10-31-2007, 10:37 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-31-2007, 12:17 PM by Thirdgen89GTA.)
J-dub, Thats question really doesn't have a yes/no answer.
On the one side, electric motors have full torque available from 0rpm, and torque falls off as RPM increases because the electric motor is becoming less efficient as RPM increases. So mikes statement is true in that regard. Especially considering that as the batteries use their store they produce less, and less voltage so performance decreases severely at the end of a pack. While nitro will technically get faster as the tank empties and the mixture leans out.
However, the other side of the coin is that electric motors (like those used in 8th scale conversions) often don't fall off the powerband till about 45,000 to 50,000rpm. Most 8th scale conversions run about 14.4v, and use electric motors that range from 2800 to 4000rpm per volt. So you will see about a maximum shaft rpm on the motor between 40,000rpm and 60,000rpm. Which is about the same powerband range as a good .21 nitro engine.
Initially electric is more expensive, though less messy to maintain. Nitro is cheaper on startup, but has higher costs to maintain it. Fuel, glow plugs, etc....
In the end though electric is only slightly more expensive. The reason nitro became so popular was because at the time electric battery technology couldn't provide enough juice to power the larger cars. Because of the noise it makes nitro has a presence that electric lacks too. However thanks to newer battery technologies electric is making a comeback and currently the fastest RC records are for electric vehicles.
Personally I'm going electric because its easier to maintain. As a basher electric appeals to me more since i can just plug the battery in and go. Though water becomes a bit of an issue that nitro will just shrug off. However, electrics advantages appeal to me more.
On the one side, electric motors have full torque available from 0rpm, and torque falls off as RPM increases because the electric motor is becoming less efficient as RPM increases. So mikes statement is true in that regard. Especially considering that as the batteries use their store they produce less, and less voltage so performance decreases severely at the end of a pack. While nitro will technically get faster as the tank empties and the mixture leans out.
However, the other side of the coin is that electric motors (like those used in 8th scale conversions) often don't fall off the powerband till about 45,000 to 50,000rpm. Most 8th scale conversions run about 14.4v, and use electric motors that range from 2800 to 4000rpm per volt. So you will see about a maximum shaft rpm on the motor between 40,000rpm and 60,000rpm. Which is about the same powerband range as a good .21 nitro engine.
Initially electric is more expensive, though less messy to maintain. Nitro is cheaper on startup, but has higher costs to maintain it. Fuel, glow plugs, etc....
In the end though electric is only slightly more expensive. The reason nitro became so popular was because at the time electric battery technology couldn't provide enough juice to power the larger cars. Because of the noise it makes nitro has a presence that electric lacks too. However thanks to newer battery technologies electric is making a comeback and currently the fastest RC records are for electric vehicles.
Personally I'm going electric because its easier to maintain. As a basher electric appeals to me more since i can just plug the battery in and go. Though water becomes a bit of an issue that nitro will just shrug off. However, electrics advantages appeal to me more.
[SIZE="1"]Big Toy:'89 GTA LT1/4l60e, spohn this and that, needs a few more things.
Little Toys: Hyper One Seven | Inferno GT | Jammin X1cr | Jammin CRT Pro | 1989 Batmobile Replica
[/SIZE]
Little Toys: Hyper One Seven | Inferno GT | Jammin X1cr | Jammin CRT Pro | 1989 Batmobile Replica
[/SIZE]