Best Drift RC Cars

By: Owen Moore | 07.08.2023, 13:32
Best Drift RC Cars

What is an RC Car for Drifting?


If you want to feel the drive, you need an RC drift car! Drifting is a very fascinating spectacle. It is based on bashing the car while skidding, over which you have control. The secret of immense popularity of radio-controlled drift cars is quite simple - it is an inexpressible explosion of emotions you feel making steep turns, demonstrating your driving skills, and what is important - an opportunity to control laws of physics. See for yourself - watch any video of radio-controlled drift cars in action. The cars look especially spectacular at night thanks to large LED lights, chrome accessories, special wheels and original design. These cars will please both adults and children, as well as the fairer sex.

Best Choice
1:10 Redcat Racing Thunder Drift RC Car 1:10 Redcat Racing Thunder Drift RC Car
Thunder Drift is a stunning combination of a powerful electric motor and special RC drift tires to allow the car to turn easily. The high performance belt drive system provides an edge over the typical drift car. Forward and reverse ESC makes it possible for the driver to get out of trouble with its rear wheels. Fully tunable 4 wheel independent suspension helps to drive in a desired character. Highly recommended!
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Drift RC Cars - Buyer’s Guide

Drift RC Car vs Rally RC Car

In general this car type is very similar to usual racing rally cars. There are only a few main differences between rally and drift RC cars. To understand what kind of car in front of you, it is enough to pay attention to:

  • The engine and its power. There are models that are equipped with an electric motor, and there are with an internal combustion engine. If the purpose of your purchase is to learn how to go into a controlled skid, then feel free to take a car with an electric motor. The first advantages that come to mind are durability, simplicity, and energy efficiency. They make minimal noise and can be driven indoors. In addition, you will not have such a problem as frequent overheating which occurs with gas and nitro engines.
  • Tires. Rubber is used here for a special purpose of high rigidity. This is needed for the car to easily go into a skid when turning.
  • Drive. More often drift cars are all-wheel drive (4WD). Otherwise you will not be able to harness the full power of the engine, especially if you are a novice racer. In this case, the torque can be distributed between the wheels in different ways, but never the front wheels should spin faster than the rear!
  • Control. Here it's important that the app works on 2.4 GHz frequency and has a range of at least 330 feet (100 meters).
  • Body. Design of these cars is really cool. They look stylish, bold and very similar to the original prototypes. Standard body materials are shockproof plastic. Therefore, in case of an accident you can not worry about your drift car. In the worst scenario, you can always repair the body or replace it with a new one.

Radio-controlled cars for drifting Nissan Skyline and Ford Mustang, perhaps, can be attributed to the popular drift car models. They have everything listed above. Of course, each model has its own personality.

Best Drift RC Cars - Top 7

Author's Choice
1:10 Redcat Racing Thunder Drift RC Car
1:10 Redcat Racing Thunder Drift RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 14 +
  • 4WD, 22T RC540 Brushed electric motor, Waterproof 40A ESC
  • 7.2v 2000mAh NiMh Battery & Charger Included, Drift Tyres. Requires 4-AA Batteries for transmitter
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People's Choice
1:10 Exceed Drift Star RC Car
1:10 Exceed Drift Star RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 14 +
  • 4WD, Motor: Powerful 540, solid compound drift tires
  • Battery: 8.4V, 3000mAH included. Lightweight chassis. Requires 4-AA Batteries for transmitter
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Premium Choice
1:7 ARRMA Felony Street Bash 6S BLX Resto-Mod Muscle RC Car
1:7 ARRMA Felony Street Bash 6S BLX Resto-Mod Muscle RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 14 +
  • 4WD, Brushless electric motor SPEKTRUM FIRMA 4074, Waterproof ESC SPEKTRUM FIRMA 150A
  • "Max speed: 80+mph / 128+km/h. Required Lipo Battery: 35C 5000mAh minimum, 100C 5000mAh recommended, Charging Bag, Charger, 4 x AA Batteries"
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Best Budget
1:16 Cheerwing UD 1601 Drift RC Car
1:16 Cheerwing UD 1601 Drift RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 14 +
  • "4WD, 380 Brushed Motor. 40A Integrated Control ESC. 2-modes and replaceable wheels: Racing Car & Drift Car"
  • 7.4V 1200mAh Li-ion Battery (Included)
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Best Classic Design
1:10 Rraycom HSP 94123 Flying Fish Drift & Racing RC Car
1:10 Rraycom HSP 94123 Flying Fish Drift & Racing RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 14 +
  • 4WD, Brushed Upgraded RC 540 Race Motor. Comes with 4 SPEED tires and 4 DRIFT dedicated tires
  • 2000mAh 7.2 V NiMh high-capacity battery and charger included
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Best for Kids
1:10 Jada Toys Fast & Furious Brian's Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift RC Car
1:10 Jada Toys Fast & Furious Brian's Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 8+
  • 4WD, High performance drifting action, Turbo button
  • "All batteries, USB charging., 4 extra tires - included!
  • "
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Best Scale Performance
1:10 Traxxas Ford Mustang  GT RC Car
1:10 Traxxas Ford Mustang GT RC Car
  • Ready to Run. For 14 +
  • 4WD, Powerful Titan™ 12T 550 modified motor with internal cooling fan. TQ™ 2.4GHz Radio System. XL-5™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control. High-performance tires with long-wearing compound
  • Batteries and Charger are not included. You need: 7-Cell NiMH “flat pack” or 2-Cell LiPo Battery, Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus charger recommended, 4 AA alkaline batteries for the transmitter
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FAQ about Best Drift RC Cars

Here are the most common questions we have answers to.

What are drift RC cars?

Drift RC cars are radio-controlled cars designed for drifting. Unlike typical RC cars that grip the road, drift cars are built to slide through turns, mimicking the drifting action seen in real-life motorsports.

How do drift RC cars differ from regular RC cars?

Drift RC cars typically have special tires that offer less traction, allowing for controlled slides. Their suspension and steering mechanisms are also optimized for drifting.

Are drift RC cars suitable for beginners?

While drifting requires a different skill set, many drift RC cars are beginner-friendly with adjustable settings. However, mastering the art of drifting can be challenging and may require practice.

What surface is best for drift RC cars?

Smooth surfaces like polished concrete, tarmac, or hardwood floors are ideal for drifting. It's harder to drift on uneven or very grippy surfaces.

What factors should I consider when buying a drift RC car?

Consider the car's scale, type of motor (brushed vs. brushless), battery life, adjustability, and the availability of replacement parts.

Best Drift RC Cars: Conclusion 

Drift RC cars offer a unique and exciting experience in the world of radio controlled vehicles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, drifting adds a new dimension to your hobby. However, like any specialized activity, it requires practice and an understanding of the nuances of vehicle control.

We have reviewed the most popular and high-quality models, such as the 1:10 Redcat Racing Thunder Drift RC Car or the 1:7 ARRMA Felony Street Bash 6S BLX Resto-Mod Muscle RC Car and others that you will definitely like. It all depends on your needs and tastes. Have a great ride!


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