Traxxas Hoss VS Rustler 4×4 VXL is one of the best comparisons that people are eager to learn about. These two monsters are so powerful, they have similar points as well as different points!
Having one of these 2 RC cars means that you’re going to have a lot of fun! Whether it’s a Traxxas Hoss or a Rustler 4×4, you’ll have the best moments bashing and enjoying their powers.
However, there are a lot of differences that probably will impact your purchase choice. But don’t worry, I will help you choose the best one for you so that you make a wise decision.
And by the way, if you’re a beginner and you don’t know about these RC cars, you can see our Traxxas Hoss full review from here. Or, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL full review from here.
Read Also: Traxxas Hoss 4×4 VXL Best Review. Facts you didn’t know! Is it Worth It?
Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL Design
The Body
Those 2 monsters are so different when it comes to design. When it comes to the design of the Hoss, we can say that it does look like the type of the Maxx and X-Maxx.
We can say it’s in the truck category. When you see it, you notice that this RC car has more to do with off-roading, strength, big wheels, and has the ability to overcome any obstacle in its way.
On the other hand, Traxxas Rustler’s design is more like a fast RC Truck that has also the ability to overcome big obstacles. But it has more to do with speed, high jumps, and lightweight.
Just to remind you. These specifications aren’t necessarily real. When we say Traxxas Rustler looks fast, this doesn’t mean that the Hoss is slow.
The performance of these RC cars isn’t related to our design interpretation. We will get through this in the performance section.
This doesn’t mean that one is better than the other! It depends on you and what you like after all.
If you love fast-looking cars that look like supercars, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is great for you. However, if you like big trucks that look powerful, then, Traxxas Hoss is the one!
There are also some common characteristics in these RC cars like the clipless bodies and the outside cage for protection in case of a crash.
Read Also: Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL Best Review. Is it worth it?
The Chassis
Contrary to the body, the chassis of the Hoss and the Rustler have a lot of similarities. The first one is that they have the same platform as Traxxas Slash.
YES! Due to the great handling and reliability of the Slash, Traxxas has included its platform in a lot of cars including the Traxxas Hoss and Rustler.
But, when it comes to the parts, they have different components that give different driving experiences.
One of the great things you can have also in both Traxxas Hoss and Rustler is the wheeling bar.
This will help you a lot with keeping the balance while launching your RC car in full throttle by keeping the front wheels close to the ground. Isn’t that amazing?
However, according to the Outsourced RC YouTube Channel, after testing both RC cars, the wheelie bar of the Hoss was way better because it was well built.
On the other hand, Traxxas Rustler’s wheelie bar wasn’t at the expected level. First because of the built-in material. And second, because the rear part of the body of the Rustler wasn’t reaching the rear bumper.
So due to the crashes, the wheelie bar was always stuck in that gap between the rear bumper and the end of the body.
So, the Hoss took the win in that one!
The Hoss and the Rustler have also the same systems as the TSM (Traxxas Stability Management System) which helps you keep in the same direction as well as the self-righting system.
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL vs Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL. Which Is Better?
Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL Performance
There are a lot of things to compare when it comes to the performance of Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL.
Traxxas Hoss comes with a Velineon® 540XL Brushless motor and a VXL-3s™ Speed Controller.
On the other hand, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL comes with a Velineon® 3500 motor that is also brushless as well as the same speed controller as the Hoss.
Traxxas Hoss is able to reach a top speed of 60 mph using the 3s Lipo battery and the 4WD system (4 wheel drive). The same goes for the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL. However, it can reach up to 65 mph which is more than the Hoss!
The motor and the speed controller aren’t the only by which you can judge the speed of an RC car.
The size of the wheels, the pinion gears, the battery, and other parts as well are all considered important factors in the speed and performance of an RC car!
When it comes to the wheels,
bigger wheels mean higher speed and higher ground clearance. That will make it easier for the hoss to go off-road.
The Rustler can’t do that, but it has other factors that support its small wheels.
The pinion gears are the place where the Rustler has a better chance to win. Just change the stock pinion gear to the 22′ one, you’ll get the full potential of this beast. But be careful, because you don’t want your RC car to overheat!
A better gearing pinion has a great effect on the RC car but is also bad enough to destroy it if you’re not aware of it.
Weight is one of the important factors also. As you noticed, Traxxas Rustler is smaller and lighter than Traxxas Hoss.
This lightweight will give you the opportunity to have great jumps and a lot of fun!
Concerning reliability, both cars are built-in plastic. So don’t expect them to handle so much if your driving is really tough. However, you can add a lot of updates, they can be harder than plastic updates or aluminum updates.
They’re available and they’re worth it!
When it comes to which one is easier for driving?
Well, the other time, I compared Traxxas Maxx with Traxxas Hoss, and I found that Traxxas Hoss is easier to drive in comparison with the Maxx!
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is so light. So, I think that the Hoss is easier because of the weight and the big wheels.
So?
Actually, both RC cars are amazing. They have a lot of performance and great potential. It depends on what you like the most.
Big wheels, more weight, easy to drive and upgrade?
OR,
Fast, great design, and high jumps?
Which one would you like?
Read Also: Hoss vs Maxx – Which Is Better Traxxas Maxx or Hoss?
Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL Upgrades and Price
Upgrading RC cars are the best and funniest thing to do in the RC cars world. However, some RC cars upgrading can’t be funny because of the unavailability of their parts!
But don’t worry! It is not the case when it comes to Traxxas Hoss and Rustler 4×4 VXL.
They’re easy and quick to upgrade. You can upgrade anything from the battery and the wheels to the suspension system.
You can check our article about the Traxxas Hoss top upgrades from here and Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL upgrades from here.
Read Also: 10 Best Traxxas Hoss Upgrades You Should Really Have Right Now
What about the price?
On Amazon, there is a slight difference in the price point between the Traxxas Rustler and the Hoss. And by the way, Traxxas Hoss is a little bit more expensive than the Rustler.
The Last Verdict
Honestly, I don’t think there is a big difference between both RC cars. Each has its own characteristics that make it lovely.
But personally, since I love having speed combined with big volume and power. I would choose the Traxxas Hoss over the Rustler 4×4 VXL.
However, if I’m the type of person that loves speed and high jumps as well as fast-looking design. I would choose Traxxas Rustler.
BUT, if I have more budget, I will definitely choose Traxxas E-Revo. Which is a bigger and more powerful version of the Rustler.
So which one would you choose and why? Tell me in the comments section, I would love to hear from you!
Read Also: Top 10 Easy Upgrading Parts For Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL
