The Difference Between Nitro and Electric RC Trucks

I recently commented on an article about nitro vs electric RC cars and as you might imagine its a pretty hot topic between RC fans. I just came across another article on the subject (focussed more on RC trucks) at Monster RC Central . They write:

Everyone has their opinion when it comes to comparing nitro vs electric RC trucks. Some avid remote control truck hobbyists would argue that when comparing nitro vs electric remote control trucks, nitro powered RC trucks are for "purists". The loud engine, exhaust, fuel ... they love it. For them, the decision of nitro vs electric RC trucks is an easy one.

Here are some of the key points of the article:

• Nitro trucks tend to be loud and can't be run indoors (exhaust fumes and messy spills).
• Electric trucks will usually only run for about 10 or so minutes on a charge, which is less than what you would get from a full tank of fuel.
• Nitro trucks are not nessesarily faster than electric and both types can be upgraded with aftermarket mods.
• Nitro trucks are usually 10-15% more expensive than their electric counterparts.

Last weekend I went to a local brisbane hobby shop, Hobbyrama in Stafford, to look into getting my first RC car and as helpful as the guys at the store were, it is a really difficult decision (especially when you are looking to pay close to $500).

I'm still not sure whether I want to deal with the mess and extra expenses (more intricate components = more to repair, and I calculated the cost of fuel to be about $5 - $7 / hour of run time) of a nitro truck just to be able to run it longer in one go and possibly some extra speed.

I'm looking to make my decision in the next couple of weeks, but at the end of the day I will need to test-drive both types and see which one gives me the bigger 'rush'.