The Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL and Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL are considered some of the best and most popular Traxxas RC cars. Not only because of being affordable in comparison to other RC cars, but also because of their performance and reliability. You can check our full in-depth review of each one of these RC cars on our website.
But, as a buyer, you may have some hesitation about which one to buy.
Well, in this article, you’ll have the answer from a personal view in the newt few lines…
Read Also: 4WD Slash Full Review
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL Design VS Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Design
The Body
Both RC cars are doing great when it comes to design, but they’re different!
For me, I see that Traxxas Slash comes with a classic design but it looks powerful and has great handling. On the other hand, the Traxxas Rustler has a sportier and modern look. And its body looks better when it comes to aerodynamics.
There are some features in the Rusler that the Slash doesn’t have like the clipless body. The Rustler has just one clip which a big button on its back, and this allows you to take off the body easily with just one click.
On the other hand, the Slash requires a little bit of hard work and time. It comes with 4 traditional clips that Traxxas has in most of their RC cars where you have to take off each one and make sure not to lose them because they’re separated from the body.
So, concerning the design, it’s just a question of which one do you like. If you love classic rally cars, then, the Slash may be a good fit for you. But if you love sport sharp-looking cars like me, the Rustler will draw your attention the most!
Read Also: The Full Review of the 4WD Rustler
The Chassis
The chassis of the Slash 4×4 is higher than the chassis of the Rustler. However, the tires of the Rustler are bigger and look more powerful and functional than the ones on the Slash.
When it comes to the chassis of these two RC cars, they’re pretty identical in terms of the number of components and features. However, the functionality of these components is different between these two RC cars.
This means that there is a difference in handling and performance.
Read Also: 5 Simple Traxxas Slash Upgrades You Have To Add Right Now
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL Performance VS Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Performance
So far, we’ve seen that there is a difference between these two cars on the level of the chassis, the design, the body as well as functionality.
Well, the performance of these two RC cars is also so different despite having both brushless motors and a 4WD system that will help them overcome any obstacles out there and will give you much joy and fun.
When it comes to speed, they have a slight difference in max speed. The Slash can go up to 60mph which is a super high speed for an RC car with a 1/10 scale. But the Rustler can go up to 65mph and maybe higher.
This data just numbers, but in reality, I don’t think these things can go up to these high speeds. And if they do, they require some special parts like a specific type of battery (Lipo Batteries) or something like that…
But to be brief, here is the truth, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL has more power and features than the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL.
And this is happening not because of the reason that the motor of the Slash is less powerful than the Rustler. But, there are a lot of factors that control which one is stronger like the weight, the batteries, the systems included in each RC car, even aerodynamics that may appear as silly on RC cars is considered an important factor.
After all, when it comes to performance, Rustler obviously wins this (Personal point of view) without getting to details and numbers. But if you’d like to know every detail on each one of these two, I recommend reading my full review about the Rustler, and my full review about the Slash.
Read Also: 10 Top Traxxas RC cars to buy in 2021
Features
Both RC cars have some great features that not only help you make driving easier but also add more fun to your driving experience.
The most known system that you have in both RC cars is the TSM (Traxxas Stability Management) which helps you stay in one direction and not lose balance while your driving.
The other system that I loved, but unfortunately, it is only available in Traxxas Rustler is the self-righting system.
When your RC car is flipped back due to its crash with something, it feels really hard work to go all the way to where it is and flip it back on its wheels.
But, with the self-righting system, your RC car can do this itself. You don’t need to follow it, all you have to do is to click a button on your controller.
Upgrades
Reas Also: Top 10 Easy Upgrading Parts For Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL
A lot of people buy RC cars not to drive them, but to enjoy upgrading them to other levels and enjoy seeing the fruits of their upgrades.
When it comes to those RC cars, both they’re able to upgraded freely, and also all their aftermarket parts are widely available and you’ll have no problem finding them.
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 Parts: Top Slash 4×4 Upgrades You Need To Do Now!
Price & So, which one to buy?
Concerning the price, the Traxxas Slash is cheaper than the Traxxas Rustler, and as you see, you get what you pay for.
If you don’t have a problem with the design and all the stuff we were talking about in this article, and all you want to do is something that will handle well. Both Cars are great, you can have the Slash for a cheaper price, but also, you can add some money and get more features.
As I said, in the end, you get what you pay for.
However, if you love classic design, rally cars, pure off-roading, super great handling, AND cheap price, then, the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL will fit you perfectly.
If you’d like to have something cheaper than the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL itself, you can have the 2WD version.
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 vs 2WD: Which Is better for you?
But, If you’re like me, someone that loves modern sporty aggressive-looking design, more speed, flexibility, cool features, and has no problem paying extra money for something cool. Then, Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is definitely for you.
On the other side, if you love all these things and more, something premium, with a bigger size. I highly recommend the Traxxas Maxx because it is a scary beast!
Read Also: Traxxas Slash 4×4 vs 2WD: Which Is better for you?
