What Does “RTR” Mean in RC Cars? Other Common RTR Questions

What Does “RTR” Mean in RC Cars? A Guide

At a glance, remote controlled cars seem like a straightforward concept.
They are miniature automotive vehicles operated from a distance with a
signal-transmitting device. As one dives deeper, though, they discover a
more complex world in which the term “RC car” denotes a wide range of
machines.

We can only explain so much of that complexity in the short amount of space
we have here. What we can do is answer a question you may have from peering
at packaging: “What does ‘RTR’ mean in RC cars?” You will learn everything
you need to know in this RTR deep dive.

Well, What Does “RTR” Mean in RC Cars?

This question seems like an easy one to answer, but just writing out the
acronym will only tell you so much. First, we should mention another type
of RC vehicle, which we affectionately call “build-your-own” cars. They
come in kits, with most or all pieces separated into their own slots. The
recipient must put them all together before they can start racing.

More engaged hobbyists appreciate kits. Nothing teaches you about the inner
workings of a machine quite like assembling it component by component.
People can also swap out the included parts for other compatible ones that
may give the racer more power, speed, efficiency, or something else.

With that said, some people, especially children and more casual players,
would prefer to skip all that work for now. They can learn later if they
desire. Right now, they just want to have fun. RTR cars are the preferable
option in this case. The acronym means “Ready To Run,” and that is exactly
how the machines come. It is that simple.

So I Can Use RTR Cars Immediately?

Maybe? Okay, so perhaps it is not so simple. The appeal of RTR cars is that
they usually require no assembly. Even so, they might still require a
little more work before they are truly ready to run. In most cases, this
work is as simple as getting the compatible power source. Batteries are
rarely included, nor is fuel for models that run on it.

Further work may be necessary, especially for more complex models. You may
need to connect the transmitter with the car yourself. A few parts may be
detached for practical reasons, such as extra security during shipping. If
anything, the manufacturer will provide a set of instructions in the box.

Even so, RTR cars still require very little work to become operational. You
may not always be able to break open the box and get revving. Still, they
are much more immediate to use, more “ready to run,” than the cars that you
have to build yourself.

What are the Benefits of RTR Cars?

By now, we have answered the question of “What does ‘RTR’ mean in RC cars?”
You may have a follow-up question: “Which kind of car is better for me?”
The truth is that neither option is necessarily superior. Both have their
upsides and downsides, and the answer of which is better depends on your
individual needs and preferences. We will get started by exploring a few of
the advantages that RTR cars have over build-your-own vehicles here.

     Ease of Use

The previous sections should have made this clear. The whole point of RTR
cars is that they are ready to run pretty much right out of the box. Anyone
who is just getting into the hobby of remote-controlled cars may prefer
this over the alternative. This especially goes for children, who may lack
the patience and interest to assemble a whole vehicle from scratch.

     Fewer Concerns

Which parts are compatible with your RC car? Which ones give it the best
performance? How should the car even be used? These and other serious
questions are not as much of an issue when working with RTR cars. All the
parts that come with the package are already compatible and designed for
efficient operation. You can focus more on improving your performance,
rather than the car’s.

     Cost

You may be surprised to learn that RTR cars are typically less expensive
than build-your-own kits. It is true that the additional labor required to
assemble the vehicles at the factories affects the price. With that said,
other factors increase the cost of creating a build-your-own kit. If money
is a big concern, you can usually save by switching to pre-built models.

What About the Downsides?

Build-your-own RC vehicles do not measure up to RTR cars under the above
criteria. However, it is not because they are simply lousy. They are
different in various ways, and RTR cars may pale in comparison when
considering certain factors. Here are a few potential disadvantages to
choosing RTR over build-your-own.

     Simplicity

Simplicity is at once the core of the RTR approach’s appeal and its primary
weakness. Think about how a calculator compares to a computer.
Calculators are ideal for solving equations, and you can trick them out to
do more if you want. Computers, though, are capable of more complex
functions. Likewise, assembly cars are often more intricate in their
designs and more capable than their RTR counterparts.

     Limited Customization

Each build-your-own RC car begins as a mass of gears, screws, and other
components in a box. This deconstructed design enables mechanically-minded
types to swap out the parts for alternatives that may offer better
performance. RTR cars are harder to take apart and optimize in this
fashion. If you want to truly push your machine’s performance,
build-your-own models are ideal.

     Poorer Competitive Performance

Why alter the car’s performance at all? Well, the most common activity for
RC enthusiasts practically demands it, at least at the professional level.
RTR vehicles are not likely to perform well at big-time races and derbies,
where every other car is meticulously modded for excellence. Without
sufficient ability, know-how, or practice in customization, the competition
will smoke your RTR car.

RTR RC Cars at Absolute Hobbyz

What does “RTR” mean in RC cars? It means “ready to run,” yes, but
it also means a quicker and easier experience for RC fans of all ages and
skill levels. Most RC vehicles come in this format for a reason. Whether
you want to use them as a stepping stone toward build-your-own kits or as a
welcome break, using them can be a fun experience.

Here at Absolute Hobbyz, you can shop from a wide range of

remote control cars

in both RTR and build-your-own styles. Our online superstore also features
an expansive selection of replacement parts and modding components.
Discover a more complex world with our help today.