I've been into the car part of the hobby for about 10 years now. I don't know the exact date, but I was racing in 2000, possibly late 1999. If I remember correctly, NiMh batteries were just getting popular then. The highest capacity batteries were 1500mah. They would allow you to run in a 5min race, barely. From then on, it has only been improving. I know that 4200mah batteries were around by 2005, probably earlier. I know that 19t motors were around then. That setup right there is enough to compete with the best of them on the track. People that haven't made the switch to Brushless motors and LiPo Batteries are still getting into podium positions in unlimited classes at large race events here. With Brushless motors and LiPo batteries, I am convinced that there is no limit to what they can do. I think electric has the upper hand in a straight line or on the track. I am pretty familiar with nitro too, I love racing with both types.

Electronics are plenty reliable, especially now.

I have a higher end Tekin speed control that was sold to me used when I started 10 years ago. It's unlimited; I'm using 4200mah batteries with 19t motors, and I've used down to a 15t motor with it. I’ve never had a single problem. Still using it today, it's in the drifter right now.

Here is a link to my first charger from 10 years ago- http://www.ehobbies.com/dyn4035.html It has a total of two buttons, charges at 1amp and 4amp, and was meant for NiCad batteries. I don't think it says anything about NiMh batteries in any of the descriptions. It worked for most of the 6 cell packs I had. I eventually replaced it with chargers that had more charging options. Now the lower charge rate works great for my mini batteries (2/3A cells). This charger just won't quite. I still use it daily to charge batteries and race on my backyard track.

The first brushless system I bought was a Castle Creations mamba for my 1/18 mini's. That evening at the beach was one of the most memorable moments I have. My dad and I did wheelies up and down the street with smiles on our faces, and then we were shocked when our batteries didn't die when they usually did, which was plenty long enough in the first place. These motors also ran ice cold; no worries about burning them up. We bought those about 3 years ago. I have an unbelievable amount of run time on that motor. Combined with my 1/18 RC's, it's the most convenient thing I have to take out and bash or race. With the backyard track, I drive daily. I just started having problems with my 6800kv motor about 2 months ago. I'm pretty sure it's a bearing problem; I could probably fix it and keep using it. Not bad at all, considering I didn't lift a finger to do maintenance all this time besides bearing oil. I've never had a brushed motor last the same amount of time. There is no comparison. The original mamba 25 speed control is still working too.

I have burned electronics up before, but that stuff will happen with anything. With price comparisons between the two now, I can afford to occasionally replace an ESC and keep running. Nitro engines don't last forever either. You can run a long time without changing a glow plug if you know what you're doing. You can also put a brand new plug in and have it go bad in the middle of an important race.

If we are talking electronics in general, nitro vehicles need radios, receivers, servos and batteries in order to run. You have to deal with all of that stuff. I think it's funny when people say you don't have to charge a nitro vehicle. Yes you still have to, kind of. 1/8 buggies and truggies need to have a healthy battery pack in order to get through a long main event. Strong servos pull a lot of juice. You also have to get fuel every so often, when an electric can run 30-45mins without stopping.

I think driving a nitro RC is a little more challenging. Maybe it's because I started with electric? I think it's partly because of the difference in how power is put to the wheels, and also because of the added weight a nitro has. I feel like I have to be a little more cautious when cornering because it is very easy to spin the tires and lose control. With an electric, I feel like I have more control. The ESC makes everything smooth and consistent. An electric seems to have more tolerance; you can push them harder.