I run both onroad electric and nitro.
The Nitro is a pain to clean up at the end of the day. Run times are higher since it's just a pitstop away. There's not as much equipment to buy either. Just your car, radio, fuel bottle, fuel and batteries.
For the Electric, cleanup is easy. Blow with compressed air or just a paintbrush. Run times are anywhere from 5-8 minutes (8 minutes for the 1/12 cars). Power is there, if you're running a mod class. Equipment is where the hobby will kill you. Soldering iron, peack charger, equalizing/discharge tray, Power supply, tire truer (good for both nitro and electric but not necessary for nitro. Electric demands it on the carpet). Speed is there and I see electrics that will outrun a nitro car in the average 5 min heat/qualifier. Don't count them out!
Motor upkeep for the 1/12 doesn't require cutting of the coms as frequently as the touring cars since it's easier on the motor. Every other week is fine.I have mine cut by a friend every 5 runs since I'm more compettative now.For the touring cars, I see those guys cutting their coms every 3 runs ... including the practice time.
To cut the motors correctly, you're going to need a comlathe and a dyno to see where your motr stands since power and draw are everything. It's always a battel between those with the most effecient motor and battery combo.
BTW, batteries can cost anywhere up to over $100 for a 6 pack of 1.18matched cells depending on the brand.
Both nitro and electric have their ups and downs but they're all fun. Both ahve their technical side but fun is the common denominator.