*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you are looking for the ultimate RC car, Traxxas has many to offer. Although its vehicles may be a bit pricey, the performance they deliver is simply amazing as anyone in this hobby industry will tell you.
One of their cars, the Rustler, is a stadium truck that is durable and fast and can reach high speeds depending on whether you are driving the Ready-To-Race® (RTR) version or if you have modified the gear ratio.
The Traxxas Rustler RC vehicles can reach speeds from 35-70 miles an hour depending on which model and battery you have. If you mod your Rustler RC car you can get even higher speeds (although you probably won’t need them).
The Traxxas Rustler 2WD and 4×4 stock models (that come out of the box ready-to-race) will go 35mph with standard gearing and the standard battery. With an upgraded battery (to the 8.4v NiMH or 2S LiPo) the 2wd or 4wd Traxxas Rustler can reach speeds of 45mph.
You can get even faster speeds with the Traxxas Rustler 2wd or 4wd model of 70mph with the optional gearing (not included) of 31-T/76-T pinion gear ratio and an upgraded battery 3S LiPo.
Traxxas has manufactured several cars in the Rustler series each with its own unique speed and sense of style (along with a low-maintenance design) so you can choose which model will give you the most driving fun. What they all have in common is power and durability even in the most extreme weather conditions (to give you all-weather fun)
They are all quick and easy to control while making swift turns and racing across bumpy terrain.
Let’s start out by talking about the Traxxas Rustler VXL.
This RC car can reach speeds of 70 mph (at full throttle acceleration) making it incredibly fast and fun. The waterproofing on its electronics allows the user to drive the vehicle through water, puddles, mud, or even snow (or whatever else your backyard can throw at it) for a more exhilarating RC experience.
Stability and power are these car’s attributes as well as steel transmission gears. The battery of the VXL is what determines its speed and skill level. Upgrading to a higher voltage battery and charging system will be sure to amp up your racing.
Then there’s the Traxxas Rustler XL-5 which can reach speeds of 35 miles an hour. Since it is slower it is considerably cheaper than the VXL. The waterproof electronics allow for races through water, mud, and snow (and any other wet-running conditions) while still being fast.
The XL-5 has a powerful Velineon® motor and is also affordable.
The Rustler 4×4 has all-wheel power and can go up to 70mph (with the upgraded battery and upgraded speed gear). Its aerodynamic body and legendary durability don’t disappoint. Like the rest of the Rustlers, this car is waterproof for driving through water but should not be submerged.
Next, we have the Rustler 4×4 VXL. Traveling at speeds reaching up to 70mph, this 4-wheel drive car is designed for increased durability. The tires (front tires & rear tires) have a good grip for all the wheelies you will be doing.
Fast charging completes the electric Rustler models (using the patented Traxxas high-current connector) for a quick return back to the track (or grass). With today’s high-power batteries you can get a longer runtime (exactly how long will depend on your battery selection).
With the Ruster you also will get access to:
- The Velineon brushless power system
- The waterproof xl-5 electronic speed control
- The Traxxas stability management (TSM)
- Traxxas link wireless module compatible (allows you to connect via iPhone, iPad, or Android devices)
- The EZ-set® one-button setup
All of these (and the many other benefits) make it an excellent choice for RC enthusiasts.
The Nitro Rustler can go up to 50 mph but it runs on Nitro fuel instead of battery power (will still have the same 2-channel radio system). As its name states, this car has a racing engine and sounds much more like a real vehicle.
It will have a cooler for the nitro engine and the fan pulls cool air over the motor allowing you to have many hours of RC fun without having to stop for anything but fuel.
Its stability is great for those off-roading moments and on-road slippery surfaces and it provides more horsepower than the others in the series.
No matter which Traxxas Rustler model you are considering getting you will get access to Traxxas’ staff of skilled representatives (that always seem to go the extra mile), unmatched parts support (with many available options on-hand), and virtually maintenance-free operation.
Traxxas also sells other precision gadgets that can upgrade your RC for the customization you desire. Everything from tires and wheels to LED lights, decals, wings, parts, and an extra body, they have it all.
You can find many Traxxas models in hobby stores or online as well.
To see the most popular Rustler models just click here.
If you love RC Trucks then you will love the 2WD or 4WD Traxxas Slash!
With a top speed of over 60 mph, you will love driving this RC vehicle!
How Do I Make My Traxxas Rustler Go Faster?
There are a few different ways to make the Rustler go faster to reach those 70+ mph speeds. They are simple modifications that are sure to bring you satisfaction with the speed of your RC.
The easiest way to upgrade your Traxxas Rustler for more speed is by getting a new motor, battery, or charging pack. The easiest of these mods is to get a better battery.
For a faster RC, you can install newer and more powerful parts. To do this you will want to remove the old motor and electronic speed control (ESC) and install new brushless motors and high-end replacement ESCs (for unrestricted current flow) into the upgraded models.
Installing a new brushless motor will extend your motor life and give you long-lasting performance.
Parts such as shocks, axles, ball bearings, and tires can also be upgraded for a faster race time allowing you to build the ultimate stadium truck.
It is recommended to use a brushless motor and LiPo Batteries for more speed in your electric stadium racer. Stronger 3-cell LiPo batteries (LiPo battery packs) will also make the Rustler go faster. The Rustler has some of the widest range of battery types that you can choose from to give you a whole new world of adventure.
An ID power cell will also help with speed. EZ peak chargers have many options you can choose from to give you that incredible power that will produce those blistering top speeds that were thought impossible just a few years ago.
Brushless motors are also more efficient. There aren’t any brushes running against them to reduce energy and friction thus making them faster and giving you more fun for your RC adventures.
These brushless motors also have innovative technology that will also make your LiPo pack last up to 50 percent longer and the RC car will have more power (even before adjustments). So consider upgrading your old Rustler parts with new and improved racing-ready ones.
How Long Do Traxxas Motors Last?
You take your RC car out on so many runs. Every weekend you are driving it outside in races or just off-roading for fun. Can the motor handle all the time it is running?
How long will it actually last before you have to replace it?
The Traxxas motor for their remote-controlled cars can last for thousands of hours of run time. They make great engines and motors that give their cars speed while also being efficient and lasting through many years of use.
Lasting for 2000 to 4000 hours, a Traxxas motor holds its value really well. Because they are more expensive to purchase, they will last longer than a cheaper RC car with a cheaper motor.
They are worth the price if you are going to be using them for entertainment often. If one was used every weekend for four hours, it would last for a good five years.
Upgrading the motors will give it better performance and also help with keeping the car in good condition. By putting in new motors and batteries you can increase the speed of the car and Traxxas actually recommends you modify the cars for more power.
They sell all the things you need for an awesome racing RC.
What Is The Fastest Traxxas RC Car Motor?
Traxxas prides itself on manufacturing some of the best RC cars and some can even reach the speed of a full-size vehicle.
The fastest Traxxas model that the company offers is the Traxxas XO-1. Reaching 100 mph, it is the fastest RC car made by Traxxas
The fastest Traxxas car motor is the Traxxas Big Block Brushless (1650 kV) which is what the XO-1 is equipped with.
Out of all the RC cars, this one is considered the best. Its quick speed and sporty looks make it pretty expensive though.
The XO-1 can go from 0 to 60 miles an hour in 2.3 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in 4.92 seconds (with the high-speed wing and speed gear. That is just nuts for a normal car let alone a remote-controlled one!
With its sleek design, it is made for racing and looks pretty cool out on the track.
We already know that Traxxas car motors last for a while. Even though they can reach amazing speeds for a toy car, they are still efficient and you can use them for years to come. If you are looking for the fastest RC car, look no further than the XO-1.
Final Thoughts
Traxxas RC cars are made for durability and efficiency. They last for years and offer great performance from the Rustler to the XO-1.
The Traxxas Rustler (although its a stadium truck and not a muscle car) is fast and easy to control when operating it. It is able to zoom over rough terrain and is equipped with Traxxas’ exclusive waterproof electronics (via sealed electronics) that can weather the elements it is placed in.
Whether you want to shred snow with your Rustler or just drive it on some wet grass or pavement, you are sure to enjoy a whole new level of fun since you won’t have to worry about water messign up your RC vehicle. And that is a winning formula for hobbyists and beginners alike.
Depending on the version, the speed of the Rustler ranges from 35 mph to 70 mph for a fast driving experience and lots of fun. These speeds will allow you to take your RC racing to new heights but only if your reflexes are in top condition (so you don’t accidentally wreck your Rustler).
If you are new to RC cars you will want to keep your Traxxas RC car in training mode so you don’t accidentally damage it and can continue to have years of fun using it by yourself or with family and friends. Although the Rustler does have hobby-grade durability you will not want to crash it repeatedly if you can avoid it.
The genuine Traxxas quality that you will find with the Rustler means you will be able to have dependable fun for years and even decades to come. But don’t use that as an excuse to drive like a maniac if you don’t have experience with this fast of an RC car.