Have you ever wondered which one would win the comparison between the Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL?
You’re maybe considering buying one of these two RC monsters, and you’re wondering which is better?
Well, a lot of people might say that “the results are obvious. That’s because the Traxxas Maxx is powerful than the Traxxas Rustler 4×4.
But, personally, I don’t think that’s the case! Deciding which one is better has to do with a lot of factors. Some of them are the size, the power; the top speed, the ability to be upgraded, and more!
But, what you have to know is that those RC cars are completely different. They have a lot of different features as well!
Wait! You don’t have to worry about this! Because we will help you decide which one you’ll take home in the next few lines!
Ps. Check our Traxxas Rustler’s full review from here and Traxxas Maxx’s full review from here.
Read Also: Traxxas Maxx. Best Traxxas Mini Maxx. Is It Worth It?
Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL Design
The body
Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL bodies are really different. Traxxas Maxx looks like the X-Maxx. On the other hand, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 looks like the E-Revo!
The body of the Maxx looks like a truck, while the body of the Rustler 4×4 looks like a sporty truck with better aerodynamics.
And of course, the Rustler is so much smaller than the Maxx not only in terms of the body but at the level of the wheels and the internal parts as well.
So, as you see, their bodies are so much different not only in terms of the type but in terms of the graphics as well.
Both cars have outside body protectors on the roof as well as on the rear to make sure that the body is protected against crashes. That’s something you don’t find in anybody!
Also, they both have clipless bodies. This will help you to remove the body easily with one hand.
However, I don’t recommend taking your last decision based on the bodies. That’s because you can change them and even create your own custom ones.
What I recommend instead is to see all the features for each RC car and then decide what to do!
Read Also: Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL Best Review. Is it worth it?
The Chassis
In addition to the different bodies. These chassis are completely different. Why?
Because the background of each one is different than the other. For example, the Traxxas Maxx chassis is the same as the X-Maxx’s.
On the other hand, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL chassis has the same platform as the Traxxas Slash.
Also, Traxxas Rusler has a lower center of gravity in comparison to the Maxx. The wheels also have a big role when it comes to the height of those two RC cars.
Both cars have the same wideness. But for the Traxxas Maxx, you still have the ability to make it wider by upgrading it. (We will get to more details in the upgrades section).
What is the difference between a lower and a higher center of gravity?
This difference between a lower and a higher center of gravity chassis allows those RC cars to have different abilities when it comes to performance.
For the Rustler 4×4 VXL, being close to the ground doesn’t give the front wheels the chance to lift up easily.
With this, you can have a faster acceleration than the higher center of gravity chassis used by the Maxx.
So, if you’re a speed fan, you’ll love this. However, there are other people that love to show their RC car’s muscles by lifting up the front wheels in the acceleration.
For these guys, the Maxx is more suitable. You’ll have a lot of fun going on 2 wheels.
Also, both cars have a wheelie bar, so you don’t have to worry about your car being flipped on the back because of acceleration.
There is another advantage for the Rustler 4×4 VXL which is the cornering!
With Traxxas Rustler’s close-to-the-ground chassis, you don’t need to worry about turning into corners with high speed. That won’t flip your car.
On the other hand, going into a corner with high speed using a Traxxas Maxx can make it lose balance and flip to the side!
The other thing that is annoying me a little bit about both RC cars’ chassis is their built-in quality. If you’re familiar with Traxxas RC cars, you know that most of the stock parts are built-in plastic.
So, after a while, they will break or fail. This is why you should upgrade to the aluminum version that will handle 100 times better!
Read Also: Traxxas E-Revo vs X-Maxx. Which Monster Is Better For You?
The Performance
Power and Speed
When it comes to the Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL performance, these RC monsters are literally killing it!
Whether it’s the Traxxas Maxx or the Rustler 4×4 VXL, both RC cars have a lot of power and can reach high speeds.
For Traxxas Maxx, it comes with a Velineon® 540XL Brushless Motor and a VXL-4s™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control with 2 cooling fans on each.
By adding a 4s Lipo battery to these two components, your Traxxas Maxx can reach 55mph.
In fact, it can actually reach even 60mph with some gearing changes!
On the other side, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL comes with a Velineon® 3500kV Motor that is also brushless in addition to a VXL-3s™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control with a cooling fan on it.
Using these two with a 3s Lipo battery can make your RC car reach up to 65mph.
Unfortunately, batteries and chargers don’t come in the box. But you can get them.
Of course, both cars have the 4WD system with all 4 wheels spinning and eating the grass!
It’s a little bit shocking to see the infamous Traxxas Maxx has less max speed than the Rustler 4×4 VXL! But you don’t have to worry.
Max speed isn’t the only factor. Systems have also a great role in making your driving experience better.
Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL Weight
While these 2 RC cars are different in their size. They have also different weights. And of course, these weights will affect their performance.
There is a difference between Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL jumps.
In fact, when you jump with a Traxxas Rustler 4×4, you have more ability to control it. And it can land safely because it’s lightweight. (Everybody knows that it can break if the landing wasn’t good!).
However, for the Traxxas Maxx, it’s hard to control it in the air, it has to gain a lot of momentum before jumping. And it can be broken with a bad landing. Except if you have Aluminum aftermarket parts.
Read Also: Traxxas Maxx vs E-Revo | Which is better? E-Revo vs Maxx Best Comparison
Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL Systems
As I said earlier, systems are so important when driving especially if you’re driving such beasts with high speed.
You’ll always need something to help you control before getting wild!
And the first useful system that Traxxas has included in both of these RC monsters is a system called the TSM (Traxxas Stability Management System).
What is TSM?
TSM (Traxxas Stability Management System) is a system that is created to help you keep your car in the same direction.
So instead of having your rear wheels slide and make your car lose balance and spin on itself, TSM prevent that by turning the front wheels against where the RC car is sliding!
It’s like drifting, you turn the front wheels in the opposite direction of where the car is sliding to keep the balance. That’s how it works!
A lot of Traxxas RC cars have the TSM because it’s an important part of any RC car.
Also, there is another system that is really cool and will save a lot of time and energy as a driver. It’s the Self righting system!
What is the self-righting System?
Have you ever been in this situation before? You’re driving your RC car happily.
Suddenly, it flips on it back a 100 meters away from you! It’s really painful when you have to follow it all the way and flip it back on its wheels again. Right?
Well, with the self-righting system, you don’t need to do that anymore.
Just stay in your place, and all you have to do is to click a button in your controller. Then, you’ll see your RC car spinning its wheels back and forth. And it will get back on its wheels again by itself!
If you have an RC car with this system, you don’t need a pet anymore!
Traxxas Link System
Traxxas Link System is another great system that makes you able to have more details about your Traxxas Maxx or Rustler 4×4 VXL using the Traxxas app on your phone.
It’s simple to set up, all you have to do to is
- To buy a small piece of tech from Traxxas.
- Link it to your controller.
- Install the Traxxas app on your phone.
- Connect with your controller using Bluetooth.
Then, you’ll be able to check every single detail on your RC car including the temperature, the location, as well as the Maxx speed. This is awesome!
With these systems combined, you’ll have a perfect driving experience filled with fun and enjoyment!
Both RC cars are great when it comes to systems and performance.
So the choice at the end depends on you! If you like a fast small lightweight RC car that can do high jumps. Then, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is the best for you.
But, if you like something that looks powerful, high, fast, big, and can overcome any obstacle in its way. Then, Traxxas Maxx is the one.
Read Also: MAXX VS X-MAXX Comparison | Which One Is Better For You?
Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL Upgrades & Price
Enjoying your RC car is a thing. But enjoying your upgraded RC car is another thing!
And those two RC monster are the best ones to upgrade!
When it comes to the comparison between Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL upgrades, you should know that there is a variety of parts choices.
You can change anything you want. From the Shocks, the driveshafts, the wheels, to the suspension arms, and more. And a lot of parts come with different colors to choose from.
This means that you can’t only have new upgrades, but also a new look!
But, there is something special that I really loved about Traxxas Maxx that Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL doesn’t have.
It’s the WideMaxx™ Kit upgrade.
With this upgrade, you can add longer arms to your Maxx to increase stability and handling! It’s insane!
By adding these parts, you will make your Traxxas Maxx 20mm wider than the normal one. That gives you a better look and better performance.
If you’d like to know the best upgrades to add to your Traxxas Maxx, click here. And you can check also the best upgrades to add to your Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL from here.
When it comes to the price. It’s obvious that the Traxxas Maxx is a little more expensive than Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL.
Check the buttons below to see the Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL price.
Read Also: Hoss vs Maxx – Which Is Better Traxxas Maxx or Hoss?
Final Judgement
In conclusion, the comparison of Traxxas Maxx VS Rustler 4×4 VXL shows that these 2 RC monsters are different and similar in a lot of things.
Based on those factors, you can decide which one to take home.
Traxxas X-Maxx:
- Muscular
- Big
- Fast
- High tech
- 60 mph top speed
- Great and exclusive Upgrades
- So funny to drive
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL
- Small
- Supercar body design
- Fast
- 65 mph top speed
- easy to control
- High jumps
- Unlimited Upgrades
- So funny to drive also
So what do you think? Which one is better for you? I would love to hear back from you in the comments section!
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL vs Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL. Which Is Better?
