If you’re new to the world of RC cars, then you may be wondering what the difference is between brushed vs brushless motors. In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast these two types of RC cars, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next RC vehicle.
What are Brushed RC Cars?
Brushed RC cars are the most common type of RC car. They use a simple brushed motor, which is powered by a battery. These motors are inexpensive and easy to maintain, making them a good choice for beginner RC drivers.
Advantages of Brushed RC Cars
Cheaper – Brushed motors have a very simple design and are very cheap to produce. RC cars with brushed motors are usually very cheap, making them a great option for people who are new to the world of RC cars.
Configurable – Brushed motors use a very simple two-wire system. This makes it easy for users to tinker around with the voltage to get the output speed they want from the RC car.
Disadvantages of Brushed RC Cars
Low Efficiency – Brushed motors typically have a lower efficiency than their brushed counterparts, at just around 75%. This is largely because of the heat caused by the brushes rubbing against the commutator.
Noisy – Brushless RC cars have a very “whiny” loud sound. They are noisy because of all the electromagnetic noise generated as the commutator, shaft, and brushes move and shift.
Less Durable – Brushed motors wear out far more quickly than brushless motors because of all the excess heat generated by the brushes. Furthermore, these motors need more maintenance and cleaning if you use them on rough terrain.
What are Brushless RC Cars?
Brushless RC cars are more expensive than brushed cars, but they offer many advantages. Brushless motors are more powerful and efficient than brushed motors, making them faster and longer-lasting. They also require less maintenance since there is no need to clean the brushes from the motor regularly.
Advantages of Brushless RC Cars
Speed – This is perhaps the main reason why people go for brushless RC cars. They are way faster than the RC cars with brushed motors.
Longer Run Times – Brushless motors are lighter and are 85 to 90% efficient. This makes them last way longer than brushed motors.
Lesser Noise – There are no brushes spinning and rubbing in a brushless motor. This cuts down on the “whiny” noise by a lot!
Durable – Brushless motors have fewer moving parts and are sealed better. This protects them against the elements as well as wear and tear, making them a lot more durable.
Disadvantages of Brushless RC Cars
Expensive – Brushless RC cars are flat out a lot more expensive. The brushless motors use complicated circuitry like the electric speed controller (ESC).
Harder To Drive – RC cars with brushless motors are a bit more difficult to drive compared to Brushed Cars. This is because brushless RC cars are a lot faster.
Costly Maintenance – Brushless RC cars use complex electronics and LiPO batteries, making them pricey when it comes to maintenance.
What’s the Difference Between Brushed and Brushless RC Cars?
The main difference between brushed and brushless RC cars is the type of motor used. Brushless RC cars are faster and a lot more fun in general. However, if you’re new, it’s better to stick to a brushed RC car.
Are Brushless RC Cars Faster than Brushed Ones?
Yes, brushless motors are typically faster than brushed motors. This is one of the main reasons why RC car enthusiasts go for brushless motors: they are fast! This does mean that these RC cars are much harder to control but hey, who doesn’t like speed?
Are Brushed Motors Bad?
No, there is nothing inherently wrong with brushed motors. They are just not as powerful or efficient as brushless motors. Brushed motors have their place in the RC community and are great for starting out as a beginner.
Are Brushless RC Cars for Everyone?
You may believe that a brushless motor is a superior option, but this isn’t always the case if you’re new to RC vehicles. Because brushless RC cars are often made with experienced users in mind, it’s not only the high speed and power that you’ll have to consider. Brushless motors frequently use LiPo batteries, which need special attention that a beginner is unlikely to be able to provide, and it can be intimidating.
Which One Should I Choose?
The type of motor is just one factor to consider when choosing an RC car. You also need to decide what size and type of car you want, as well as what features are important to you. If you are looking for the best performance, then brushless is the way to go. However, if you are on a budget or just starting out, then a brushed motor may be a better option for you.
Once you have all of this information, you can start narrowing down your options and choosing the right car for you!
Peter has been building model trains for longer than he can remember. An avid fan of HO and O scale this blog is a creative outlet to allow him to dive further into other scales and aspects of the model train community and hobby.
