You may have heard of the RC car’s size scales, such as 1/16 or 1/10. These standards make it easier to regulate the car’s sizes.
So, how big is a 1/16-scale RC car? What are the size and weights of popular 1/16 RC car models? All the answers will be revealed in this post.
I will help you choose the suitable RC car size for your preferences.
RC Size Definition
The manufacturers categorize the size of an RC car in scale or ratio, such as 1/16 or 1:16. The smaller the scale or ratio, the bigger the car size, and vice versa. For example, a 1:10 RC car is significantly bigger than a 1:16 car of the same design.
You can think of an actual car used for driving, which has a default size ratio of 1:1. The RC car manufacturers will make their RC cars based on a real-life model with a similar design.
In this case, the size scale indicates how many times that car is shrunk in size.
For example, a 1:16 truck car is 16 times smaller than its real-life model. The same rule applies to every other car-size scale.
Of all the standard-size scales available for mass production, 1:64 is the smallest ratio. The 1:5 to 1:6 scale is one of the largest, which can even fit a small child.
However, 1:16 or 1:24 are the most popular car size ratios at the moment. I will discuss these ratios in more detail in the following sections.
How Big Is A 1-16 Scale RC Car?
1-16 scale RC cars don’t have a fixed dimension. A 1-16 RC model is 16 times smaller than its real-life model. For example, a real-life truck is 16 times bigger than its RC model with the same design.
In general, the dimensions of 1-16 RC cars range between 10-14 inches (272-356 mm) in length, 7-7.3 inches (178-185 mm) in width, and 4-4.92 inches (102-125 mm) in depth.
1-16 scale is considered the medium size category, which is much smaller than the big 1-10 or 1-8 RC cars. However, 1-16 RC cars are still big enough for outdoor driving and RC racing competitions.
The standard weight of this size scale ranges between 5.4 and 10 pounds (2.45-4.54 kg). The size and weight will vary on different models with unique designs, components, and construction materials.
How To Measure The Dimension Of A 1-16 RC Car?
There are 4 main factors that make up a whole dimension of a 1/16 car: the width, length, height, and wheelbase.
Here are how you can measure the car’s dimension to get its actual size:
- Width: Measure the distance between the furthest point on the car’s right side to the furthest point on the left side.
- Length: Measure the distance from the front point of the car to the furthest point on its back.
- Depth: Put the car on even ground and measure from its highest point on top to the ground.
- Wheelbase: It’s the distance between the two middle points on your car’s front and back wheels.
Now let me introduce you to some popular 1/16 Scale RC car samples that come in different sizes and specs.
1/16 Scale Short Course Truck
The short course truck is one of the most prevalent RC models with its compact and beautiful design. The short course design makes this vehicle optimal for getting over rugged terrains with minor obstacles.
- Length – Around 14 inches (356 mm)
- Width – Around 7.3 inches (185 mm)
- Height – Around 4.92 inches (125 mm)
- Wheelbase – Around 8.1 inches (125 mm)
- Weight – Around 2.19 pounds (1 kg)
1/16 Scale Buggy
The 1/16 Scale Buggy RC car features a sleek and thin design with a lower height than the other models. They are very entertaining and easy to race, with excellent traction and ease of control.
- Length – Around 10.7 inches (272 mm)
- Width – Around 7 inches (178 mm)
- Height – Around 4 inches (102 mm)
- Wheelbase – Around 7.5 inches (190.5 mm)
- Weight – Around 2.61 pounds (1.18 kg)
1/16 Scale Rock Crawler
The Rock Crawlers possess very big and aggressive wheels with efficient articulation. This design allows the vehicle to climb mountains with high slopes and big obstacles easily.
- Length – Around 13.58 inches (345 mm)
- Width – Around 7.48 inches (190 mm)
- Height – Around 7.08 inches (180 mm)
- Wheelbase – Around 9.25 inches (235 mm)
- Weight – Around 5.29 pounds (2.4 kg)
FAQs
The answers and additional information below will give you more insights into the car’s scales and sizes. Follow them and learn to choose your suitable car size.
How Fast Is A 1/16 Scale RC Car?
Though size is a crucial factor in determining an RC car’s speed, you have to consider its weight and motor power. For example, a plastic RC car for kids with a 1/16 size ratio can reach a top speed of 25 km per hour.
Meanwhile, the premium 1/16 RC cars used by professional racers can reach a maximum speed of 40 or 45 km per hour. Usually, the higher the car’s price, the faster its top speed.
What Is The Most Common RC Scale?
1:8 is the prevalent RC car size scale. Some say it’s 1/10, but most professional RC car racers choose products coming in more significant size ranges.
Meanwhile, the mini RC cars’ sizes commonly range between 1:28 and 1:64. These categories are not ideal for racing. They are kids’ toys and decorative items.
What Is The Biggest Scale RC Truck?
The 1/5 scale Primal RC Raminator Monster truck holds the record for the biggest RC truck model available for mass production. 1:5 is also currently the biggest size scale.
This vehicle reaches up to 80 pounds in weight with 32 inches wide, 24 inches tall, and 40 inches long.
Do Different RC Cars With The Same Scale Have The Same Size?
As mentioned above, the size scale only refers to how many times the RC car is smaller than its real-life model. Therefore you need to consider the car’s dimensions and measures to know how big it actually is.
For this reason, two RC cars with the same scale don’t necessarily have to be equal in size. If one’s real-life model is more significant, then it’s also bigger.
What Is The Smallest RC Car?
The 1:76 Turbo Racing RC car is currently the smallest RC model in the world. It will barely fit your fingertip, and its width is slightly larger than a coin’s diameter.
Despite the small size, the car possesses its own lights and motor. You can also charge the vehicle and use it as a standard RC car.
Final Thoughts
How big is a 1 16 Scale RC car? In summary, a 1/16 RC car is 16 times smaller than its real-life model, most 1/16 RC cars. Most models range around 14 inches in length, 7.3 inches in width, and 4.92 inches in height.
This size is also ideal for leisure playing and racing competitions, but there are various scale options to fit your preferences. I hope that the provided answer can satisfy you. Thank you for reading the post!