RC cars come in all shapes and sizes, from giant 1/5 scale models over 2 feet long down to micro 1/24 scale cars just a few inches in length. But for many RC enthusiasts, the sweet spot for both indoor and outdoor fun is 1/10 scale models. If you’re curious or confused about what the 1/10 size means and how big these popular RC cars actually are, this guide has you covered!
Below you’ll learn:
- What the 1/10 scale ratio means
- Average dimensions and weights of 1/10 scale RC cars
- How various styles like buggies, trucks, and crawlers compare
- Size vs 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/24 and other RC scales
- Tips for measuring your 1/10 scale RC to confirm size
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with the versatile 1/10 size category of remote control models.
What Does the 1/10 Scale Ratio Mean?
The scale ratio (e.g. 1/10) refers to how the RC model relates proportionally to the size of the actual full-scale vehicle it is modeled after.
Specifically:
- The first number represents the model size
- The second number represents full-size
For example, for a 1/10 scale car:
- 1 stands for the miniature RC model
- 10 stands for the real-life full-size car
So mathematically:
- 1/10 means the RC car is 1:10 the size of the real thing
- Making the RC model 1/10th the length, width and height
This generalized scale ratio allows RC manufacturers to produce miniature versions of real vehicles that are still proportional and recognizable.
Average Dimensions of 1/10 Scale RC Cars
While 1/10 scale indicates a proportional relationship, it does not define an exact size. 1/10 scale RC models can still vary in their dimensions.
However, most 1/10 size RC cars tend to fall within these approximate dimensions:
- Length: 16-20 inches
- Width: 7-9 inches
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Wheelbase: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 5-10 lbs
So on average, a 1/10 scale RC model will be around 18 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 8 inches tall while weighing about 7 lbs.
These compact dimensions make 1/10 scale versatile for various environments, driving styles and ages. They strike a nice balance of being large enough to handle outdoor conditions, yet small enough for indoor spaces too.
Dimensions by RC Car Type
The dimensions above are generalizations across all 1/10 scale RC types. Specific model styles in the 1/10 class can vary slightly in size too:
RC Buggies
- Length: 16-18 inches
- Width: 7.5-8.5 inches
- Height: 5-6 inches
- Wheelbase: 11-12 inches
- Weight: 5-7 lbs
Buggies aim for optimized speed and handling with their low profile and long suspension travel.
Short Course Trucks
- Length: 17-19 inches
- Width: 8-9 inches
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Wheelbase: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 6-8 lbs
Trucks add durability and off-road traction with bigger tires and wider stance than buggies.
Rock Crawlers
- Length: 18-20 inches
- Width: 8-9 inches
- Height: 8-9 inches
- Wheelbase: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 6-9 lbs
Crawlers are built for ultimate traction and control for climbing, with solid 4WD.
Stadium/Drift Cars
- Length: 16-18 inches
- Width: 7-8 inches
- Height: 5-6 inches
- Wheelbase: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 5-7 lbs
Drift cars use rigid chassis and slick tires with low profiles ideal for controlled slides.
As you can see, while specs vary across 1/10 RC types, they share similar compact overall sizes perfect for recreation and racing.
Weight of 1/10 Scale Models
In addition to size, the weight of a 1/10 scale RC car provides clues to its performance capabilities:
- Racing buggies under 6 lbs emphasize speed and acceleration
- Trucks and crawlers around 8 lbs offer stability and toughness
- Heavy conversions 10+ lbs for extremes of crawling or bashing
Materials like plastic, aluminum and carbon fiber influence the weight balance. Heavier does not automatically mean better – an optimal weight for your needs is best.
How Big is 1/10 vs Other RC Scales?
To better understand the size of 1/10 models, it helps to visually compare them against other common RC scales:
1/5 Scale
- 30+ inches long
- 1-2 feet tall
- 10+ lbs weight
Giant 1/5 racers compete outdoors at 40+ mph speeds. Fun but require lots of space.
1/8 Scale
- 20-24 inches long
- 8-10 inches tall
- 6-10 lbs weight
1/8 buggies/trucks add durability for high-speed off-road action. Still tractable size.
1/10 Scale (Standard)
- 16-20 inches long
- 7-9 inches tall
- 5-10 lbs weight
As described above, versatile 1/10 models strike a sweet spot for size vs performance.
1/12 Scale
- 14-16 inches long
- 5-7 inches tall
- 3-6 lbs weight
Compact 1/12 racers focus on tight handling on tracks and indoor courses.
1/16 Scale
- 12-14 inches long
- 4-6 inches tall
- 2-4 lbs weight
Tiny 1/16 models maximize small space racing and crawling indoors.
1/24 Scale
- 6-8 inches long
- 3-4 inches tall
- 1-2 lbs weight
Bite-sized 1/24 mini-crawlers and racers are palm-sized fun.
This chart helps visualize how the popular 1/10 size stacks up against models ranging from huge 1/5 to micro 1/24 scales in RC.
Tips for Measuring Your RC Car’s Size
If you want to confirm the size of a new 1/10 scale RC car, it’s easy to measure the key dimensions yourself:
- Use a measuring tape to measure length, width and height
- Track length from the front bumper to rear bumper
- For width measure across the main chassis or widest point
- Height is measured from the ground to the top of the roof or roll cage
- Weigh on a shipping scale to confirm its mass
Compare your measurements to the size ranges mentioned earlier to see if it aligns with typical 1/10 scale dimensions. This can determine if a model matches the advertised scale or help identify uncommon sizes.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Understanding typical 1/10 dimensions gives you reasonable expectations for these popular RC cars. With compact sizes ranging 16-20 inches long and 5-10 lbs, 1/10 strikes an appealing combination of portability and performance.
Models at the smaller end suit tight indoor tracks, while larger 1/10 trucks and buggies handle outdoor terrain. Consider where and how you plan to drive when choosing your ideal 1/10 size.
Now that you know what the 1/10 scale entails and the sizes to expect, you can find your perfect fit for RC racing and bashing adventures!