Top 10 RC Cars for 2024: Performance, Speed, and Upgrade Tips

Looking to dominate the RC scene in 2024? Whether you're an off-road enthusiast, a stunt lover, or a high-speed street racer, finding the right RC car can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve handpicked the top 10 RC cars of 2024, complete with detailed performance specs, upgrade recommendations, and insider tips to enhance your ride. From extreme bashing to short-course racing, these RC cars are guaranteed to thrill. Plus, discover the best mods to improve speed, durability, and control. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, these RC cars will take your hobby to the next level!

1. Kraton 8S EXB (1/5 Scale)

Purpose: Extreme Bashing
Price: Around $1,550 AUD
Grade: High-End
Top Speed: ≈88 km/h (55 mph)

Why it's #1: The Kraton 8S EXB delivers unbeatable durability and sheer power for hardcore bashers. Its 8S LiPo capability combined with a tough chassis makes it a king of off-road terrain.

Why you should buy it: Perfect for those who want an all-terrain beast that can handle rough environments and big jumps with ease.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Max5 200A ESC for extreme power.
• Motor: TP Power 4070 CM Brushless Motor for more torque and speed.
• Chassis: M2C Racing Chassis Brace Kit for added durability.
• Tyres: Pro-Line Trencher 4.3" Belted Tyres for better grip on all terrains.

2. Outcast 6S EXB (1/8 Scale)

Purpose: Stunt Bashing
Price: Around $1,150 AUD
Grade: High-End
Top Speed: ≈96 km/h (60 mph)

Why it's #2: The Outcast 6S EXB is an exceptional stunt performer, designed for flips, wheelies, and high-flying tricks. With a powerful motor and sturdy build, it’s built for hobbyists who want to perform extreme stunts.

Why you should buy it: If you’re into high-flying stunts and acrobatic tricks, this car offers thrilling performance while being durable enough to survive rough landings.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Hobbywing Max6 ESC for consistent power delivery.
• Motor: Castle Creations 1717 1650KV Sensored Motor for better acceleration.
• Suspension: M2C Racing Shock Tower Brace Kit for durability.
• Tyres: Badlands MX38 Tyres for high-performance off-road handling.

3. Traxxas X-Maxx (1/6 Scale)

Purpose: Monster Truck Bashing
Price: Around $1,400 AUD
Grade: High-End
Top Speed: ≈80 km/h (50 mph)

Why it's #3: The X-Maxx is an off-road monster capable of tackling any terrain. Its massive build and incredible power make it ideal for those who crave adventure across various surfaces.

Why you should buy it: Perfect for those who want a monster truck that can dominate mud, snow, or rough terrain.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Castle Mamba XLX2 8S ESC for increased voltage.
• Motor: Leopard 58113 1100KV Brushless Motor for more torque.
• Suspension: Traxxas GTR Shocks for smoother handling.
• Chassis: RPM Reinforced Body Mounts for added body durability.

4. Arrma Mojave 6S BLX (1/7 Scale)

Purpose: Off-Road Bashing/Desert Racing
Price: Around $1,100 AUD
Grade: High-End
Top Speed: ≈97 km/h (60+ mph)

Why it's #4: With top speeds over 97 km/h and superb off-road performance, the Arrma Mojave is perfect for high-speed desert racing. Its rugged build ensures it can handle tough conditions.

Why you should buy it: Ideal for fans of desert-style off-road racing.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Hobbywing Max8 ESC for reliable power.
• Motor: Tekin T8 Gen3 2000KV Motor for faster acceleration.
• Tyres: Pro-Line BFGoodrich KR2 Tyres for better grip.
• Suspension: Hot Racing Aluminum Shock Bodies for durability.

5. FS Racing Model DT Street Basher (1/7 Scale)

Purpose: Street Bashing
Price: Around $1,100 AUD
Grade: High-End
Top Speed: ≈95 km/h

Why it's #5: Designed for high-speed street bashing, the FS Racing Model DT offers precision control and high top speeds, making it perfect for street-based enthusiasts.

Why you should buy it: If you're into street racing or drifting, this is the car for you.

Upgrade recommendations:

• Motor: Castle Creations 1515 2200KV Motor for improved top speed.
• Gears: Robinson Racing Hardened Steel Spur Gear for durability.
• ESC: Hobbywing Max10 SCT ESC for better power delivery.
• Tyres: Method RC Velociter On Road 1/7 Hive Belted Tyres for high-performance street handling.

6. FS Racing Leopard V2 Truggy (1/8 Scale)

Purpose: Off-Road Bashing
Price: Around $899 AUD
Grade: Hobby-Grade
Top Speed: ≈80 km/h

Why it's #6: The Leopard V2 Truggy provides excellent off-road capabilities at an affordable price, with a focus on stability and power.

Why you should buy it: Perfect for off-road hobbyists who want a solid bashing vehicle.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: SkyRC Toro 8S ESC for higher voltage.
• Motor: Hobbywing EZRun 4274 2200KV Motor for faster speeds.
• Tyres: Duratrax Lockup X ST Tyres for better off-road traction.
• Chassis: Aluminum Chassis Upgrade Kit for added durability.

7. RLAARLO Omni Terminator (1/10 Scale)

Purpose: Off-Road Bashing/Racing
Price: Around $425 AUD
Grade: High-End
Top Speed: ≈100 km/h (62 mph)

Why it's #7: The RLAARLO Omni Terminator combines modern RC technology with a robust carbon fiber chassis and brushless motor, offering superior speed and extreme durability. Its 1/10 scale makes it ideal for serious off-road enthusiasts who want both size and performance. It’s built to handle rugged terrain while delivering excellent speed and control.

Why you should buy it: With its high-end features and competitive price of $425 AUD, the Omni Terminator delivers outstanding value. It’s perfect for hobbyists looking for a powerful and durable RC car for both bashing and racing.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Hobbywing XR8 Pro G2 ESC for improved power delivery.
• Motor: Castle Creations Mamba X Brushless Motor for enhanced acceleration and torque.
• Suspension: GPM Racing Adjustable Aluminum Shock Absorbers for superior off-road handling.
• Tyres: Pro-Line Badlands 1/10 Scale Tyres for excellent traction on tough terrains.

8. Traxxas Slash Ultimate (1/10 Scale)

Purpose: Short Course Racing
Price: Around $750 AUD
Grade: Hobby-Grade
Top Speed: ≈95 km/h

Why it's #8: The Slash Ultimate provides excellent handling and speed for short-course racing on dirt or pavement, making it a favorite among racers.

Why you should buy it: If you're a short-course racing enthusiast, this model offers top-tier handling and competitive speed.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Castle Sidewinder 4 ESC for better speed control.
• Motor: Castle 1406 4600KV Brushless Motor for acceleration.
• Shocks: Pro-Line PowerStroke Shocks for dampening.
• Tyres: Pro-Line Trencher 2.8" All-Terrain Tyres for better off-road capability.

9. Hobby Works RC Mud Digger V2 (1/10 Scale)

Purpose: Off-Road Bashing
Price: Around $269.99 AUD
Grade: Entry-Level
Top Speed: ≈40 km/h

Why it's #9: A beginner-friendly RC vehicle, the Mud Digger V2 provides reliable off-road fun at an affordable price, making it ideal for those new to RC bashing.

Why you should buy it: If you're just starting out, this is a great model for learning the basics of off-road bashing without a hefty price tag.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Hobbywing Quicrun WP 1080 ESC for more efficient power use.
• Motor: 540 Brushed Motor Upgrade for better speed.
• Tyres: Method RC Terraform All Terrain MT 1/10 Array Belted Tyres for better grip and durability.
• Suspension: Aluminum Shock Set for improved durability during jumps.

10. Hobby Works RC Baja Burner V2 (1/10 Scale)

Purpose: Short Course Truck Racing
Price: Around $249.99 AUD
Grade: Entry-Level
Top Speed: ≈40 km/h

Why it's #10: The Baja Burner V2 is a great entry-level RC truck for short-course racing, offering solid performance at an affordable price.

Why you should buy it: This is a great beginner's short-course truck with easy handling, perfect for casual racing on tracks or light off-road conditions.

Upgrade recommendations:

• ESC: Hobbywing WP-SC8 120A ESC for better power delivery.
• Motor: Castle Creations 1406 5700KV Motor for improved speed.
• Tyres: Duratrax Bandito MT Tyres for better grip and durability.
• Body: T-Bone Racing Front Bumper for extra crash protection.

Choosing the right RC car in 2024 comes down to your preferences, whether you’re into off-road bashing, stunt driving, or street racing. The top 10 RC cars in this list offer something for every enthusiast, from the Kraton 8S EXB’s extreme durability to the beginner-friendly Hobby Works RC Mud Digger V2.

No matter which car you choose, there’s always room for improvement with the right upgrades. Adding enhancements like high-performance ESCs, powerful motors, or upgraded tyres will take your RC driving experience to new heights. Each of these cars shines in its category, but upgrading will maximise their potential, whether you're tackling rugged off-road tracks, mastering jumps, or hitting top speeds on smooth asphalt.

In the end, the best RC car is the one that fits your driving style and terrain preferences. With the right tweaks, you can turn any one of these vehicles into a true performer, ready to dominate the competition or simply provide hours of fun.