RC Micro Cars Types

It turned out that it's not just RS micro cars toys, there are many types of them out there. So what are they and what are their features?

1. Micro Drifters (Drift RC Cars)

These cars are built sliding, drifting, and performing controlled slides on smooth surfaces like tabletop or floor or special tracks. These cars normally have plastic or metal tyres for better sliding. They do not stretch for the speed, the idea is somewhat slow, controllable and satisfying drifting while going through curves and "8" figures. For that, hi-end cars are often equipped with gyroscope which assists steering to keep the car from falling into uncontrollable skidding. 
Tracks produced for such cars do not require a lot of space and they look nice:
 
It is so good to have a casual drift alone. Sometimes drift enthusiasts gather for a competitions/show and drift solo or in pairs.

Key features:

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with smooth tyres.
• Gyroscope assistance tuning.
• Can use interchangeable bodies (replica JDM cars like Silvia, AE86, Supra, Skyline).
• Typical drive surfaces smooth tiles or PVC.
  

Example brands/models - 1:76 Turbo Racing C65

 

2. Micro Racers / On-Road Speed RC

Main use: Straight-line speed and handling, for racing on small indoor tracks or desktops.
This is all about racing. Normally, such cars offer high precision proportional steering and equipped with soft rubber tyres for more grip. These cars can be rear-wheel drive or some times four wheel drive, which gives a bit of oversteering.
Key features:

• High-speed motors and precise proportional steering.
• Grippy rubber tires for traction.
  
• Front and rear suspension (high end cars).
• RWD or 4WD
• Often lighter and faster but less durable than drifters.
• Low gravity centre - these cars attack sharp turns at a very high speed, so they should have some protection from rollover when attacking a chicane

Example brands/models: 
Entry level - 1:64 Micro Car Type B


Hobby-grade level - 1:64 LDARC R02

 

3. Off-Road (Mini Buggies / Crawlers)

These are good for slow driving on uneven or textured surfaces (carpet, dirt, sand) or an  obstacle course/off-road park arranged on a table top. What is appreciated in such cars - grippy tyres, independent suspension, adapting to the obstacles, low gravity center to prevent flip-overs.
Key features:

• Higher ground clearance and knobby tires.
• 4WD or AWD systems.
• Slower but more torque.
• Shock-absorbing suspension for small bumps.

Example brand/models - 1:64 Sniclo SNT Crawler

 

4. DIY / Kit-Based 1:64 RC Cars

Build-it-yourself kits for hobbyists and tech enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering.
These cars can be produced and sold by enthusiasts within hobby communities as kits for assembly, or pre-assembled chassis, which then can help you turn your favourite 1:64 die-cast car model into a living drift RC car. This car would be unique and one of the kind, at least when it comes to car body. 
Key features:

• Modular design: chassis, body shell, electronics.
• Allows upgrades (better motors, steering servos, gyros).
• Compatible with 3D printed parts or aftermarket mods.

Example platforms: D64 Kit

5. FPV RC Cars

First Person View RC cars have a camera on them. Normally, the video is streamed in real time to a phone app. At the same time the app allows you to control the car, so all in all, the car provides the experience of driving the car as if you are in the car. This comes with certain limitations because the camera is facing forward, so you cannot see what is behind or on the side of the car. However, having a view at the level of the car is a lot of fun and you can explore the spaces from an interesting angle. 

Example: WLtoys Micro FPV Car

 

6. Toy-Grade / Entry-Level Micro RC Cars

Main use: Gift, casual fun, not serious racing or drifting.
Key features:

• Simple control (non-proportional steering/throttle).
• Lower power, short range, basic plastic construction.
  

Example - 1:64 "Little Monster" RC pickup

 

What Else? - Track & Accessory Systems

While not cars themselves, these are the things relevant to RC micro cars or crawlers:

• Modular race tracks for tabletop or floor drifting.
• Charging stations, battery packs, spare tires, replacement shells, body kits.
• Lighting kits for realism.
• Controllers with Bluetooth or proportional control.
• Better, faster motors.
• Off-road desktop parks.