Guide to RC Car Scales and Sizes

Are you passionate about scale RC cars but feeling lost when it comes to sizes and scales? Look no further! In our latest blog post, we bring you this guide. Find out how to choose the perfect size for your next scale RC car, understand the differences between scales and learn how to pick the model that best fits your needs.

Get ready to go full throttle on your passion for scale RC cars!

How do I choose the right scale for my RC car?

One of the great things about the RC hobby is that it’s anything but one-dimensional. Some RC models are designed for novelty purposes, while others are built to race. Some RC models offer casual fun, while others will appeal to collectors. All RC cars can be thought of as miniature vehicles; however, not all of them are simple toys. When we talk about RC cars modeled on real vehicles, we need to think about RC car scales.

A popular subcategory in the RC car world is made up of models officially licensed by carmakers. Depending on the brand and the licensing agreement, some of these RC models are mainly for collectors, which means they’ll rarely see off-road conditions, even if they’re modeled on monster trucks.

Some of the most popular scale models

RC cars that are faithful replicas of their full-size counterparts will hold their value and could be worth thousands of dollars in the future if they’re no longer in production.

Carmakers that license RC car replica manufacturers will insist that the models are properly scaled; in other words, they must stick to a proportion that matches the real car.

If, for example, Ferrari agreed to license its 1967 Ferrari Daytona for a limited-edition RC model, the agreement might include a clause stating that only 1:10 models can be sold, meaning the RC model is 10 times smaller than the real Ferrari.

Detailed red Ferrari GT race car replica with a rear wing and sponsor decals

In short, the smaller the second number in the scale ratio, the closer the model is to the original’s size. A 1:1 scale RC model of the Bigfoot monster truck would be impossible, because it would be the same size as the real thing. When you have a 1:50 scale RC car, you’re looking at a small, toy-like model. When it comes to replicas, you’ll want 1:12 scale, because it gives enough room for details such as side mirrors, grilles, spoilers, wings, chrome and other exterior features.

Sizes of models at different scales

To get an idea of how big or small RC models can be at scale, consider the following:

Models at 1:24 scale are about 5 in (13 cm) long, but can be up to 8 in (20 cm).
Models at 1:12 scale start at around 14 in (36 cm) and can be up to 16 in (41 cm) long.

Faithful replicas tend to be bigger, but not all of them are. Note that RC car scales also apply to the interchangeable RC bodies you can show off at competitions; they’re less detailed and much more affordable than replicas. Slot car bodies can be made to scale too, just like the bodies of RC cars.

How big is a 1:10 scale car?

When you shop for 1:10 scale RC cars, you’ll find they start at around 17.5 in (44 cm) but can be up to 22 in (56 cm) long, especially if they copy the look of classic American muscle cars.

These 1:10 scale RC models shouldn’t be wider than 14 in (36 cm).