RC drifting has fast become one of the most popular fields of RC cars. Thanks to the thrill of drifting sideways around a genuine-looking scale track, its rapid growth goes beyond every age limit as it draws both young and adult “drivers” alike. Models with amazing features are aplenty but each unit varies significantly in quality. Drift no further as we take a close look at the best RC drift cars in 2022 to help you pick from the wide range available which will get you floating and sliding at your best.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Pick: Exceed RC 1/10 2.4 Ghz Electric DriftStar
Best Premium Pick: Super GT RC Sport Racing Drift Car
Best Premium Pick: GoolRC Wltoys RC Car XKS 144001 1/14
Best RC Drift Cars – Reviews
Walking into a store and picking the first RC car you see is easy. Top RC drift cars have a few specific features that make them ideal for what is called a “controlled skid.” They may have similar designs and characteristics as those of faster hobby RC cars, but there is a distinct difference in quality for an RC car that was built to drift.
Also read: How To Drift RC Car: Drifting RC Cars for Beginners
1. HSP 1:10 Scale Large RC Drift Car
This 1:10 scale 4WD Drift RC Car has a 2000mAh high-capacity rechargeable battery that lets you run for longer periods without compensating your car’s speed. With a top speed that exceeds 35 km/h, it is fully customizable as its shock absorbers and suspensions can be modified for a more powerful ride. It has a 3-way electronic speed controller for a quick and impressive run and brake response, making it a suitable choice for the RC Drifting beginner.
Brand: Rraycom on
FEATURES
- 1:10 scale
- 35+ kmph top speed
- 4WD shaft drive
- 2.4 GHz, RTR
- Brushless motor
PROS
- Amazingly durable as it can endure crashes and collisions at speeds of 15-25 mph
- Long-lasting battery can run for up to 90 minutes at top speeds.
- Reaches speeds of up to 40 mph
CONS
- Plastic body damages easily
2. GoolRC WLtoys K989 RC Drift Car
The high-quality material used for this scale model’s shell resembles that of a real car, providing it with excellent flexibility to withstand the impact of crashes and collisions. The car’s metal chassis is hands down-sturdy and durable, protecting the car even during the roughest of rides in certain terrain. A 2.4GHZ transmitter eliminates the risk of catching other radio interference, making it the perfect car for young drifters.
Brand: GoolRC
Features
- 1/28 scale
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
- 30 kmph top speed
- Four wheel independent suspension
- Brushed motor
Pros
- Extremely durable saving you from regular upkeep and repairs.
- Quick response remote controller.
- Runs smooth and fast on paved grounds
Cons
- Short battery life
3. Exceed RC 1/10 DriftStar RTR Drift RC Car
This is the best RC car for drifting in our stellar lineup. This electric drift car has a small 0.3 MP camera mounted on top that enables you to record your driving, allowing you to enhance the experience of your drifting game. Although it is a tad smaller than some RC Drifting cars, it packs a double battery pack and displays many of the authentic features of the real model. Its powerful remote controller allows the driver to maneuver it from a distance of 35 meters, making it the choice for hobbyists who are a little advanced in age.
Brand: Exceed RC
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
- RTR
- RC 540 motor
- High performance front/rear differentials
- Four wheel drive system
- Brushed motor
Pros
- Its sleek design makes it look like a real competitive race car.
- Loose steering makes it perfect for drifts.
- Enthusiasts can record, watch, and share their rides due to the built-in camera
Cons
- Screws on the battery cover wear off easily
4. HSP 4wd RC Car 1:10 RC Drift Nitro Car
This RC drifter’s fiberglass disc brake system provides quick brake response and is replaceable, allowing you to keep your car in top shape. Durable pre-trimmed V-tread tires with sturdy shock-absorbing springs are made for superior shock protection. A large front bumper with a high-quality sponge protects your car from bumps and scratches during collisions. Its advanced features make it a suitable pick for the more serious RC drifting enthusiast.
Brand: Rraycom
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Nitro powered
- 2.4 GHz radio gear
- 60+ kmph top speed
- Four wheel drive
- Alloy differential gear
Pros
- Can run up to 65 km/h.
- Performs well even when driven off-road.
- Includes a large capacity fuel tank
Cons
- Engine has weak compression, affecting RC car’s speed
- Not for beginners
If you are interested, we also have an exhaustive guide to RC cars for beginners along with our recommended lists of best RC excavators, best RC trucks and best RC monster trucks for your easy reference.
5. Tamiya 1/10 Toyota Supra 4WD TT-02D
Recognized as one of the best Japanese sports cars around the world, this RC Drift model of the Toyota Supra would leave its skid marks on the scale tracks as well. The TT-02 is an entry-level 4WD independent suspension assembly kit that offers easy assembly and maintenance. It is designed for high-performance driving with excellent control and functionality much like the real car model. Highly-suitable for new drifters due to its simplicity, this Drift Spec variant includes specialized parts, providing hours of driving and drifting fun on drift tracks.
Brand: Tamiya
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Drift spec kit
- 4WD
- 540 brushed motor
Pros
- Includes durable plastic parts.
- Easy to assemble.
- Fast and smooth driving
Cons
- Not ready-to-run
- Cost of add-ons to make it a race-suitable car may hold you back
6. HSP RC Car 1/10 Scale 4wd Off Road RC Drift Car
This monster of a racing car includes special features such as strong rigid ABS monocoque chassis, aluminum alloy, and fully adjustable shock absorbers, allowing you to enjoy your scale model for a longer period. Its realistic drift car body along with hard drift tires provide optimal control for superior forward or backward runs as well as superior turns. A favorite of advanced drifters, its pre-trimmed tires let you race on both paved and off-road terrain with ease.
Brand: Rraycom
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4WD off-road
- Brushless motor
- Lipo battery
- 60 kmph top speed
- RTR
- Hobby grade
- USB charging
Pros
- Amazingly fast
- Metal braces protect your car during crashes and collisions
- Extremely responsive remote controller
Cons
- Standard battery pack lasts for only 25 minutes
7. Tamiya 1:10 RC Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune Drift Car
The Nismo 1:10 was designed to provide an easy and fun drifting experience for just about everyone. It includes a variety of tuning parts and specialized drifting tires that allow you to shift from a drifter to a road touring vehicle. This model best suits the experienced drifter/collector as not too many of this model was built and distributed.
Brand: Tamiya
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Polycarbonate body
- Electronic cruise control TBLE-02S
- 540er sport tuned electric motor
- Robust TT-02D chassis (drift tuned)
- Cruise control
- Hobby grade
Pros
- Highly replaceable and customizable parts.
- Easy to assemble and easier to control.
- Remarkably durable as it was built by Nissan’s own engine sports department
Cons
- Some components needed for assembly have to be purchased separately
8. Super GT RC Sport Racing Drift Car, 1/16 Remote Control Car
This gorgeous-looking and flexible RC drift car allow you to perform Figure 8 and U-shaped drifts with ease. Only high-quality materials were used for its shell, preventing dents and damage during crashes and collisions. Its velocity and adaptability make it the perfect RC drift car for those with an extreme need for speed.
Brand: Makerfire
Features
- 1/16 scale
- 4WD
- Ready-to-run
- 2.4 GHz remote control
- 4 speed tires, 4 drift tires
Pros
- Exceedingly fast yet easy to control
- Effortless tire switching from speed to drift.
- Good value for your money
- Best RC drift car for beginners
Cons
- Short battery life
9. Redcat Racing EPX RC Drift Car
Made from sturdy metal, this well-designed car includes features that allow it to drive smoothly and makes it easy to handle. Its independent suspension and electric 27T brushed motor highlight the durability of this fully customizable RC drift car. Perfect for the beginner who wants a feel of what a true hobbyist would use, it’s a good pick for the novice drifter who wants to go beyond the average.
Brand: Redcat
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 7.2V 2000mAh Battery
- 2.4 GHz radio
- 19T RC550 brushed motor
- 40A brushed waterproof ESC
- Shaft driven 4WD
- Adjustable independent suspension
Pros
- Attractive body design made from sturdy metal.
- Fully customizable since the replacement and upgraded parts are plentiful.
- Receives commands from 75 feet away
Cons
- Weak rims chip or break easily
10. GoolRC Wltoys RC Car XKS 144001 4WD
With a motor that churns out 20,000 RPM, topping at 60 km/h, this 4WD race car is built to win. It allows drifters to control it from as far as 100 meters while its strong aluminum alloy frame, zinc alloy gears, and all metal parts reflect nothing but stability and endurance. Recommended for the true-blue enthusiast, this car’s powerful torque makes even the most difficult moves painless.
Brand: GoolRC
Features
- 1/14 scale
- 60 kmph top speed
- RC buggy
- 4WD Off-Road
- RTR
- 2.4 GHz remote control
- USB charging
Pros
- Exceedingly fast and well-made
- Amazingly impressive for its price
- All-terrain RC car
- Powerful battery capacity
Cons
- The car is heavy which possibly affects its speed and skid
What Features Should I Look For In An RC Drift Car?
RC drift cars are remote-controlled cars that are known for their speed, balance, and control. Their ability to skid while in full control separates them from toy RC cars that can’t handle quick turns very well. Serious hobby drivers and enthusiasts acquire highly customized cars as it enables them to set up their model’s suspension, steering, and power. Those few specific features set them apart from their peers and allow them to skid the grid ala Keiichi Tsuchiya.
Along with your passion for scale drifting, here are the characteristics that you should pay close attention to when choosing the best drift RC cars.
Car Scale
Sizes of RC cars vary and it is determined by their scale when compared to the car’s actual model. The ideal size for RC drifting cars ranges between 1:10 and 1:16 as drivers get the realism they want along with enough space for the motor and the car’s other components.
Fully Modifiable
Starting out, it might be best for the novice driver to pass up on numerous complex modifications and to make the necessary adjustments (and maybe some unnecessary ones) as car familiarity is strengthened. Get an adjustable chassis design to allow room for a few customizations and make your car look and run to the max. However, once you gain experience, the best drift RC car for you would be one that offers you upgrading and modifying capability.
Wheel Out
Much like regular RC cars, the tires of your drifter is of utmost importance. But unlike them, they won’t be wheeling around on a variety of surface terrains. Rubber tires offer too much grip to drift, making a solid set of plastic tires more suitable for scale tracks crafted out of thin carpet or cement.
Battery Power
A 1800mAh battery is the standard on most RC drift cars. Although it may be a little small, it provides drivers with a decent run time but may not suit long driving sessions. You may want to switch to a bigger battery, taking into account the additional weight in your car.
Drive Set-Up
Advanced drifters usually go for the all-wheel-drive variant as it allows them to evenly distribute the engine’s power on every side. Some would opt to overbalance either on the front or back, depending highly on what gives them a much better advantage.
Realism
How a car looks is important for many hobbyists. Some drivers go for prototypes but it is best to look for one that has a little more authenticity in its design for a more lifelike driving and drifting experience.
When purchasing an RC drift car, always go for a model that provides you with all the basics without being too much of an investment. Flashy cars are no doubt an eye-candy, but it is much better and fulfilling to build your drifter from the ground up.
Conclusion
Finding the best RC Drift car is easy but modifying one allows you to realize that they are more than just toy cars. With fully-customizable bodies and chassis, realistic features, and highly-conducive designs, RC Drifting cars, no doubt. are driven to provide us with tons of fun.