Hoss VS Slash! These are two of the best RC cars in Traxxas. Especially their advanced versions like Traxxas Hoss VXL and Slash 4×4 VXL!
Both RC cars have a lot of similarities, but also, they’re so different when it comes to other factors like the body! Which is obvious!
Those Hoss VS Slash similarities and differences don’t include only the performance, but also, the size, the shape, the price as well as a lot of other factors.
This means that in this article, you’ll decide which one to bring home with you depending on what’s best for you!
Also, Traxxas Slash comes with a lot of versions starting from the 2WD version to the ultimate version. For this reason, we will choose the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL version since the Hoss is also a VXL.
All we want to do in the end is a fair Hoss VS Slash comparison!
What about the other versions? Don’t worry, we will mention them as well!
Ps. You can check our full review of Traxxas Slash 4×4 as well as the full review of Traxxas Hoss 4×4 VXL.
Let’s start this comparison in the next few lines…
Read Also: Traxxas Hoss 4×4 VXL Best Review. Facts you didn’t know! Is it Worth It?
Traxxas Hoss VS Slash Design
The Body
The Hoss VS Slash bodies are some of the parts that are completely different. Including a different design, as well as different dimensions.
In fact, they’re not just different but they have the opposite features!
For example, Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL has a bigger and wider body. It is also covered with high-resolution designs that make the car look more aggressive.
On the other hand, Traxxas Hoss’s body is totally the opposite! Actually, it is smaller, less wide but it is higher than the Slash’s body.
Also, other than having some great designs, Traxxas Hoss’s body comes equipped with body mounts. These body mounts are installed on the top and the rear and are capable of protecting the body from crashes.
Unfortunately, neither of these 2 RC cars have real headlights. They both have fake ones using some stickers.
There is another feature that Traxxas Hoss also has! It’s the clipless body. But this is not something available for Traxxas Slash. In fact, it still has the traditional 4 clips spread on the front and the back.
In conclusion, I see that Traxxas Hoss has some advantages over Slash’s body. But in general, both bodies are simple and easy to use!
You can replace them with bodies with different colors, and you can also add some aftermarket parts like the headlights! That will make so much fun.
What about the Hoss VS Slash chassis? Well, here is where the fun begins!
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4X4. One Of The Best And Cheap Traxxas RC Cars. Is it worth it?
Hoss VS Slash Chassis
Unlike the bodies, the Hoss VS Slash chassis have some similarities.
And the first one is the fact that they have the same platform! YES! Traxxas Slash and Hoss share the same platform. However, they have different shapes and characteristics as well.
If you remember, in the Hoss VS Slash body section, we have said that the body of the Hoss is higher than the one on the Slash.
A part of this height is done by the chassis. Actually, it is higher than the chassis of the Slash. And it is also wider due to the wheels.
The wheels come also bigger and thinner with Traxxas Hoss.
What about the internal structure of the chassis?
Well, the internal structure of the chassis is almost the same with some slight changes in the placement of a few parts.
In fact, the motor, the ESC as well as the battery. They all have the same placement on the chassis of both cars. However, the receiver box is located next to the ESC in the Slash.
While it is located in the front of Traxxas Hoss’s chassis.
When it comes to bumpers, both cars come with plastic bumpers. However, those of Traxxas Slash is a little longer than those in the Hoss.
But, this is not a disadvantage for the Hoss. Because it has something that Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL doesn’t have! It’s the wheelie bar!
Well, you don’t have to worry about that if you’re a Slash fan. Because you can get an aftermarket wheelie bar and fix it right away.
Another important thing to mention is the material of the parts. With the VXL version, you don’t have to worry about the parts. They have great parts and a few of them are aluminum parts like the central driveshaft!
What about the other versions of the Slash?
Well, they have the same chassis and almost the same structure, but different parts. We will get into more details in the performance section.
In conclusion, both cars are so competitive and have different characteristics that can make you not sure about what you want!
But don’t worry, there are still a lot of factors that can help you decide!
Read Also: Hoss vs Maxx – Which Is Better Traxxas Maxx or Hoss?
Hoss VS Slash Performance
This is where the fun begins! This part is my favorite, you know why? Because here is the section that will most likely make you take your decision.
In this section, we go from the theoretical to the practical!
Let’s start first with the Hoss!
When it comes to the performance of Traxxas Hoss 4×4 VXL, it comes with a Velineon® 540XL Brushless Motor as well as a VXL-3s™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control.
By adding a 3s Lipo battery to this powerful combination, you’ll have a beast that can reach up to +60 mph. That’s the same top speed as Traxxas Maxx. Isn’t that amazing?
On the other hand, Traxxas Slash comes with a Velineon® 3500 Brushless Motor and Velineon VXL-3s speed control. This EC can accept 2s – 3s Lipo batteries.
With this, you can reach a top speed of +60 mph also! VXL power is amazing!
All these powers seem the same! But there are other factors in which those RC cars are different like the systems and the weight.
Read Also: Traxxas Maxx vs Slash Best Comparison. [Which is better?]
The Hoss VS Slash Weight
I see that just from seeing Traxxas Hoss and Slash using pictures, you can decide which one is heavier! It’s the Hoss. But it’s still so light in comparison to other RC cars!
And by the way, there isn’t much difference between the weight of the Hoss VS Slash!
This weight has an important role when driving the RC car. But, let me tell you that these RC cars still have some of the greatest jumps! The Hoss is even easier to control than the Maxx (Check Traxxas Maxx vs Hoss comparison).
Also, this weight is supported by different factors depending on the RC car. For example, Traxxas Hoss is more supported with its big wheels and high chassis.
On the other hand, Traxxas Slash is wider!
All these factors have a role in the performance, handling, and reliability as well.
Read Also: Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL. Which One Is The Best For You?
The Hoss VS Slash Systems
Systems are so much important! The first one is the Traxxas Stability Management System (TSM).
Traxxas Stability Management TSM
You can’t drive a VXL version RC car without TSM! It’s so hard. Why?
Simply because the TSM helps you, the driver, have more control over your vehicle by preventing your RC car from losing balance, sliding to the side due to the high acceleration.
What’s great also about the TSM is that you can control its interference with your driving through your controller.
This means that you’re not forced to drive with this system, you can even turn it off and enjoy driving your wild beast!
This system is available for both cars.
The Self-Righting
There is another system called the self-righting system. Unfortunately, this system is not available in the Slash. Even the Ultimate version doesn’t have it. However, it’s available on the Hoss.
This system allows your Hoss to get back on its wheels by itself after flipping on its back. And all you have to do is to click a button in your controller!
The Cruise Control
This is another system that is available in both Traxxas Hoss and Slash. Basically, it allows you to have more info about your RC car through your phone using Traxxas App, Bluetooth, and a Traxxas small device!
All you have to do is to fix the small device on your controller, connect it to your Traxxas app with Bluetooth. And you’re ready to go!
You can see the top speed, the temperature, and even the location of your RC car.
All these systems are helping you and making it easier for you to drive your RC car and have a great time with it.
But the great thing is, you still have the freedom to turn them off or use them. It depends on you in the end.
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 vs 2WD: Which Is better for you?
What About The Other Traxxas Slash Versions?
For Traxxas Slash, it comes also with 4 other versions (Like the Stampede). Here are the features of each one of them to make this Hoss VS Slash better:
Traxxas Slash 2WD Brushed:
It comes with a Titan® 12-Turn 550 modified motor and an XL-5 waterproof electronic speed control. By adding a 2s Lipo battery, you can reach up to 30 mph.
It is also the cheapest version that you may consider buying if you’re a beginner, or as a gift for your child.
Traxxas Slash 2WD Brushless:
The 2WD VXL version is similar to the normal 2WD when it comes to the built-in material. However, it’s different in the components.
In fact, it is equipped with a Velineon® 3500 Brushless Motor, a Velineon® VXL-3s ESC that can accept the 3s Lipo for the best performance. And it can reach a top speed of 60 mph also.
Concerning the price, it is higher than the 2WD brushed and less than the 4×4 Brushless.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Brushed:
Despite being a 4×4. The 4WD Slash Brushed still can’t beat the 2WD brushless!
It has the same components of Traxxas Slash 2WD Brushed which are the Titan® 12-Turn 550 Modified Motor, as well as the XL-5 Waterproof Electronic Speed Control.
Concerning the top speed, it’s not mentioned on the official website of Traxxas. However, I expect to have the same speed as the 2WD Brushed version. Which is 30 mph.
Other than that, the price of this version has a slight difference from the 2WD Brushless price!
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate:
The Ultimate version is the most powerful Slash! Even more powerful than the 4×4 VXL we’re comparing today!
But it has the same power, the same components, and the same systems. But, there is one difference: Its parts are aluminum parts.
Having the Slash ultimate will save the time and energy to search for upgrades. And the greatest thing is that they fit well! So you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of these parts.
However, it’s not that cheap!
You can check all their prices from here!
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 Parts: Top Slash 4×4 Upgrades You Need To Do Now!
Hoss VS Slash Upgrades
For Traxxas Hoss VS Slash upgrades, they have almost the same upgrades since they share the same platform. Of course, some parts aren’t compatible with each other.
But in general, the Hoss VS Slash parts are the same!
Also, when it comes to the freedom of upgrading! You have all the freedom to do it. You can upgrade everything from the body, the wheels, the driveshafts, as well as the shocks, and the suspension system.
There is even more chance to upgrade because most of their parts are built-in cheap plastic that is easy to be broken. So, upgrading to aluminum is the best choice!
However, if you’re not into the headache of searching for new parts. Which is something that is normally fun. You can have other choices like the Slash Ultimate or the Maxx that comes with more aluminum parts.
Other than that, these two RC cars are killing it when it comes to upgrading!
Concerning the Hoss VS Slash price, there isn’t much difference between the two. That makes it, even more, easier to choose!
Read Also: 10 Best Traxxas Hoss Upgrades You Should Really Have Right Now
Final Judgement
In this Traxxas Hoss VS Slash comparison, you’ll notice that both RC cars have some great features. But sometimes, they lack others.
However, they are still some of the best Traxxas RC cars you can own. Because they will show you what the real fun is!
So, if you want something cheaper, have a lot of parts everywhere, so much fun. You can go for Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL or any other Traxxas Slash you want.
It’s true that it’s lacking some features that the Hoss have. But remember, you get what you pay for!
On the other hand, if you want something so similar to the Maxx, with wide big wheels, great design, and high tech. You better go with the Hoss!
With that being said, tell me in the comments below which one would you choose: The Hoss or the Slash?
Read Also: Traxxas Slash VS Stampede | What’s better Traxxas Slash or stampede?
