how does a nitro car work. what does it run off of and do you suggest a nitro or electric for a beginner

http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/rc-cars-faq.html

For a newbit I would get a electric RC car.

Here are a few more enlightening articles...

http://www.rcnitro.com/rn/articles/system_basics.asp
http://www.rcnitro.com/rn/articles/engine_timing.asp
http://www.rcnitro.com/rn/articles/carburetor.asp
http://www.rcnitro.com/rn/articles/nitroengines1.asp

I agree with Mad Wax, electric cars are much more beginner friendly. Nitro cars are much more complex, with more moving parts (in general) and more things which will require regular maintenance.

Get an electric, and stick with an electric.

Get a electric like a t4 special edition so you can add on hop up parts when ready to do so like faster motors and what not

if u dont really know how a simple two stroke engine works...then i'd either research before considering or jus take the easy way and go electric...In electric if u at least drove around a toy rc...u can do electric... i mean besides the chasssi tune up electronics are way easy to master...not like u tune a motor or anything with some screws...

I started electric did that for 3 months then went gas after I had done my research on monster trucks and what and how the worked and which was the best one at the time

I would say that it depends on how much mechanical ability you have and if you have some one you can hang out with and learn. Please do not take this wrong but all so what your age is as nitro can be more dangerous.

I have both electric and nitro but I do enjoy my nitro more. I like the fact with nitro it is much closer to being like full size vehicles. Do not see many race vehicles running off batteries.

But no mater which way you go I am sure you will have a lot of fun!
Good Luck!

Do not see many race vehicles running off batteries.
you dont I do how do the servos move?

I started with nitro. Screwed up the tuning and ran wayy to lean a couple times I broke a ton of parts too. The compression is still good, but the top of the piston is almost black. It's all behind me though because I got a new engine. Anyways, I think I learned much faster by just starting out with nitro. It was more expensive but in my opinion, worth it. There is definatly more of a learning curve but I prefer nitro, and didn't mind the extra work it took to keep it running.

that happened to me except I just ran my brand new maxx with out breaking it in. and it still runs good