7 Best RC Drift Cars of 2019
RC drift car racing is a phenomenal sport and one that’s growing fast. It’s in a class of its own and provides adrenaline-pumping action like you wouldn’t believe. My guide reviews 7 of the best RC drift car choices around. I’ve included models for young kids, older beginners, and a few high-end options for skilled drivers. You may want to jump to the reviews if you’re already an experienced racer.
Keep reading if you’re new and would like a little help to choose the right model. First, let’s look at the vehicles. They look like touring cars at a glance, but there are a few fundamental differences.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Scale Size: 1/10 Scale |
| Drive System: Four-Wheel Drive |
| RTR, pistol grip controller, turbo button, batteries included, USB charging. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Redcat Racing EPX Drift |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Scale Size: 1/10 Scale |
| Drive System: Four-Wheel Drive |
| RTR, 2 designs, polycarbonate body, fast, decent run time. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| HPI Racing RS4 Sport 3 Drift |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| Scale Size: 1/10 Scale |
| Drive System: Four-Wheel Drive |
| RTR, ideal beginner’s car, waterproof electronics, phenomenal drift capability. |
| Check Amazon |
RC Drift Car Vs. Touring Car
The difference between an RC drift car and a tourer may not be evident at first. Indeed, a touring car can be a drift car and vice versa. In the R/C world, both models are scaled-down replicas of the real-life vehicles. The main differences are tires, suspension systems, and bling. A customized drift car may also have a stiffer chassis with a larger throw to accommodate oversteering.
Experienced RC’ers prefer to buy drift cars in kit form. The reason for this is so they can customize and tweak the model until it matches their style of driving. That’s nothing for this guide, though. It’s a fascinating sport and one that can quickly become addictive, but in a good way.
Buying Considerations
There are several considerations if you’re new to this. First, set your budget, and then think about the things below. Add anything else to the list that pertains to your preferences.
- Model scale size (see below)
- How fast can the model go
- Electric motor type. Brushless is better than brushed but cost more
- Drive system, i.e., 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD)
- Run time on a single charge
- Battery charging times
- Cost of spare batteries
- Cost and availability of spare and accessories
The above are typical considerations for most RC vehicles. Make sure you pay attention to the model’s scale size, i.e., 1/10. The smaller the second number, the larger the model. A typical newbie error is to ignore scale and dimensions. They then complain that their drift car is much bigger or smaller than they thought. I include all the above points in the tech spec section of the reviews for easy reference.
About My ‘Best RC Drift Car’ Guide
There are lots of RC drift cars out there and more arriving all the time. My shortlist of 7 has models for all budgets and skill levels. I chose these based on personal thoughts and the opinions of experts in the industry. I also looked at real user feedback to help finalize the shortlist. The first three are Editor’s choice for the Best Budget, Best Value, and then the Top pick.
The table below shows the R/C drift car models in the order they appear on the page.
RC Drift Cars Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Scale Size | Drive System | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jada RC Brian’s Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift Car | 1/10 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
| Redcat Racing EPX Metallic Red RC Drift Car | 1/10 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
| HPI Racing RS4 Sport 3 RC Drift W/ Subaru BRZ | 1/10 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
| Team R/C Super-Fast Drift Legend Sports Car | 1/24 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
| NQD RC 360° Rotating Drift Car for Kids | 1/16 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
| GPTOYS Fast Remote Control 4WD Drift Car | 1/26 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
| Exceed RTR Powerful RC MadSpeed Drift King | 1/10 Scale | Four-Wheel Drive | Check Price |
1. Jada RC Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift Car | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
This year’s Best Budget pick goes to the Jada RC Brian’s Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift Car. It’s a 1/10 scale Fast & Furious showstopper with incredible performance for a model in its category.
- Best feature 1: High-performing drift action
- Best feature 2: Extra set of drift tires
- Plus points: RTR, pistol grip controller, turbo button, batteries included, USB charging
- Minus points: Toy grade restrictions, needs space to drift, short play time
Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift Car Highlights
The Nissan Skyline Fast & Furious GT-R RC drift car is ready to run (RTR) right out of the box. It even comes with all the batteries and a spare set of drift tires. The car has pleasing graphics, custom rims, and a sleek design with LED light effects. It’s an excellent model for anyone who wants to try their hand a drifting for the first time. The battery takes 90 minutes to recharge, which is average.
The Not So Good
It’s a hobby-scale size though it’s still a toy-grade model. That means it’s not so easy to repair or replace a part if something breaks. Nor is it upgradable. The 1/10 scale means the car is quite big too. That’s one of its attractions, but you also need space to drive the vehicle. Check the car’s dimensions below to see if it’s a good fit if you plan to drift indoors. Run time is an average of 15 minutes.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: Jada |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 18 x 7 x 8” |
| Product Weight: 1.6 lbs. |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Electric Motor: Brushed |
| Battery: 9.6v 900mah (fixed) |
| Running time: 15 minutes |
| Charging time: 90 minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| High-performing drift action |
| Extra set of drift tires |
| Ready to Run (RTR) |
| All batteries included |
| Pistol grip controller |
| Turbo button |
| USB charging |
| Impressive graphics |
| Custom rims |
| LED light effects |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Toy grade restrictions |
| Needs space to drift |
| Shortish play time |
2. Redcat Racing Lightning EPX Drift Car | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
There’s a jump in price, quality, and performance with our Best Value pick. This model is the stunning Lightning EPX drift car by Redcat Racing. It’s got lots of bling and heaps of power to boot.
- Best feature 1: Fast and powerful car for its class
- Best feature 2: Durable polycarbonate body
- Plus points: RTR, 2 designs, polycarbonate body, fast, decent run time, fine-tune potential
- Minus points: Stock tire restrictions, hard to keep straight at high speeds
EPX RC Drift Car Highlights
And they’re off! Forward, sideways, or reverse escapes—this car is highly maneuverable. The model has a powerful brushed 27T 540 motor and drift-specific tires. Combined, they provide this beautiful beast with incredible drift capability at high speeds. Quick recovery and rapid direction changes are possible thanks to the ultra-lightweight chassis. Best of all is that drivers can fine-tune the car.
The Lightning EPX has selectable mounting positions for its aluminum capped oil-filled shocks. Every track needs a different setting, and that’s where this beauty comes into its own. You can adjust the ride height, toe angle, and camber angle to match the surface and driving style. Hobbyists who want to upgrade and customize their drift car have that option too.
The Not So Good
The traction of the stock tires’ is decent on hard surfaces but less so on softer ground. Also, the car takes some practice to keep straight at higher speeds, so it’s not ideal as a first-ever drift car. Better steering control is easy to fix with upgrades. That’s not something most learners want to deal with.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: Redcat Racing |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 14.2 x 8 x 4.5” |
| Product Weight: 6 lbs. |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Electric Motor: 19T RC550 brushed |
| Max Range: 75+ ft. (23+ meters) |
| Battery: 7.2v 2000mAh NiMH |
| Running time: 20 minutes |
| Charging time: Xxx |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Ready to Run (RTR) |
| Two designs available |
| Realistic body |
| Durable polycarbonate |
| Exceptional drift capability |
| Fast speeds, quick recovery |
| Adjustable components |
| Metal parts |
| Reasonable battery life |
| Cheap accessories and spares |
| Fine-tuning potential |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Stock tire restriction |
| Hard to keep the vehicle straight at higher speeds |
3. HPI Racing RS4 Sport 3 RC Drift Car | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Top Pick is HPI Racing’s RS4 Sport 3 RC drift car. It’s an incredible drift vehicle with flashy appeal. This model boasts a lot of impressive features that help it to excel on the track.
- Best feature 1: Licensed replica Subaru BRZ body & wheels
- Best feature 2: Realistic tires
- Plus points: RTR, ideal beginner’s car, waterproof electronics, phenomenal drift capability
- Minus points: High price tag, some skilled drivers may find it underpowered
RS4 Sport 3 RC Drift Car Highlights
You know a thing or two about RC drift car racing if you have your eyes on this beauty. It’s a ready-to-run (RTR) model, so it’s good to go right out of the box. There are even batteries and a wall charger included. The RS4 Sport 3 has a licensed mockup body and wheels with realistic tires to give it a truly authentic look. Performance on the track is equally as eye-catching as its visual appeal.
Consider this drift car if you’re an advanced beginner, i.e., you have some basic experience. It’s a good-looking RC model that’s easy to control and well balanced. The fat foam front bumper does an excellent job at protecting the chassis, front suspension, and body from impact. The option to customize the car’s look with a variety of shells, wheels, and tires is a fun feature.
Impressive Spec Sheet
The car has an impressive spec sheet and many upgrades and accessories to back it up. It’s not cheap, but it does present excellent value for serious hobbyists. Here’s a glance at what it offers:
- One-piece molded chassis
- Low profile layout
- Fits a variety of battery types
- 2S lipo capable
- Full-time four-wheel drive
- Sealed shaft drivetrain
- Carbon fiber driveshaft cover
- Easy-to-access differentials
- 4-gear metal diffs
- Fully-adjustable suspension
- Tunable rear suspension
- Oil-filled threaded shocks
- Double bell crank steering
- Spring-loaded servo saver
- Aluminum motor mount
- Adjustable height body mounts
The list goes on, and there’s a plethora of optional extras to choose from as well.
The Not So Good
HPI’s RS4 Sport 3 RC Drift has a lot going for it, but like all RC models, it won’t please everyone. Although it’s an excellent choice for advanced-beginners and above, it does have a high price tag. That’s sure to put some off who are still experimenting with the hobby. Finally, aggressive, highly-skilled R/C drift car racers may find the RS4 Sport 3 a tad underpowered for their driving style.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: HPI Racing |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 17 x 7.9 x 5” |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Electric Motor: HPI Firebolt 15-turn |
| Battery: 2000MaH NiMH |
| Running time: Depends on battery choice |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Licensed BRZ body & wheels |
| Realistic tires |
| Ready to run (RTR) |
| Fully-customizable model |
| Lots of upgrades available |
| Superb advanced beginner’s car |
| Waterproof electronics |
| Phenomenal drift capability |
| Includes batteries & charger |
| Large, protective front bumper |
| Impressive spec sheet |
| The Cons |
|---|
| High price tag |
| Aggressive drift racers may find the car a tad underpowered |
4. Team R/C Super-Fast Drift Legend Sports Car
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
The Team R/C Super-Fast Drift Legend Sports Car is a great starter drift vehicle for kids. It’s a small 1/24 scale model and lightweight. That makes it a superb toy for indoor fun.
- Best feature 1: Small and lightweight
- Best feature 2: Full function driving
- Plus points: RTR, fast and responsive, 2 sets of tires, impressive drift ability, LED lights
- Minus points: Eats through batteries, no batteries included
Team R/C Legend Drift Car Highlights
It’s incredible what they put in the box for the money. The car is ready to run (RTR), and it comes with 2 sets of tires. The pre-installed smooth tires are for drifting, and there’s a rubber set for when you need extra grip. The car is not only fast but responsive to controls too. The remote is simple yet practical and comfortable for kids to use. It’s a cracking first car for youngsters new to the hobby.
The Legend’s drift capability is a surprise considering it’s a cheap toy. New drivers can get to perform figure-of-8 and U-shape drifts in no time. Another neat touch is the working LED headlights, taillights, and sidelights. The car has full function driving, i.e., drives forward, back, turns left, and turns right. Despite all its good points, remember that it’s still only a toy-grade model.
The Not So Good
Think about rechargeable batteries if you buy this RC model. It only gives about 20 minutes of drifting fun, and that can get expensive. Rechargeables won’t last quite that long, but they’ll save on the pocket. The product doesn’t include any batteries, which is understandable considering the price. You need 4 AAAs for the drift car and 2 AAs for the controller.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: Team RC |
| Model Scale: 1:24 |
| Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 4.2” |
| Product Weight: 12 oz. |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Max Range: short |
| Battery (Car): 4 x AAA |
| Battery (Remote): 2 x AA |
| Running time: 15+ minutes |
| Charging time: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Incredible value |
| Small and lightweight |
| Full function driving |
| Ready to Run (RTR) |
| Fast and responsive for its class |
| 2 sets of tires (drift and regular) |
| Impressive drift capability |
| Functional lights all around |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Eats through batteries |
| No batteries included |
5. NQD RC 360° Rotating Drift Car for Kids
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Parents—meet the NQD RC 360° rotating drift car for kids. R/C is a cool hobby that’s educational, competitive, and most of all, good clean fun. This model is a perfect introduction to drift cars.
- Best feature 1: High-quality, child-safe materials
- Best feature 2: Ideal indoor toy
- Plus points: Easy to drive, 4WD, 2 drive modes, 6 stunt modes, crash-resistant, rechargeable
- Minus points: Exaggerated battery life, long charging time
NQD RC Rotating Drift Car Highlights
Indoor toys don’t get much better than the NQD RC rotating drift car. There’s even a racing driver with movable limbs at the wheel to add a touch of realism. The car is made from advanced ABS plastic that’s safe for kids and is quite crash-resistant. The model is dead easy to drive at the beginner level. It has 2 driving modes, i.e., drift and race, and 6 fancy stunt modes.
The Rotating Drift Car can do 360° spins and wheelies in Race Mode. It also performs 360° spins in 1-click Drift Mode and 360° rotations. The magic wheels jump from vertical to a horizontal position with the simple touch of a control. There’s so much to play with to stop kids from getting bored. It’s even more fun when two or more vehicles compete against each other.
The Not So Good
The makers state 30+ minutes of running time on a single charge. That’s an exaggeration as 20 minutes seems a more realistic figure. Extra batteries are available. You can also buy upgraded batteries for extended run time. Always check the guide for compatible options. The charging time can vary between 2–3 hours, so most users want at least a couple of backups.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: NQD |
| Model Scale: 1:16 |
| Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.5 x 5.3” |
| Product Weight: 22 oz. |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Electric Motor: Dual brushed |
| Max Range: 82ft (25 meters) |
| Battery: 7.2V, 800mAh LiPo |
| Running time: 20+ minutes |
| Charging time: 2+ hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Easy to drive and great fun |
| Child-safe materials |
| Perfect indoor toy |
| Crash-resistant ABS |
| Collision avoidance protection |
| Powerful magic wheels |
| Driver with moveable limbs |
| 4-wheel drive |
| 2 drive modes |
| 6 stunt modes |
| Rechargeable battery + charger |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Exaggerated battery life |
| Long charging time |
6. GPTOYS Fast Remote Control 4WD Drift Car
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Sixth on the list is the 1:26 scale 4WD RC drift car from GP Toys. It’s a toy-grade model at the higher end and provides plenty of attractive features for young enthusiasts.
- Best feature 1: Powerful drift capability for its class
- Best feature 2: Fast top speed
- Plus points: Easy to drive, strong suspension, wear-resistant tires, extended play time
- Minus points: Not upgradable, long charging time
GPTOYS R/C 4WD Drift Car Highlights
This small-scale car can reach speeds of to 11 mph (18 km/h). The agile model has impressive drift capability an all smooth type surfaces. Drivers can perform circular, 8-shaped, and U-shaped drifts up to a range of 262ft (80m). The tires look cool and are quite wear-resistant. And the independent suspension system keeps the vehicle steady at faster speeds.
Drive time is 20+ minutes on a single charge or 15–18 minutes if you only drift. Finally, the metallic chassis makes the model stronger and more durable than cheaper plastics.
The Not So Good
It’s a toy car, albeit a high-quality one, but it’s still a toy. So, it’s not upgradable, and it may be hard to find some parts depending on what breaks. Even so, it’s an expectational model and an ideal stepping stone on the journey to better things. Battery charging takes around 100 minutes for 20+ minutes of run time. That’s quite long, so most pilots factor an extra battery or two into the price.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: GP TOYS |
| Model Scale: 1:26 |
| Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.4 x 5.6” |
| Product Weight: 0.64 oz. |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Electric Motor: Brushed |
| Max Range: 262ft (80 meters) |
| Battery: 7.4V 400mAh Li-ion |
| Running time: 20+ minutes |
| Charging time: 100 minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Powerful drift capability |
| Fast top speed |
| Full drive function |
| Easy to drive |
| Independent suspension |
| Wear-resistant tires |
| Metallic chassis |
| Extended play time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not upgradable |
| Long charging time |
7. Exceed RTR Powerful RC MadSpeed Drift King
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Last up is the hobby-grade Exceed MadSpeed 4WD 1/10 scale Drift King. It’s a powerful, ready-to-run (RTR) model with a distinct look and a long list of quality features (see below).
- Best feature 1: Intense wheel-spinning action
- Best feature 2: Attention to details
- Plus points: Brushless power, LED lights, protective bumper, incredible wheel-spins
- Minus points: Average stock battery, tendency to overheat
Exceed R/C MadSpeed Drift Car Highlights
This car looks as good as it goes. There’s a lot of care gone into the details like the street-ready pre-painted drift body. Owners also appreciate the detailed side mirrors, wing, chrome exhaust, and the wheels. It’s attention to visible features like these that give the car its realism. The LEDs are another nice touch and include head, tail, and interior lights.
There’s a thick foam bumper to help protect the car from impact while high-speed drifting. Exceed RC have adapted the MadSpeed Drift King to perform insane wheel-spinning action. The car gets its tire-shredding torque from an Exceed RC ESC and powerful 380 3000KV brushless motor.
Here’s a glance at some of its high-end features:
- Centralized low center of gravity (COG) design
- Exceed RC ESC w/ 380 3000KV brushless motor
- 2.4Ghz Pistol Transmitter Radio Control
- Detailed door mirrors, wing, exhaust, and wheels
- Detailed street-ready drift style body
- Protected foam bumper
- CNC aluminum center drive
- CNC aluminum motor mount
- CNC aluminum upper deck
- Hard-wearing oil-filled shock
- 3KG high-torque steering servo
- Easy-to-access front/rear ball differentials
The Not So Good
This car is well above average—aside from its 20 minute stock 7.2v Ni-MH 1800mAh battery. Most users will upgrade the battery so they can exploit the MadSpeed’s full potential. The other negative is that the car sometimes overheats when driving it flat out. It then auto cuts off to save damaging the components. That’s a good thing, but it would be better if it didn’t overheat in the first place.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand Name: Exceed RC |
| Model Scale: 1:10 |
| Dimensions: 17.32 x 7.48” |
| Electric Motor: 380 3000KV brushless |
| Product Weight: 3.3 lbs. |
| Drive System: 4WD |
| Battery: 7.2v Ni-MH 1800mAh |
| Running time: 20 minutes |
| Charging time: 100+ minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Ready to Run (RTR) |
| Beginner-friendly |
| Close attention to details |
| LED lights (includes interior) |
| Brushless power |
| Intense wheel-spinning action |
| Sturdy build |
| Easy to upgrade or replace parts |
| Protective bumper |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Average stock battery |
| Tendency to overheat |
Contents
- RC Drift Car Vs. Touring Car
- Buying Considerations
- About My ‘Best RC Drift Car’ Guide
- RC Drift Cars Comparison Table
- 1. Jada RC Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift Car | Best Budget
- Nissan Skyline GT-R Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Redcat Racing Lightning EPX Drift Car | Best Value
- EPX RC Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. HPI Racing RS4 Sport 3 RC Drift Car | Top Pick
- RS4 Sport 3 RC Drift Car Highlights
- Impressive Spec Sheet
- The Not So Good
- 4. Team R/C Super-Fast Drift Legend Sports Car
- Team R/C Legend Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. NQD RC 360° Rotating Drift Car for Kids
- NQD RC Rotating Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. GPTOYS Fast Remote Control 4WD Drift Car
- GPTOYS R/C 4WD Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Exceed RTR Powerful RC MadSpeed Drift King
- Exceed R/C MadSpeed Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good