Petrol v nitro buggies....
Discussion
I would love to move up from my current Tamiya 1/10 electric 4x4 buggy to something a little larger and faster. So my question is, what are the pros v cons of pertol and nitro models?
I know petrol cars are more expensive, but are they easier to run/maintain and is the speed and durability much greater? I have to admit to being rather seduced by the prospect of a big (1/5) petrol beastie like the HPI Baja 5, or similar, but is it going to be too much for me to handle after a realtively short time of just dabbling with electric cars?
Discuss...
I know petrol cars are more expensive, but are they easier to run/maintain and is the speed and durability much greater? I have to admit to being rather seduced by the prospect of a big (1/5) petrol beastie like the HPI Baja 5, or similar, but is it going to be too much for me to handle after a realtively short time of just dabbling with electric cars?
Discuss...
Pete,
No reason why you shouldn't be capable of running a large ic buggy or monster truck.
If you're considering a true Petrol, I'd recommend you look at the FG range rather than the HPI. FG only do 1/5th scale and they are tough with great spares and upgrades.
A nitro powered car is likely to be faster at top end than a petrol one, is certainly quicker on acceleration.
I have plenty of experience of both Petrol and Nitro, and for the beginner I personally think that Petrol is easier to run.
For example a 23cc Petrol engine will idle all day, a nitro engine will idle for a minute or so and then it needs "clearing".
Nitro engines need constant adjustment unlike the petrol ones.
Yes the petrol cars are bigger, and heavier, but that brings stability.
With a few exceptions, the Petrol car will be 2WD whereas a nitro is likely to be 4WD. 2WD is more difficult to control, but I feel more satisfying.
Buying a 1/5 will not be cheap, apart from the higher initial cost you will also need some seriously heavy duty servos and a failsafe is an absolute must (highly recommended in all cases anyway).
Ongoing costs will be much lower with a Petrol - normal unleaded is around £1 per litre, Nitro is over £6 per litre. Much easier to source Petrol too!
Do avoid the cheap (Chinese) 1/5 cars on ebay, they are NOT the same standard as an FG (or even an HPI) and will likely cost you more in the long run.
Feel free to ask more,
Simon
No reason why you shouldn't be capable of running a large ic buggy or monster truck.
If you're considering a true Petrol, I'd recommend you look at the FG range rather than the HPI. FG only do 1/5th scale and they are tough with great spares and upgrades.
A nitro powered car is likely to be faster at top end than a petrol one, is certainly quicker on acceleration.
I have plenty of experience of both Petrol and Nitro, and for the beginner I personally think that Petrol is easier to run.
For example a 23cc Petrol engine will idle all day, a nitro engine will idle for a minute or so and then it needs "clearing".
Nitro engines need constant adjustment unlike the petrol ones.
Yes the petrol cars are bigger, and heavier, but that brings stability.
With a few exceptions, the Petrol car will be 2WD whereas a nitro is likely to be 4WD. 2WD is more difficult to control, but I feel more satisfying.
Buying a 1/5 will not be cheap, apart from the higher initial cost you will also need some seriously heavy duty servos and a failsafe is an absolute must (highly recommended in all cases anyway).
Ongoing costs will be much lower with a Petrol - normal unleaded is around £1 per litre, Nitro is over £6 per litre. Much easier to source Petrol too!
Do avoid the cheap (Chinese) 1/5 cars on ebay, they are NOT the same standard as an FG (or even an HPI) and will likely cost you more in the long run.
Feel free to ask more,
Simon
Edited by sgrimshaw on Friday 28th December 15:32
Thanks Simon. I do have a bit of cash burning a hole in my pocket and the thought of a large scale petrol model is very appealing - especially as I keep spotting superb places for a blat around. I would like to built it myself if possible, but I know most are RTR these days.
I'll continue the research, but may ask more advice later.
I'll continue the research, but may ask more advice later.
hello there i have an FG marder it is great fun and the sound of it is so good ,there are so many options you can have , mines got tuned exhaust, k&n filter and a rebore kit wich takes it upto 29cc so its very fast, they are much easyer than nitro no messing around with mixture settings , just pull the cord and your off i have had mine for a few years and never had anything break FG are top cars to go for.
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