Comparing the E-Revo to the Rustler 4×4 is similar to comparing the X-Maxx to the Maxx—like comparing a father to his son. Both models offer high performance, excellent handling, and impressive stability!
That said, this comparison mainly applies to their appearance, because when it comes to their engineering and structure, these two machines are vastly different.
The differences between the E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 are what make each RC car unique, and they are the key factors that will guide your decision when choosing which one to bring home. Will it be the E-Revo or the Rustler?
If you’ve read our in-depth review of the Traxxas E-Revo, you’ll know that this RC monster can be compared to the X-Maxx in terms of design, power, and stability—some of its strongest qualities.
On the other hand, our review of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 reveals that this car has similar potential to the E-Revo. In fact, it’s often considered the “baby” E-Revo!
But hold on—performance and power aren’t the only factors to consider when selecting your next Traxxas RC car. Other elements, such as the space you have at home or in your garden, can significantly influence your decision. (And don’t forget to take children into account!)
In this article, we won’t just list the features of each model. We’re here to help you make an informed and thoughtful choice when selecting your next RC car.
So, let’s dive into the Traxxas E-Revo vs. Rustler 4×4 comparison!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our full reviews of the Traxxas E-Revo and the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL.
Read Also : Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL Best Review, The Best RC Car You Must Have!
Traxxas E-Revo vs Rustler 4×4: Design Comparison
The Body
One of the first things you’ll notice when comparing the bodies of the Traxxas E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 is that the Rustler’s body is essentially a smaller version of the E-Revo’s! Both models share similar design elements, including the same headlight style and nearly identical spoilers.
They also feature a clipless body system, making it incredibly easy to remove the body with just a single click—far more convenient than dealing with the traditional four clips that can be frustrating to work with.
Additionally, both models come with exterior body mounts, providing extra protection in the event of a crash. Their bodies fully cover the chassis, which helps protect the internal components—something that isn’t commonly found in models like the Bandit or Stampede.
In summary, the bodies of the Traxxas E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 are very similar, with the primary difference being their size. However, from here on, you’ll find that these two RC cars start to diverge significantly, as they cater to different levels of performance and user experience.
Read Also : traxxas e revo 2.0 Review : 3 things I like about this RC car
Traxxas E-Revo vs Rustler 4×4: Chassis Differences
Here’s where the major differences start! The chassis of the Traxxas E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 are fundamentally different.
The Rustler 4×4 VXL shares its chassis platform with the Traxxas Slash, meaning they have similar structures and interchangeable parts. This makes upgrading or repairing the Rustler quite easy, as compatible parts are readily available.
On the other hand, the E-Revo’s chassis is unique compared to other Traxxas models. Some of its features resemble those found in the X-Maxx, such as the dual battery setup, but overall, it’s a different beast. The E-Revo also has horizontally mounted shocks, unlike the more conventional vertical shocks found in the Rustler 4×4. This innovative design helps the E-Revo tackle a variety of terrains with ease.
In terms of width, both the E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 are proportionally wide to their chassis, which helps prevent flipping during high-speed runs or drifts. Furthermore, both models have a low center of gravity, improving handling and cornering at high speeds.
Opening up the chassis reveals even more differences: the E-Revo’s components are larger and more numerous, with different placements. This makes the E-Revo more complex, suitable for experienced users who are familiar with RC cars. In contrast, the Rustler 4×4’s simpler design makes it easier to work with, especially for beginners. Its chassis layout is common across other Traxxas models like the Slash, Hoss, and Stampede, making it user-friendly for those new to the hobby.
In short, if you’re just starting out, the Rustler 4×4 VXL is a better option for learning the ropes. Once you’ve gained some experience, the E-Revo offers a more advanced, performance-driven experience.
Read Also : Traxxas E-Revo vs X-Maxx : Which One is Right for You?
Traxxas E-Revo vs Rustler 4×4: Performance
Performance is often one of the deciding factors when choosing an RC car, and both the E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 excel in this area.
The Rustler 4×4 VXL comes equipped with a Velineon® 3500kV Brushless Motor and a VXL-3s™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control. With the addition of a 3s LiPo battery, it can reach speeds of over 65 mph. That’s an exhilarating experience that will leave a smile on your face!
The Traxxas E-Revo 2.0, on the other hand, takes things up a notch with a Velineon® 2200kV Brushless Motor and a VXL-6s™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control. With two 3s LiPo batteries, this beast can hit speeds of over 70 mph—outpacing even the Traxxas Maxx!
Both cars benefit from their wide stance and low center of gravity, helping them maintain control at high speeds. However, their performance isn’t just about raw power—there are advanced systems in place to help manage that power efficiently.
Read Also : Traxxas E-Revo vs Maxx . Which One Is Better For You?
Systems
Both the E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 come packed with systems designed to make handling their immense power easier and more enjoyable.
Traxxas Stability Management (TSM)
At high speeds (65+ mph for the Rustler and 70+ mph for the E-Revo), maintaining control can be challenging. This is where the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system comes in. TSM automatically adjusts the front wheels to counteract sliding and loss of control, reducing the chances of crashes.
Self-Righting System
Both RC cars also feature the self-righting system, which isn’t available in many other Traxxas models. This handy feature allows the car to flip itself back onto its wheels if it lands upside down—just press a button! While it doesn’t work 100% of the time, it’s reliable in most situations, saving you the hassle of manually flipping the car over.
Traxxas Link
Another standout feature is the Traxxas Link system, available on both the E-Revo and Rustler 4×4. By using an aftermarket Bluetooth module, you can connect your RC car’s controller to your smartphone through the Traxxas app. This allows you to monitor critical data such as speed, temperature, and even the car’s location—right from your phone. It’s a fantastic feature that adds another layer of interaction with your RC car.
Read Also : Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL. Which is Better?
Traxxas E-Revo vs Rustler 4×4: Waterproof Electronics
Both the E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 come with fully waterproof electronics, allowing you to push the cars to their limits in wet conditions. However, it’s important to note that as the cars age, the waterproofing may degrade, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the electronics over time.
Traxxas E-Revo vs. Rustler 4×4: Upgrades & Price Comparison
Upgrading your RC car can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the hobby, especially when you see the results in performance and appearance. Whether you’re aiming for more speed, greater stability, or a fresh new body, it’s always a fun and rewarding experience.
This is particularly true when upgrading the Traxxas E-Revo and the Rustler 4×4. However, the upgrade paths for these two models differ significantly.
For instance, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL shares many components with other Traxxas models like the Slash, Bandit, and Hoss, making its parts more widely available and easier to find.
On the other hand, the Traxxas E-Revo has its own unique parts, many of which are not compatible with other RC vehicles. That said, some E-Revo components are interchangeable with the Traxxas Summit, as both vehicles share a similar chassis, including the onboard suspension system.
While E-Revo parts aren’t as universally available as Rustler’s, they’re still readily accessible—just not quite as abundant.
Read Also : Top 9 Traxxas E Revo 2.0 Upgrades You Should Add NOW!
Price Considerations
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is priced moderately, with cheaper versions available, such as the 2WD and 4WD models. However, the VXL stands out as the best option in terms of performance and value. If you’re looking for an RC car that offers an excellent balance between price and features, the Rustler 4×4 VXL is a fantastic choice.
On the flip side, the Traxxas E-Revo is a more premium option, and its higher price reflects its unique design and power. The E-Revo comes in two versions: 1/10 scale and 1/16 scale. Given its advanced features and performance, many enthusiasts consider the E-Revo to be well worth the price—a real bargain for what you get.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, the Traxxas E-Revo and Rustler 4×4 may look similar at first glance, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
From a performance perspective, the E-Revo stands out as the superior model. However, from a practical standpoint, the decision comes down to your specific requirements, such as available space, budget, and experience level.
If you’re a beginner or someone looking for a smaller, easy-to-upgrade, and more affordable RC car with a sleek design, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is a great option.
But if you’re an experienced RC enthusiast seeking something more powerful, unique, and eye-catching, then the Traxxas E-Revo is the better choice.
Key Features Comparison:
Traxxas E-Revo 2.0:
- Sporty, aggressive design
- Larger size
- Clipless body design
- Extremely fast
- Distinctive and unique
- Advanced suspension system
- High-performance systems
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL:
- Compact and portable
- Sporty design
- Clipless body design
- Easy to upgrade
- High speed
- Advanced technology
- Can handle impressive jumps
So, after considering this comparison, which would you choose: the E-Revo or the Rustler 4×4? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Read Also : Traxxas Rustler vs Stampede : Choosing the Perfect RC Car for Your Adventures
