When it comes to pure adrenaline, few UK roller coasters can compete with Stealth at Thorpe Park and Rita at Alton Towers. Both deliver incredible acceleration, intense G-forces, and that heart-pounding moment when you’re pinned to your seat as the train rockets forward.
But which of these launch coasters truly comes out on top? Let’s break down Stealth vs Rita — from speed and theming to ride experience and re-ride factor.
The Launch Experience
The launch is what defines these rides — and both deliver in their own way.
- Stealth’s launch is explosive. The hydraulic system catapults you down the straight track so quickly that you barely have time to scream before you’re hurtling up the towering top hat. The sensation is raw, brutal, and exhilarating.
- Rita’s launch, on the other hand, is smoother but longer. The build-up in the station, with the lights dimming and the countdown voiceover — “You must escape!” — adds atmosphere. The acceleration still packs a punch, especially for first-timers, but it’s not quite as ferocious as Stealth’s.
Winner: Stealth (for sheer power)
The Ride Layout
After the launch, the two coasters diverge in style:
- Stealth sends riders straight up a 205-ft vertical tower before plunging back down in a near-vertical drop. The airtime cresting the top hat is brief but breathtaking. However, the ride ends almost as soon as it begins — lasting under 30 seconds from launch to brakes.
- Rita weaves through Alton Towers’ Dark Forest, hugging the terrain with tight turns, airtime humps, and sudden directional changes. It’s lower to the ground and more sustained, delivering more lateral G-forces and a longer ride time.
So while Stealth delivers a sky-high punch, Rita’s twisting layout gives riders a more complete journey.
Winner: Rita (for length and layout)
Theming and Immersion
Theming is where Alton Towers typically shines, and Rita is no exception. Set within the Dark Forest, the ride’s story centres on escaping a supernatural force, with creepy audio and immersive set design.
Stealth, on the other hand, fits the ’50s drag-racing theme of Thorpe Park’s Amity Speedway. The roaring engines, sleek red track, and grandstand aesthetic give it a cool vibe — but it’s mostly visual rather than story-driven.
Winner: Rita (for atmosphere and storytelling)
Re-Ride Factor
Here’s where opinions split:
- Stealth is so short that it’s easy to queue up again — and that launch never gets old.
- Rita, while longer, can feel repetitive after a few rides, and its tight turns can be quite jolty, especially for taller riders.
For many thrill-seekers, Stealth’s addictive launch makes it endlessly re-rideable, despite its brevity.
Winner: Stealth
Queue and Throughput
- Stealth often commands long queues due to its popularity, but operations are generally fast and efficient.
- Rita, while a little less busy, suffers from slower loading at times, and its queue line in the Dark Forest can feel cramped and dull.
Overall, Stealth’s throughput and open, high-energy queue area give it the edge.
Winner: Stealth
Overall Thrill Factor
If you’re chasing the ultimate adrenaline rush, Stealth wins hands-down. The intensity of that launch, the height of the top hat, and the pure simplicity of speed make it an icon of UK thrill rides.
However, Rita offers a different kind of excitement — a more sustained ride that blends story, speed, and terrain in a way that’s uniquely “Alton Towers.”
Final Verdict: Stealth Wins
Stealth is the undisputed king of UK launch coasters — a short but unforgettable burst of speed and height that few rides can match. Rita remains a fantastic second, especially for those who prefer immersive theming and a longer layout, but when it comes to raw power and intensity, Stealth crosses the finish line first.
Which Should You Ride First?
If you’re visiting both parks:
- Go for Stealth if you want an unfiltered, high-octane thrill.
- Choose Rita if you prefer something a bit more thematic and scenic — and less stomach-dropping.
Either way, both are essential experiences for any UK coaster fan.
Got an opinion? Share your thoughts with us over on our Facebook page @UKThemeParkSpy or comment below — your voice matters in the theme park community!
