Gas Powered RC Cars – The 5 BEST!

RC cars provide endless amounts of fun. That’s obvious. However, what isn’t so obvious is just how great gas powered RC cars are.

Electric cars are the easiest to use and nitro powered cars are zippy as can be, but if you’re looking for a big, beefy RC car with the perfect combination of speed and ease of use, gas powered RC cars are definitely the way to go.

While they’re not as common as electric or nitro powered RC cars, gas RC cars and monster trucks are just as much fun, if not more.

Size Matters

Most gas RC cars are larger than their electric and nitro counterparts. In fact, some are even 1/5 scale.

They look, sound, and even smell just like the real thing.

In addition to making them much more lifelike, the larger size of gas powered trucks and RC cars allows them to reach super-fast top speeds as well.

Superior Engine

The large two-stroke engine in gas remote control cars, such as the HPI Baja Buggy and Rampage Chimera, produces more power and torque than its similar counterparts.

Along with the bigger tires and beefier suspension that gas RC cars have, the large two-stroke engine allows them to tackle tougher obstacles and blast through the dirt much better than electric and nitro models.

Gas Is Great

Gas powered cars also require less maintenance and are much easier to get on the road.

Just fill it with gas, which you can get at any gas station, pull the starter chord, and you’re good to go.

That’s all there is to it.

Nitro cars on the other hand, are much more finicky and require a starter box or ignitor to get going.

Electric cars have batteries that constantly need charging and limit their run time significantly.

Maintenance

To top it all off gas powered RC cars are also more durable and made to last longer.

Unlike nitro cars that require excessive parts and constant tinkering, gas powered RC cars are ready to go right out of the box and made to last for years.

This translates to more fun and less money spent on maintenance and upkeep.

Room to Move

One important thing to keep in mind when looking for the best gas powered RC cars, is that the size and speed of gas RC cars, trucks, and buggies does mean that they require more room to roam.

So although there are definitely some awesome options when it comes to the best gas powered RC cars as you’ll see below, if you’re looking for simple backyard fun, a gas powered RC car may not be for you.

However, if you’re ready for serious fun at the track or out in the open, keep reading to discover five of the biggest, baddest, and fastest gas RC cars for sale today!

1. Redcat Racing Rampage XB Gas Buggy

Want speed? Want power? Want 1/5 scale and 100 percent pure gas-powered adrenaline?

If you said yes to all of the above then the Redcat Racing Rampage XB Gas Buggy is meant for you!

It being what many consider the best gas RC car being made today, you can’t go wrong with the Redcat Racing Rampage XB Gas Buggy.

This menacing, tough as nails, off-road buggy will get your adrenaline pumping faster than an F-1.

How so? Well, let’s start with its engine.

Powerful Engine

Unlike many other gas powered RC cars with 20-25cc motors, the Rampage XB Gas Buggy comes equipped with a fine-tuned 30cc HY two-stroke gas engine that’s ready to rip!

The goodies don’t stop there either.

While many other gas powered remote control cars require after market parts and fine tuning, the folks at Redcat Racing covered all of the bases with the Rampage XB.

In addition to its impressive, dirt-churning engine, it also comes ready to rock right out of the box with a tuned exhaust and high flow intake for even more horsepower and torque.

As one of the best gas powered RC cars around, it also features sturdy steel gears, dual disc brakes for serious stopping power, off-road ready aluminum oil-filled shocks, and aggressive knobby tires for high-performance off-road fun.

You want roost? The Rampage XB chews up dirt and spits out roost with a smile.

If you’re looking for gas powered RC drift cars, look elsewhere because this thing is a tough-as-nails dirt demon in every way.

Very Tough

Speaking of tough, this popular gas powered buggy is built to take a licking and keep on ticking.

With actual metal gears and a heavy-duty T6 4mm aluminum chassis, this RC car is made to provide years of off-road fun.

When you factor in the dependable, maintenance-free design of its two-stroke gas engine, it puts both nitro and electric powered RC cars to shame in the durability department.

That’s right; you can keep your sockets and soldering tools in the drawer where they belong!

The Rampage XB is also impressive to look at.

Like other gas powered RC cars 1/5 scale, it’s large and in charge.

Aside from its size, its tough exterior design makes it just as fierce as it is fast.

You want toughness? The Rampage XB has it in spades.

Too Big?

On the downside, the size of the Rampage XB limits where it can be used.

It’s big engine and knobby tires need space to be used to their fullest potential, so it’s definitely not made for a short course or small backyard.

There have however been some reports of faulty bearings. However, this is an easy fix.

You can easily purchase aftermarket 22mm x 6mm ball bearings and install them in no time at all for improved speed and performance.

All things considered, however, there are very few gas powered RC cars that can measure up to the Redcat Racing Rampage XB Gas Buggy.

It’s big, fast, and built to last.

Plus, it’s one of the least expensive gas powered remote control cars on the market, so you don’t have to blow your budget to have some gas powered fun.

Pros:

• 1/5 scale
• Fast 30cc gas engine
• Durable and lightweight design
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Large scale but rather basic looking
• Transmitter could be better
• May need to replace the bearings

“Very Popular and Durable”

OOR: 4.3

2. Team Losi Desert Buggy XL

Imagine being behind the controls of a 1 5 scale gas RC as it blows up clouds of sand.

Better yet, imagine it plowing through dunes and making mincemeat of endless obstacles.

If this sounds like your idea of fun, the Team Losi Desert Buggy XL has your name written all over it.

As one of today’s best gas powered RC cars, this beast of a buggy has four-wheel drive, superior climbing ability, and enough power to go virtually anywhere.

From the desert to the forest to your local race track, you can drive it virtually anywhere and plow through sand, dirt, mud, snow, rocks, sticks, and any other terrain.

At the heart of this gas RTR buggy is a well-tuned 23cc gas engine.

While the engine isn’t as powerful as the 30cc engine in the Rampage XB, it makes great use of every inch to tear up the woods or the track without looking back.

Easy to Use

Best of all, like other gas toys and gas powered RC cars, it’s super easy to use.

In fact, if you’re searching for gas powered RC cars for beginners, you should consider adding it to the top of your list.

The engine fires up simply by pulling a cord just like a lawnmower.

While it doesn’t cut grass, it can reach upwards of 30 mph in the blink of an eye with a simple press of the controls.

Rugged

The Team Losi Desert Buggy XL is also rugged as can be.

Unlike some other gas powered remote control cars not on this list, it can withstand just about any crash.

This is in large part due to its rigid 5mm aluminum roll cage, which is injection molded and made to resist folding or bending.

There’s no need for glue or loop tape with this bad boy.

Other awesome features of the Desert Buggy XL include dual disc brakes, a genuine K&N air filter, DBXL chassis, integrated servo saver, and sealed differentials.

With all of these bells and whistles and a rock-solid off-road design, it’s easy to see why some consider it pound for pound and dollar for dollar the best gas RC car in the business.

Pros:

• 1/5 scale
• Looks and drives great
• Easy to use
• Requires minimal maintenance

Cons:

• Backup steering and throttle servos may be needed
• Plastic gear housing
• Charger and charger accessories not included
• Could use a bit more power for its size

“Fun and Easy to Use”

OOR: 4

3. 1/5 King Motor X2 Deluxe 4WD RTR 30.5cc SC Truck

Looking for bigger tires and a little more power under the hood?

You’re in luck, because the 1/5 King Motor X2 Deluxe SC Truck doesn’t disappoint.

Sure, gas powered RC cars and other gas powered toys are great, but when it comes to the fun department, this 4wd monster truck definitely takes the cake.

What makes it so great?

Great Specs

Well, for starters unlike the other best gas powered RC cars on this list, it features huge monster tires that allow it to go almost anywhere its motor can take it.

Speaking of motors, the 30.5cc air cooled engine on the King Motor X2 Deluxe is no joke.

Combined with a four-bolt cylinder head and high-performance 8,000 RPM clutch with innovative sealed clutch mount, it’s an amped up setup that takes no prisoners.

Other neat features rarely found on other gas powered RC cars include an adjustable Walbro 997 carburettor and sturdy steel gears.

If that weren’t enough, many of its parts, such as the shock towers and clutch housing, are aluminum for lightweight strength and durability.

No Hassles

Like other gas powered remote control cars, the King Motor X2 Deluxe is also super easy to use.

All you need to do is buy some premix or mix a little oil with regular gas you find at any gas station, add it to the tank, pull the starter cord, and get ready to chew up dirt like no tomorrow.

With transmitter neck straps attached to the remote, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy hours of off-road RC fun.

If your idea of the best gas RC car is a 1 5 gas RC monster truck with big tires, an even bigger engine, and a durable design that’s made to take a pounding, this is the gas RC for you.

RC boats, planes, and fast helicopters are certainly fun, but there’s nothing like good old on-the-ground fun, which this RC monster truck provides plenty of.

Pros:

• 1/5 scale
• Large, powerful engine
• Fierce looks
• Durable, quality construction

Cons:

• Likes to gulp gas
• On the heavy side
• A little pricey

“Excellent Power and Quality”

OOR: 2.6

4. Team Losi 8IGHT RTR AVC 1/8 4WD Gas Buggy

It’s not as big as the 1/5 scale gas powered RC cars on this list, but the Team Losi 8IGHT RTR AVC 1/8 Gas Buggy is pound for pound the best gas RC car your hard-earned money can buy.

Featuring Team Losi’s awesome 8IGHT platform as well as Active Vehicle Control, it’s right at home on the track, in the desert, or bashing in the backyard.

Thanks to this technology, you can harness its insane speed and drive it with utmost precision.

As one of the best gas powered RC cars on the market, you can enjoy podium performance time and time again.

Reliable Motor

With its Dynamite .31 ci gas engine, you can put the 8IGHT’s performance chassis and suspension to the test and experience everything this little beast of an RC has to offer.

Similar to other gas powered RC cars, the motor has plenty of power to tackle almost any obstacle.

Of course, the 8IGHT’s large-bore 16mm shocks also help.

They provide superior handling and allow the 8IGHT to effortlessly absorb the most brutal of landings.

You also won’t have to worry about snapping the chassis, which is a common problem for many other gas toy cars. It’s completely aluminum for unmatched durability.

Another nice feature is its waterproof design.

You can blast it through the rain, mud, and snow without worry.

Best of all, this buggy is ready to race straight out of the box.

It comes completely assembled and performance tuned, so there’s no need to deal with temp guns or balance adapters.

Just fill it with oil and gas, pull the cord, and get ready to blow the competition out of the water!

Pros:

• Performance design
• Active Vehicle Control
• Durable aluminum chassis
• Completely RTR

Cons:

• Not 1/5 scale
• Tires could be bigger
• Not the most beginner-friendly gas RC

“Very Fast Yet Handles Great”

OOR: 3

5. Team Losi Racing 1/5 5IVE-B 4WD Buggy Race Kit

A lot of gas powered RC cars come completely assembled and ready for fun, but for some, putting on aftermarket parts and creating their own custom RC creations is part of the fun.

If you like to tinker and fall into this category, the Team Losi Racing 1/5 5IVE-B Buggy Racing Kit may be for you.

Unlike many gas powered RC cars, this kit is designed for hardcore racers.

It features the legendary TLR 8IGHT hard-anodized aluminum chassis.

In addition to having a shorter wheelbase for improved handling, the chassis features milled pockets for less weight and just the right amount of flex for ultimate traction when accelerating.

Other top-of-the-line parts included in the race-ready kit that are rarely found on other gas powered remote control cars include amazing brakes with rotors made from stamped steel, a dual-steering servo radio tray, and a great looking racing body featuring a wing and a cab-forward design.

In addition the kit also includes aluminum center differential case, aluminum clutch carrier, hard-anodized aluminum shock towers and shocks, one-piece wheels, specially designed air filter, molded rubber axle boots, and adjustable anti-squat and toe plates.

Additional Parts

On the downside, or the upside depending on how much you enjoy tinkering and customizing, you’ll need to add additional parts to create a complete race buggy.

That’s right, unlike the other best gas powered RC cars on this list, it doesn’t come complete and ready for action right out of the box.

Some of the needed parts include a gas engine up to 30cc, exhaust, three 1.5 scale servos, two-channel radio system, and receiver charger and battery pack.

The good news is you can choose your own engine and transmitter system to create the best gas RC car money can buy.

Don’t want to worry about a weak engine, chintzy transmitter, battery building, charge leads, and every other possible downside of an out-of-the-box RC?

No worries, the Team Losi Racing 1/5 5IVE-B 4WD Buggy Race Kit gives you a proven platform and allows you to add whatever engine and transmitter systems you like for rock-solid, racing performance.

Pros:

• Proven race-ready platform
• Excellent chassis
• All necessary tools included

Cons:

• It’s a kit, so requires added time and money
• Can be a little pricey to complete
• Not very beginner-friendly

“Superior Handling and Performance”

OOR: 3.3

Gas Powered RC Cars – Pick the Best Today!

Today, like nitro and electric Exceed RC cars, gas powered RC cars are a dime a dozen.

While this may seem like a positive as there are more options to choose from, sorting through hundreds of models to pick out the best one can be easier said than done.

To lend a helping hand and save you some serious time and money, these are five of the best gas RC cars we’ve looked at. So, pick out one of these gas powered rc cars and have yourself some serious gas-guzzling fun!