difference?
 

I am looking at on road racing, what is the difference between a pan car and touring sedan. Can they race in the same class?

Different classes all together.

Pan car is World GT for 1/10th scale and all 1/12th cars are pan cars. These cars are rear wheel drive with a solid rear axle and run on foam tires.

Touring sedan is a 4 wheel drive, 4 wheel independent suspension chassis that runs on rubber or foam tires.

Totally different classes.

A pan car is 2wd, flat "pan" chassis with the motor and axle in a pod for rear suspension, direct drive from the motor pinion to the axle spur gear.

A touring car is all wheel drive via either belt or shaft from a common spur gear to the front and rear differentials.

TC's are more complex, weigh more and can be a bit cramped to work on.

Pan cars are simpler designs, but can be just as difficult to set up, they're faster than a TC with the same motor, but that can lead to more parts breakage.

I would look at which class has the most entries at your local track and buy a car to compete in that class. More entries means there should be more chance of running with some guys the same relative speed as you, whether it's with the fast guys, or further down the order. It's all about fun, and it's always more fun running with guys you actually have to race with rather than one of you moving over for the faster one all the time.

Also direct drive of pan cars are more faster and accurate. The drive train is simple and quit.

TC's have shaft or belt. Giving them 4wheel independant suspension. And there 4WD

Pan cars have a rear Tbar type suspension for mare stable and easy to drive type chassis.

Two different cars.

I have seen adapters for the wheel hubs on pan cars to accept TC foam OR rubber for parking lot races and out door mild dusty tracks.

If I had a indoor carpet track near by ill choose pan! 12th scale Pan!