How Big is a 1/16 Scale RC Car(4 Examples)


Are you looking for big fun in a small space? Got an extra bedroom and looking to make a track just for you?

Look no further than the smile you’ll get from one of these 1/16 scale RC vehicles.

Still don’t know if you’ll be able to live the dream of having all your RC racing fun in the space you have available? Find out how much difference there really is between your everyday 1/10 scale and these mini machines.

The size of a 1/16 RC car is –

LengthWidthHeight
inches10-14″7-7.3″4-4.92″
mm272-356 mm178-185 mm102-125 mm

1/16 scale RC car weight ranges from 2.45-4.54 kg or 5.4-10 pounds. The weight depends on the type of vehicle.

Keep reading to find out the specs for each type from monster trucks to on road speed machines.

1/16 Scale RC Dimensions

1/16 scale dimensions can have a wide variety, mainly because there are so many different styles of vehicles. There are light and agile vehicles for the most part, but there is also some heavier trucks on the market.

Depending on what you are looking for, they will all vary by a bit. We’ll go over an example of each of the various types of RC 1/16 scale vehicles so that you can see the difference and be better able to make a decision on which you prefer.

RC Car Scale Definition

Scale and size are two different things that often writers use interchangeably. Scale means that the size is going to be dependent on the full-sized version of that vehicle.

This is why there is a variation in the length, width, height, and weight of all the cars listed.

Keep in mind that the 1/16 scale means that it is 16 times smaller than the vehicle that they are replicating. So if they are replicating a small vehicle it will in turn be smaller in the 1/16 scale version than some of the other styles of cars and trucks.

REMEMBER: The smaller the number listed on the scale value means that it will be larger in real life. For example, a 1/10 scale truck is much larger than a 1/16 scale car.

Checking the size of the vehicle will always give you a more precise number than going by scale.

RC Size Definition

While we list examples for you on each of the different body styles of 1:16 scale vehicles, we also list the length, width, height, wheelbase, and weight for them to give you an idea of the actual size.

  • Length is measured from the very front of the vehicle body to the back of the vehicle body.
  • Width is measured from the left side of the car to the right side from the widest point
  • Height is measured from the ground level to the highest part of the vehicle.
  • The wheelbase is measured from the front wheel’s middle to the back wheel’s middle.

With these measurements, you can accurately determine the size of the RC vehicle you’re considering and have a better sense than using “scale”, as scale widely fluctuates according to the body style of the vehicle you’re looking at.

1/16 Scale Short Course Truck Size, Weight

Traxxas Slash 4x4 Mike Jenkins Edition 1/16 Scale

One of the most popular styles of RC vehicles around, the short course truck body is a fan favorite. This is a larger vehicle for the scale size, and one that can handle a turn. These are also very good for obstacle tracks and if you want to do small jumps with your 1:16 scale vehicle.

Example: TRAXXAS 1/16 Scale Slash Pro 4WD Short Course Truck (amazon)

  • Length – 14 inches or 356 mm
  • Width – 7.3 inches or 185 mm
  • Height – 4.92 inches or 125 mm
  •  Wheelbase – 8.1 inches or 125 mm
  •   Weight – 2.19 pounds or 1 kg

As you can see this TRAXXAS mini-Slash is only 2.19 pounds or 1 kg, so it is going to feel a lot better smacking against your ankle than one of the larger 1/8 scale cars. These are also a lot more portable and make better sense for your kids.

1/16 Scale Buggy Size, Weight

Losi RC Car 1/16 Mini-B Brushed RTR (Ready-to-Run, no Additional Items Needed) 2WD Buggy, Yellow/White, LOS01016T3

If you rather have a sleek look to your race experience, you’re going to want to get a buggy. These fun machines have a great aerodynamic feel to them and they can really be fun to drive. While you can find many different buggy bodies, many people just keep the one that comes on the car at the time of purchase.

Example: TLR Losi Mini-B Brushed RTR Buggy(amazon)

•      Length – 10.7 inches or 272 mm

•      Width – 7 inches or 178 mm

•      Height – 4 inches or 102 mm

•      Wheelbase – 7.5 inches or 190.5 mm

•      Weight – approx. 2.61 pounds or 1.18 kg

Again, these 1:16 cars are well under the weight of a standard 1/10 or 1/8 scale, with the mini-B buggy weighing in at 2.61 pounds or 1.18 kg.

1/16 Scale Rock Crawler Size, Weight

Exceed RC Rock Crawler Radio Car 1/16th Scale 2.4Ghz MadWatt 4WD Powerful Electric Remote Control Rock Crawler 100% RTR Ready to Run Waterproof Electronics

Rock Crawlers are all about the wheel articulation and the ability to climb over mountains of rocks in the yard. Set up your own course with mounds of rocks and have a wonderful time with the family with these exciting vehicles. We’ve chosen the Exceed RC Rock Crawler to share.

Example: Exceed RC 1:16 Rock Crawler(amazon)

•      Length – 13.58 inches or 345 mm

•      Width – 7.48 inches or 190 mm

•      Height –  7.08 inches or 180 mm

•      Wheelbase – 9.25 inches or 235 mm

•      Weight – 5.29 pounds or 2.4 kg

As you can see this has a little more weight than some of the ones we’ve listed, with the Exceed RC Rock Crawler coming in at 5.29 pounds or 2.4 kg. Most of this weight is from the higher amount of metal parts for the wheel articulation.

1/16 Scale Monster Truck Size, Weight

1:16 Brushless Large RC Car 55+ kmh Speed and 1:10 Scale Large RC Car 48+ kmh Speed - Kids and Adults Remote Control Car 4x4 Off Road Monster Truck Electric - Waterproof Toys Trucks - 2 Batteries

Growing up, didn’t everyone want a monster truck? We fell in love with the style whenever we turned on the television and saw them running over anything and everything in their path. Well imagine all that in the small 1/16 scale size and you have a car ready for anything.

Example: Laegendary Sonic Brushless 4×4(amazon)

•      Length – 10.2 inches or 260 mm

•      Width – 9.25 inches or 235 mm

•      Height – approx. 5.9 inches or 150 mm

•      Wheelbase – (not listed)

•      Weight – approx. 4.31 pounds or 1.95 kg.

While not the heaviest in the examples, the monster truck still has the beefy feel of the larger monster trucks on the market while still being able to achieve the ability of running indoors. It comes in at 4.31 pounds or 1.95 kg.

How Fast is a 1/16 Scale RC Car?

1/16 scale RC Cars can go up to and over 55 MPH with the right electronics and care. Proper use of the vehicle and adhering to a good maintenance plan will always increase both the MPH of the car or truck and how long the vehicle will last.

What Size is a 1/16 Scale in Inches?

Since scale is a percentage of the size of the original vehicle, you can’t really accurately answer this question without giving a sliding scale of an answer.

However, most RC vehicles that are 1:16 scale are around 10-14 inches in length.

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