Tamiya are a reputable Japanese manufacturer of remote-controlled cars that have been in business for over 70 years, solidifying themselves as market leader.
They remain as one of the most popular brands for both car enthusiasts and RC hobbyists, and when you see the quality of their models it’s no surprise.
In this article, we will explore the best Tamiya RC for 2023, considering the best options at different price points.
So, what’s the what’s the best Tamiya RC car?
Best Options At A Glance
Product Summaries
Tamiya Audi V8 Touring TT-02
- Brand - Tamiya
- Dimensions - 16 x 49 x 23 cm
- Weight - 800 g
- Scale - 1:10
- Special Feature - 4WD
Firstly we have the Tamiya Audi V8 Touring, which is a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s reasonable priced. It’s currently selling for £117/$144 on Amazon.
The Audi V8 was driving in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 1991. This V8 was piloted by Frank Biela, who was able to win a total of 4 seasonal victories and thus secured the total title at the end of the season.
The Tamiya Audi V8 Touring model in scale 1:10 uses the extremely robust TT-02 chassis, making it a perfect fit for beginners. The battery compartment is extremely versatile as well, holding all of the standard RC battery types.
With this wheelbase, ground clearance, gear ratio and the countless optional tuning parts, the chassis can be easily be tuned to a racer. The 4WD drive with central shaft, double control arms and suspension legs on all four wheels ensure an exemplary driving pattern as well as optimal traction.
If you’re looking for the best Tamiya RC car for beginners, the Audi V8 Touring is a great choice.
Buy the Tamiya Audi V8 Touring from Amazon for only £117/$144:
Tamiya Mercedes AMG GT3
- Brand - Tamiya
- Dimensions - 48.6 x 23.2 x 15.2 cm
- Weight - 1.54 kg
- Scale - 1:10
- Special Feature - 4WD
Next we have the Tamiya Mercedes AMG GT3. It’s currently selling for £121/$149 on Amazon.
The Mercedes AMG GT-3 is another model in the large GT-3 series on a TT-02 chassis. The original was used on the racetracks in the GT-3 class in 2016. For 24 hours racing on the Nürburgring, this vehicle occupied the 4th space.
Some of the notable features include the electronic brushless/brushed drive controller, the 540cc electric motor and polycarbonate body. This detailed 1:10 scale model also utilises efficient 4WD as well as powerful independent suspension front and rear. As you would imagine, this all contributes to a top-tier driving experience.
This Mercedes AMG GT3 from Tamiya is not only visually striking – the driving experience is beyond impressive. If you’re looking for a well rounded RC car from Tamiya, this is a great option.
Buy the Tamiya Mercedes AMG GT3 from Amazon for only £121/$149:
Tamiya Ford Mustang GT4
- Brand - Tamiya
- Dimensions - 48.6 x 23.2 x 15.2 cm
- Weight - 1 kg
- Scale - 1:10
- Special Feature - 540cc Motor
Next we have the Tamiya Ford Mustang GT4. It’s currently selling for £128/$157 on Amazon.
This version of the TT-02 chassis feature the beyond impressive Ford Mustang GT body. The original was inspired by the Ford Shelby GT350R-C, which was ultimately developed into this GT4.
This model features capable 4WD drive paired with a powerful 540cc electric motor. This guarantees a thrilling driving experience for the operator. The exemplary polycarbonate body also includes light inserts at the front and rear, giving you the option to add remote operated LEDs in the future.
If it’s a powerful muscle RC car that you’re looking for, this Mustang GT4 replica is a perfect buy.
Buy the Tamiya Ford Mustang GT4 from Amazon for only £128/$157:
Tamiya Subaru Impreza MC 99 TT-02
- Brand - Tamiya
- Dimensions - 48.8 x 23.4 x 15.5 cm
- Weight - 1.55 kg
- Scale - 1:10
- Special Feature - 540cc Motor
Another great option is the Tamiya Subaru Impreza MC 99 TT-02. It’s currently selling for £140/$172 on Amazon.
Similarly to some of the other cars on this list, this model assembly kit is based on the Tamiya TT-02 chassis. This model in particular is a 1:10 scale replica of the 1999 Subaru Impreza WRC.
This Subaru Impreza MC 99 RC car has an impressive feature list including an encapsulated four wheel drive, independent suspension, a strong 540cc electric motor, and an electronic brushless/brushed speed controller.
As with all of Tamiya’s models, there’s a wide variety of tuning parts available. These allow you to transform your car into your dream setup.
This Impreza MC99 is a really impressive option if it’s a rally RC car that you’re looking for.
Buy the Tamiya Subaru Impreza MC 99 TT-02 from Amazon for only £140/$172:
Tamiya Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune
- Brand - Tamiya
- Dimensions - 48.5 x 23.1 x 15.5 cm
- Weight - 1 kg
- Scale - 1:10
- Special Feature - Cruise Control
Finally we have the Tamiya Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune. It’s currently selling for £197/$242 on Amazon.
Tamiya presents a drift entry model based on the TT-02 chassis in a special “D” drift-spec design. The R34 is the fifth generation of the legendary Skyline GT-R models and was presented at Tokyo Fair in 2005. The engine is a 500hp strong, 2.8 litre with 8,000rpm. Only 20 pieces of the original were built.
The model has a wheelbase of 257 mm, and it boasts detailed polycarbonate bodywork. This durable TT-02D chassis is drift tuned, featuring CVA oil pressure shock absorbers, aluminium engine cooler, drifttech tires, and a 4WD cardan drive with protected drive train.
Another interesting feature is the TBLE-02S cruise control, offering the driver a greater degree of control over speed.
If you’re looking for a premium Tamiya RC car, this R34 replica is an ideal choice.
Buy the Tamiya Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune from Amazon for only £197/$242:
FAQs
The only difference between the TT-02 and TT 02d kits are the components included in the kit.
TT-02 kits include a shell, an ESC and a motor for your model. The TT 02d kits don’t come with a shell or ESC, but they do include bearings and oil shocks. Some RC fans would recommend a beginner to start with a TT-02 kit and buy shocks/bearings separately in the future if required, as you can buy these parts individually for fairly reasonable prices.
The 1:10 scale is Tamiya’s most popular size.
This gives the user a good balance of detail and portability, making the model both aesthetically complex and easy to display in a cabinet or shelf.
Despite the complexity of their high-quality models, Tamiya kits are designed to be intuitive and beginner friendly. There’s plenty of explanations and guides for beginners online if you get stuck at any stage of the assembly process.
There’s a few top brands for RC cars.
The leading brands include Tamiya, ARRMA, Axial, Traxxas, Hobao RC and Team Associated. Each of these brands have different characteristics and unique features, with some focusing on function and others focusing on aesthetic, but Tamiya is one of the fan favourites among hobbyist RC enjoyers.
Thanks for reading our article covering the best Tamiya RC cars.
If you’re interested in RC cars, you might want to read our article covering the Best Budget RC Car Transmitter.
If planes are more your thing, check out our article on the Best Beginner RC Plane UK.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or queries that you’d like us to take a look at – we’d be happy to help.
