Derek - Nitro to Electric can't be any more different.... Nitro racing doesn't have fuel that comes out every 6 months to 1 year that increases power by 10-15%..... Yes, everything improves but the rate is nowhere near the same.
Example - 2003 IFMAR WC the top speed was 72mph in 1/8 nitro on-road. This year we have only ran 68mph as the new bodies have more downforce thus slower top speed. Lap times are about .3 faster with the new bodies (on a 20 second a lap track). A 1.5% increase....
Electric has picked up at least .5-1 second in lap times on a 12 second a lap track in the same 3 year time span.... A 4-8% increase.....