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How Big Is a 1/12 Scale RC Car?

Find out how big a 1/12 scale RC car really is, and get ready for some big fun in a small package.

By Elite Radio Control teamUpdated 3 min read

Part of the guide: RC car scales

Close-up of a small black RC car with a sports car body, spiked tires and yellow wheels

RC (radio-controlled) cars are vehicles you drive from a distance with a remote control. They come in different RC car scales, and one of the most common is 1/12.

But how big, exactly, is an RC car in this scale? Let’s find out!

What is 1/12 scale?

1/12 scale is a size ratio for RC cars. It means that for every 12 inches of length on the real car, the RC car has one inch of length.

So although RC cars in this scale are much smaller than real vehicles, the proportions between the real vehicle and its RC version stay the same.

How big is a 1/12 scale RC car?

1/12 scale RC cars are usually about 7 to 10 in (17 to 25 cm) long. This can vary with the brand and model. These RC cars can also be up to about 4 in (10 cm) tall, with a width of roughly 4 to 5.5 in (10 to 14 cm).

Features of 1/12 scale RC cars

1/12 scale RC cars come with a wide range of features. These are some of the most common:

  • Speed: 1/12 scale RC cars can reach speeds of up to 10 mph (16 km/h).
  • Battery: These cars use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the motor.
  • Remote control: You drive your 1/12 scale RC car with a wireless remote control.
  • Durability: These RC cars are tough and durable, so you can use them for a long time.

Now that you know how big a 1/12 scale RC car is and some of its features, it’s time to get yours!

What kind of motor does a 1/12 scale RC car use?

The motors used in 1/12 scale RC cars are usually brushed DC motors or brushless motors (which the ESC drives with three-phase AC).

Brushed motors are generally used in lower-speed cars, while brushless motors are used for higher speeds.

White Koenigsegg Jesko supercar with its doors open on display at an auto show

What are the main features of a 1/12 scale RC car?

A 1/12 scale RC car has plenty of distinctive features, including:

  1. Small size: 1/12 scale RC cars are about one-twelfth the size of the real cars they model. That means they can maneuver in tight spaces and are very agile.
  2. Speed: 1/12 scale RC cars can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h). That makes them ideal for speed racing.
  3. Durability: 1/12 scale RC cars are built to stand up to heavy use and wear, which makes them a good fit for endurance racing.
  4. Remote control: 1/12 scale RC cars are driven from a distance with a radio transmitter. That means drivers can control their vehicles from a safe distance.
  5. Customization: 1/12 scale RC cars have lots of customization options, such as your choice of wheels, bodies, motors and more. This lets drivers tailor their vehicles to their needs.

What are the dimensions of a 1/12 scale RC car?

The dimensions of 1/12 scale RC cars vary from model to model. In general, a 1/12 scale RC car is about 6 in (15 cm) long, 3 in (8 cm) wide and 2 in (5 cm) high.

What maintenance does a 1/12 scale RC car need?

The maintenance a 1/12 scale RC car needs depends mainly on the vehicle’s brand and model. Even so, there are some general maintenance tasks that apply to every 1/12 scale RC car. These include:

  1. Check the shock oil before each use.
  2. Clean the inside and outside of the vehicle after each use.
  3. Make sure the battery is charged and the wires are in good condition.
  4. Clean and lubricate the gears so they don’t bind.
  5. Check the tires and shocks to make sure you have good stability and traction.
  6. Check that the radio works properly and adjust the vehicle’s steering.
  7. Give the vehicle a general service every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much you use it.

How do you measure a 1/12 scale RC car?

A 1/12 scale RC car is measured by the vehicle’s length, width and height. Each of these dimensions is the real car’s dimension divided by 12. For example, a 1/12 scale RC car that is 200 mm (about 7.9 in) long represents a real car about 2.4 m (7.9 ft) long.

The width and height are also the real car’s dimensions divided by 12.

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