9 Best Remote Control Drift Cars for Beginners

100 mph, in 4.92 seconds. This seems like the acceleration of some suped-up speed devil from Italian F1 circuits. Only, it isn’t.

It’s the top speed of the XO-1, and it’s not a standard racing vehicle that we are accustomed to seeing at F1 circuits.

It belongs to a family of RC drifting cars, and it shows the immense range of the sport: from cars that cater more to young kids, to speed junkie adults who want to enter into intense competitions with prize money on the line. And in between, room for dedicated hobbyists, like yourself!

How does a remote control car even drift?

A remote control car can drift by oversteering, causing the back wheels to lose traction and slide outwards. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as adjusting the weight distribution of the car, modifying the suspension, or controlling the throttle and steering inputs while driving.

Many people ask, can anyone drift in an RC car? While drifting can be done by a beginner, skilled drivers use a combination of oversteering techniques to perform smooth, controlled drifts.

What’s the difference in drifting and racing an RC car?

Drifting can be an incredibly fun way to spend an afternoon or a weekend. Unlike normal RC driving, drifting is done for the sole purpose of losing partial control of the car to spin or “drift” sideways while turning.

What makes a drift RC different is the weight vs. top speed, and the ability of the car to slide and drift. That means the cars are very lightweight and go between 15-25 miles per hour.

Model	Scale	Motor	Reviews	Price	Weight	Speed
HPI Racing E10 Drift	1/10	Brushed	4.5/5	$200	3.5 lb	18 mph
Redcat Racing Thunder Drift	1/10	Brushed	4.3/5	$180	4.1 lb	20 mph
Traxxas 4-Tec 3.0	1/10	Brushed	4.6/5	$290	3.6 lb	22 mph
Exceed RC DriftStar	1/10	Brushed	4.2/5	$160	3.7 lb	16 mph
Tamiya TT-02D Drift Spec	1/10	Brushed	4.7/5	$210	2.9 lb	19 mph

It can be easy for some, but take practice for others. So make sure you don’t spend a ton of money on your first RC drift car, or buy one for beginners like in our list. Our team has raced, driven, and drifted all types of remote control toys. We know a thing or two about what it takes to drift with the best of them.

What are the best RC brands for controlled drifting?

Some popular and well-regarded brands for drift RC cars include:

• Tamiya
• HSP
• Redcat Racing
• Super GT
• Yokomo
• HPI Racing
• Awesomatix
• Exceed RC
• MST

But the range of RC drift cars is more vast than the range of its user base. This can make it an intimidating landscape for those just trying to test the waters and find the right car, or truck, for them.

Now it’s time to rev up those drift car engines. It’s time to blaze out into the 9 best RC drifting cars for beginners.

1. HSP Flying Fish Nissan Skyline GT-R

Let’s start this list with speed. The Flying Fish pays good homage to its namesake, as it can zip up to speeds of 20-37mph! Granted, that’s if you go for the brushless motor version. But still, out of the early entries on this list, it flies pretty well for its price, making it a great bargain option for your speed itch.

What Customers Think

Customers give the Flying Fish an average rating of 3.8 stars based on 29 reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-star rating.

• Performance: Users have reported that the car performs well, especially after upgrading the battery and wheels. It’s noted for its high speed and ability to drift, which users find enjoyable.
• Battery: Some users suggest getting a better battery for optimal performance.
• Charger: One user reported receiving a European charging plug, which they had to replace with an American plug. However, the customer service refunded the cost of the plug.
• Durability: There are concerns about the car’s durability. Some users reported that it broke or malfunctioned within a week of use, with one even mentioning a fire incident.

What Our Experts Think

You can start zipping around the moment you crack open the box, as it’s fully ready to run! But that speed does need to come with an air of caution. Due to its price, its frame can be a little more brittle to high-speed collisions. Regardless, it’s perfect if you’re hunting for drift cars for sale. 

Pros

• Cheap cost for entry-level drivers
• High speed potential
• 1/10 scale
• Hobby grade

Cons

• Unstable frame
• Difficult to customize

So if you’re looking to get into the RC drifting game, do it cheaply, and start with a high flyin’ car that would make Tom Cruise proud, then the HSP Flying Fish is a great option.

2. Micro GT-R Drift Action

This sleek car comes from HPI, one of the quality competitors in the growing RC scene. And this addition to their line impresses on multiple fronts.

Decked out as a Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Micro GT-R Drift Action embodies the hip and trendy racing genre in movies. Want to summon your inner Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift? Then impress and wow your friends with the bright green and brown style that wraps around this rad frame.

What Customers Think

Customers give the HPI an average rating of 4.2 stars based on 101 customer reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-star rating.

Here’s a summary of the 101 reviews:

• Kit Contents: Some users have reported that the kit does not include an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) despite the description stating otherwise. This adds an extra cost to the kit.
• Quality: Users have praised the quality of the Tamiya kit. It’s described as a fun project to assemble and play with.
• Steering: One user noted that the car lacks sufficient steering angle for proper drifting.
• Information: Some users felt that there was not enough information provided about the extra components required that are not included in the package. These components include a battery, charger, radio transmitter, receiver, ESC, and servo motor.

Bottom Line: A fun project for those who enjoy assembling their own RC cars, but might not be the best choice for beginners due to the lack of information about the required extra components.

What Our Experts Think

Stability and control aren’t sacrificed at the altar of its frenetic speed, thanks to its coil-over shocks. But the drifting action is where it’s at, and the hard plastic tires make it suitable for any recreation of a Tokyo Drift scene — as long as it’s indoors or on the flat pavement!

It’s made all the more stable by its 4WD and water-resistant steering servo so that you can cruise in any condition, at any time.

Pros

• Water-resistant steering
• Good speed
• 1/18 scale
• 4-wheel drive

Cons

• Smaller size compared to 1/10 scale RCs
• Hard tires for drifting
• Unsuitable for off-road terrain

One knock against it is that it’s a little on the smaller side than the other offerings on this list, at a 1:18 scale. But how does this monster handle?

3. Exceed RC Drift Star 350

If the Fail Crew didn’t quite get your amped up, then this next entry just might push you over the edge into RC insanity.

Looking to buy an RC drifting car? Then this top-of-the-line RC car from the Exceed company will make you bristle with pride. Its deep red coloring pops against its white accents, complimenting the black tinted windows.

Boasting a sleek curved design, a contrast from the more rugged appearance of Drift Fail Crew Nissan Skyline, it exudes a sense of speed.

What Customers Think

Customers give the Exceed an average rating of 3.8 stars based on 430 customer reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-star rating.

Here’s a summary of the 430 reviews:

• Speed: Users have praised the speed of this RC car, describing it as fast and fun to play with.
• Quality: The quality of the car is generally appreciated, though some users have noted that the controller feels cheaply made.
• Battery Life: The battery life is a common concern among users. Some have mentioned that it doesn’t last long, which can limit the playtime.
• Steering and Throttle: The steering and throttle are toggle only, which some users found annoying.
• Value for Money: Some users felt that the car was not worth the price paid, citing issues with the quality and finish of the product.

What Our Experts Think

Does its performance live up to its looks? This ready-to-run drift car can be revved up and taken out the moment you break it out from the box. The ace-quality of this drift car starts with the wheels, which are built especially for drifting.

But perhaps your house is surrounded by jagged drops, rocks, and holes that create uneven pavement? Well, this drift car comes equipped with a suspension that you can tune to your benefit so that you can adjust your vehicle to thrive and impress in any terrain that you can throw at it.

Pros

• Powerful KV 3300 Brushless Motor
• Four-wheel drive
• Excellent control

Cons

• Low speed of 5mph
• Plastic build

Just be wary when venturing out into jagged landscapes, as the light frame of the car can betray it; users report dents on more uneven surfaces.

4. Redcat Lightning EPX Lambo Style

Do you need a new RC car? Do you consider yourself a man’s man? Well then, perhaps your RC car taste runs more along the lines of…muscle? Then this is the car for you!

Its stocky build exudes power and refinement, with its sheer black design backing up a powerful frame. This is a car that can make a statement out on the track.

After all, it’s not called the Lighting Drift for nothing, right? And just like lighting symbolizes the strength behind its design, “Drift” gives you insight into the true nature of this new RC car. 

What Customers Think

Customers give the Redcat Lightning an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 263 customer reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-star rating.

Here’s a summary of the 263 reviews:

• Performance: Users have praised the performance of this RC car, noting that it’s easy to drift and has good speed. Some users recommend getting softer rubber tires for better control.
• Quality: The quality of the car is generally appreciated, though some users have noted that the car they received seemed to have been used before.
• Battery Life: The battery life is generally appreciated, with some users recommending purchasing additional batteries for extended playtime.
• Value for Money: Some users felt that the car was a good value for the money, especially considering its performance and the fact that it’s upgradable.
• Assembly: Some users have noted that the car requires some adjustments out of the box, such as setting the toe and camber. They recommend having the necessary tools on hand.

What Our Experts Think

The Redcat Lightning EPX Drift RC is a drifting machine. And it’s built to not only manage the rigors of drifting but to excel in it.

Its specially designed drift tires grip the pavement while allowing just the right amount of traction to slide into turns, all the while cruising to the tune of its powerful brushed motor system. So conquer those sharp turns, and wave at competitors as your speed past them.

But the world can be a dangerous place. With the forward and reverse function of the Redcat Lightning EPX Drift RC, you can sidestep trouble, and continue your domination.

You can even rip up the streets in the rain, thanks to the waterproof systems built into this durable machine.

But you’ll have to do it in spats because the 7.2v 2000mAh NiMH battery pack only allows for 15 minutes of use between charges. 

Pros

• Waterproof electronics
• Lightweight, polycarbonate body
• Fully electric
• Common 1/10 scale
• Special drift tires

Cons

• Max battery time of 15 minutes
• Plastic lightweight body

So rev up your engine. Feel the power of the Thunder Drift.

5. Exceed MadSpeed

Exceed once against hits hard with this next entry, coming packed with a host of features that make it stand out from the pack.

And who doesn’t want to be the new kid of the track that everyone is checkin’ out? Well, with the Madspeed Drift Car, you now can make that possible! And it’s the perfect marriage of power and customization, perfect for adrenaline junkies who want some form of control.

What Our Experts Think

The high-performance speed DC motor that powers the frame of this 1/10th scale car can launch it up to 35 mph, granting you all of the power that you need for high-speed drifting! The dark chrome appearance of this sleek sports car gives it a distinct look, that stands out with the red taillights, that function with an LED lighting system.

A foam-coated bumper provides added shock absorption during drifting, allowing you to tackle any obstacle with confidence in your new drifting machine.

The pistol shape of the transmitter conforms to your hand beautifully, making you and your machine one. You will need it, if you plan on pushing this RC to its limits.

And if the safety features of it weren’t enough, its low center of gravity allows you to slide into turns with supreme ease and confidence. Unfortunately, the ripping top speed doesn’t make it ideal for young RC racers.

Pros

• Insane, 35mph top speed
• Ready-to-run build
• Amazing aesthetics
• A great degree of customization

Cons

• Low battery life
• Perhaps unsuitable for young beginners

But another entry from HPI looks to challenge Exceed yet again. And that brings us to #6 on our list!

6. HPI Sprint 2 Drift RTR

The true design and nature of this racing car comes to the forefront and threatens to pull ahead of the other entries on this list with the imposing amount of performance features jammed into it.

Say hi to your new drifting friend — the Sprint 2 Drift RTR from HPI. Built into a sporty Nissan 350Z frame, it takes to the track with a double transmission belt and double composite chassis. This allows makes it a beast to control in all weather conditions, proof of its waterproof electronics and interference-free 2.4 GHz radio equipment.

What Customers Think

Customers give the HPI Sprint an average rating of 3.9 stars based on 12 customer reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-star rating.

Here’s a summary of the 12 reviews:

• Performance: Users who enjoy 1/18 scale cars/trucks have praised this model. Some have even modified it for increased speed, and found it to be worth the investment.
• Quality: There are mixed reviews regarding the quality. Some users are satisfied, while others have reported issues with the assembly of the car, such as the servo mount being held by double-sided tape and the battery being unbalanced.
• Assembly: Some users have reported that the car may need to be taken apart and reassembled correctly due to issues with the servo and battery placement.
• Value for Money: Users who didn’t encounter assembly issues found the car to be a great starter model.

What Our Experts Think

As a ready-to-run drift car, it allows you to take the car out on the track the moment that you break open the box so that you can start destroying the competition right away. The speed packed into the frame is juiced by a powerful Firebold Electric Motor.

But does that sheer and raw power come backed by stability and control? With a fully independent suspension system, you can kiss wipe-outs goodbye, and say hello to medals. The suspension system gives you a neutral and easy ride that easily absorbs shocks due to oil shock absorbers. This gifts your RC with maximum control, zipping you into first place.

But Exceed is pulling up fast with another stellar entry in its lineup!

Pros

• Impressive Speed
• Durable composite chassis
• 1/10 scale
• Fast acceleration
• Easy for beginners

Cons

• There’s a gap on the bottom of the chassis
• Lose stones can be kicked up and damage the belt
• Can damage easily if wrecked

Invest in the power of a true racing machine, and conquer the tracks with the Sprint 2.

7. Exceed RC Mad Pulse

The RC world is filled with monster trucks and a whole host of outlandish designs and concepts. But with this entry, Exceed has decided to go with a classic route, that heralds smooth aerodynamics with a conventional racing design.

And boy, does it look good. The deep red brings out the white accents on its body, and the black spoiler on the back evens out the design beautifully. So it looks good, but how does it perform? After all, you want speed on the track, not a prima donna.

What Our Experts Think

Well, this RC entry from Exceed pulls out all of the big guns, and puts them on full display! With its 4000kv brushless motor, it boasts all of the necessary speed to carry you to victory.

The powerful motor is juiced by a 6v 1000mAh Ni-Mh Battery, which can be charged through a Ni-Mh charger, so you never have to go headhunting for spare batteries.

But perhaps you wish to ditch the flat pavement and take it out on the backroads of your hometown, then the adjustable suspension system of the Mad Pulse Drift allows you to do just that!

Pros

• High speed
• Adjustable suspension to adapt to different surfaces

Cons

• Smaller, 1:18 scale
• Users report that it can be difficult to control

So embrace your racing speed demon with the Mad Pulse, your competition will seriously regret that you ever did. Unless, your competitors have this next entry on the list. 

8. Super GT RC Sport Racing Drift Car

Charging up behind and overtaking the previous entries is this sheer beauty of a car by Makerfire. Both you and your children can craft killer memories with this finely-tuned racing machine that turns heads with its sporty design, and powerful black accents.

This is the gift of specially engineered ABS (Anti-lock brake systems) Anti-collision material, allowing you to cruise with a piece of mind. The downside? This might mean that you will spend hours upon hours reveling in the good times offered by it.

In that case, it’s bound to run low on battery life. You can relax knowing that 2 batteries come standard with each car, each gifting you 1 hour of drive time. Should, you wish to take your fun indoors (lamps beware), then two sets of tires come with the package — hard tires and soft tires.

What Customers Think

Customers give the Super GT an average rating of 3.8 stars based on 79 customer reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-star rating.

Here’s a summary of the 79 reviews:

• Battery Life: Users have mentioned that the batteries that come with the car only last about 10 minutes before needing to be recharged. However, they appreciated that it comes with spare batteries.
• Quality: The quality of the car is generally appreciated, though some users have reported issues with the assembly of the car, such as the servo mount being held by double-sided tape and the battery being unbalanced.
• Performance: Users who enjoy 1/18 scale cars/trucks have praised this model. Some have even modified it for increased speed, and found it to be worth the investment.
• Value for Money: Users who didn’t encounter assembly issues found the car to be a great starter model for those interested in the hobby.

What Our Experts Think

As long as you’re crafty with your drifts, and have maximum control, then the slick characteristics of the hard tires give you less traction for indoor action. Drift and glide as if your home floor was a circuit!

Whip out the soft tires to gift you more traction on dirt or pavement, giving you supreme control out in the elements.

Pros

• Amazing control
• Relatively low price
• Two sets of tires
• ABS collision system
• Electric motor
• Easy for beginners

Cons

• 1/16 scale
• Low battery life: 15 minutes
• Toy grade

Feel that maximum control, with maximum speed.

9. HPI Racing Micro RS4 Mustang Drift RC Car

There have been some monstrously powerful RC cars on this list. They all blend power and control, with a conventional, or racing, look.

But this next entry fully embraces the power and strength that inspires its frame: The Micro RS4.

Would it help to know that its frame is the replica of a design of the 1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X, built especially for Need for Speed? The black, sleek paint job on this car is vibrantly laced with neon green accents, which exudes an impression of strength, and lightning speed.

What Customers Think

Customers give the Mustang Drift RC an average rating of 3.9 stars based on 12 customer reviews. This gives it an average ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-star rating.

Here’s a summary of the 12 reviews:

• Performance: Users who enjoy 1/18 scale cars/trucks have praised this model. Some have even modified it for increased speed, and found it to be worth the investment.
• Quality: There are mixed reviews regarding the quality. Some users are satisfied, while others have reported issues with the assembly of the car, such as the servo mount being held by double-sided tape and the battery being unbalanced.
• Assembly: Some users have reported that the car may need to be taken apart and reassembled correctly due to issues with the servo and battery placement.
• Value for Money: Users who didn’t encounter assembly issues found the car to be a great starter model for those interested in the hobby.

What Our Experts Think

Now you can live out your dream of owning that pure-bred American sports car that you have always dreamed of! But does its performance hold up to the prestige of its design?

Well, if it finds itself this high up on the list, then it must have some power in its engine. And you would be right!

A 180 size HPI motor powers this beast, with 4WD offering amazing control. Its waterproof steering servo means that rain will not hinder the power of your American muscle car! Remember when your dad always tinkered away on his vintage car? Well, if you’re not the tinkering type, then know there is no tinkering required for this RC car.

It’s ready the moment that you break it out of the box!

Pros

• Two sets of wheels
• Great speed
• Great design
• Water-resistant steering

Cons

• Smaller size (1:18)

The easy-to-hold pistol transmitter gifts an easy learning curve for those just breaking into the sport. But what about taking your fun onto different surfaces? With both drifting and racing tires coming standard, you can switch them out so that your memories aren’t limited to where you are!

Flout muscle, with speed. On carpet, asphalt, even the harsh and unpredictable nature of concrete! It doesn’t matter with the Micro RS4!

Picked One Out From These RC Drifting Cars, Yet?

We hope so.

Because you have some of the best RC drifting cars on the market, right in front of your eyes. And they’re suitable for a host of different personalities: from bug-eyed, drift-crazed racers and tinkering car enthusiasts, to young guns just getting their first speed machine. 

Be sure to practice your drifting often. And if you are beginner, here’s a few tips. Here are some steps to help you learn how to drift with an RC car as a beginner:

1. Choose the right RC: Choose an RC car that is specifically designed for drifting, as these tend to have a lower center of gravity and are more responsive.
2. Practice on a smooth surface: Start by practicing on a smooth surface such as concrete or asphalt, as this will make it easier to control the car and perform consistent drifts.
3. Adjust the car’s settings: Experiment with the car’s settings, such as the suspension, tire pressure, and weight distribution, to find the optimal configuration for drifting.
4. Control your throttle: To initiate a drift, apply the throttle to increase speed and steer in the opposite direction to the direction of the turn. Maintaining the throttle while steering into the drift will help keep it consistent.
5. Practice: The key to improving your RC drifting skills is consistent practice. Keep practicing and adjusting your technique until you are able to perform smooth, controlled drifts consistently.
6. Get help: Consider joining an remote control car community or finding an experienced drifter who can offer tips and advice on how to improve your technique.

Remember to always practice drifting outdoors and in a safe and controlled environment. Never attempt to drift in a public area where you could potentially cause harm to other people or damage property.

Popular Ways to Drift an RC Car

Looking for ways to get started? There’s lots of way to drift.

Here’s a table outlining some of the most common drifting moves, how to perform them, and their respective level of difficulty. While these moves apply to actual drift cars, many can be performed on most 1/10 scale remote control cars too!

Name	How to Perform	Level of Difficulty
Power Slide	Accelerate and turn the wheel to initiate a slide, then counter-steer and feather the throttle.	Beginner
Handbrake Drift	Initiate the drift by pulling the handbrake while turning, then counter-steer and apply throttle.	Beginner
Clutch Kick Drift	While turning, depress the clutch, rev the engine, and quickly release the clutch to break traction. Counter-steer and modulate the throttle.	Intermediate
Feint Drift	Turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the desired drift, then quickly turn into the drift, counter-steer, and balance the throttle.	Intermediate
Braking Drift	Apply brakes while turning to shift the car’s weight forward, then counter-steer and modulate the throttle to maintain the drift.	Intermediate
Scandinavian Flick	Turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the desired drift, then quickly turn into the drift while applying throttle. Counter-steer and maintain the drift with throttle control.	Advanced
Kansei Drift	Lift off the throttle while turning at high speed, causing the rear wheels to lose traction. Counter-steer and balance the throttle to maintain the drift.	Advanced

Still have nagging questions about which is right for you? We can help you get onto the track with the best possible car for you, or your child.