overcome individual point obstacles (for example, pebbles), simply passing them under the bottom. In turn, models for high-speed driving on a flat surface (for example, circuit racing) have a small clearance to reduce aerodynamic drag.
It is possible to compare different models by clearance only within the same scale (see above).
