BEST BUDGET RC DRIFT CAR FROM $25-$200
Do You Want to start RC Drifting without breaking the bank? We put together a few of the best budget options.
SUB $25 RC DRIFT CAR
First on the list is a 1:24 scale-sized RC drift car. You can find this super cheap RC drift car for as little as $25 on Amazon.
FULL SPECS
AWD Locked Diff
2 sets of tires (slicks/rubber)
3.7V 500mAh Rechargeable Battery via USB charger
Standard 2.4Ghz Remote (AA Batteries) / non-proportional steering/throttle
No Gyroscope
Don’t let its all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration fool you. With the right drifting surface and the included slick tires you can drift this little guy around.
PROS & CONS
The pro is the price, but the remote control trigger has only full throttle forward and reverse, so no proportional or steering. This means it takes lots of practice and patience not to constantly perform donuts.
It also doesn’t have a gyroscope which you’ll find in higher-priced RC drift cars.
A gyroscope in an RC drift car will detect rear-end slippage and will automatically countersteer to help perform a drift.
But for an entry-level $25 RC drift car, it’s fun. You can also purchase up to 4 of these RC cars and drift them around with your buddies. I’d also recommend purchasing spare batteries because the included battery will only last a good 15-20 minutes of non-stop sliding.
A big con is if something breaks, there are no replacement parts. You will more than likely have to purchase a replacement car.
$45 RC DRIFT CAR
Second on the list is a larger 1:16 scale drift RC car that even spits smoke out its tailpipe selling for around $45 on Amazon.
FULL SPECS
AWD Locked Diff
2 sets of tires (slicks/rubber)
7.4V 500mAh Rechargeable Battery via USB charger
Standard 2.4Ghz Remote (AA Batteries) / non-proportional steering/throttle
No Gyroscope
This RC drift car has a bit more torque than the previous option. It doesn’t have a gyroscope, or proportional steering/throttle, but feels a bit easier to perform a figure eight drift under a fully charged battery. It also has a rear-locked diff, which helps the rear end slide much better.
PROS & CONS
The body shell held in with pins can be swapped with other 1:16 shells as long as the wheelbase of your different body matches.
With the bigger electric motor, more torque, and weight the battery drains quick. You’ll get a good 10 minutes of solid drifting, but the car will start to get a little slower. You can get another 15 minutes out of it, but it’s not as fun. I recommend getting another battery or two.
If something breaks there are no replacement parts, just like the $25 option.
$70-$120 RC DRIFT CAR
Third on the list is the 1:28 WL Toys 969 for around $70. This drift car has a nice metal chassis. It’s a bit more built up than the cheaper drift cars which are just solid plastic unibodies.
FULL SPECS
AWD Locked Rear Diff
1 set of tires (slicks)
7.4V 400 mAh Rechargeable Battery via USB cord
Standard 2.4Ghz Remote (AA Batteries) w/proportional steering and throttle
No Gyroscope included, but can be added
PROS & CONS
The pros on the WL Toys 969 is that it’s upgradeable and you can find replaceable parts too. The body shell is also swappable. Some folks have also installed a gyroscope, but it will cost another $45 bucks for an AGFRC mini gyro.
The steering angle can also be adjusted fairly easy. Make sure you get a few spare batteries because the included 400 mAh battery won’t last long at all.
$200 RC DRIFT CAR
The last carries a much higher premium than the first $25 dollar drift car, but this one is 1:28 scale, has premium parts, is highly customizable, and comes with a gyroscope already installed. It’s the Kyosho Mini-Z AWD with Gyro coming in at $200.
FULL SPECS
AWD Open Rear Diff
1 set of tires (slicks)
Takes 4 AAA batteries not included
Standard 2.4Ghz Remote (AAA Batteries) w/proportional steering and throttle
Gyroscope included
PROS & CONS
The best thing about the Kyosho Mini-Z AWD drifting spec version is that it comes with a gyroscope as part of the package making drifting out of the box much easier. You’ll want to lock the rear diff by adding glue into it or shoving some small pieces of tape into it.
The Mini-Z has a bit of a cult following, which is great because there are lots of aftermarket parts and mods.
The biggest downside is that it uses 4 AAA batteries. It would be nice to have a standard modular LiPo battery, although there is a conversion kit.
HIGHER BUDGET?
If you’re looking for a drift car that is a bit larger in scale (like 1:10), ready to run, and fully customizable check out the MST RMX RTR 2.5. It’s more expensive, but it’s a great higher-end starter RC drift car.
