Why compare the Traxxas Bigfoot and the Traxxas Stampede? At first glance, these two RC trucks may look quite similar — big wheels, aggressive stance, and bold designs. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find several important differences that can help you decide which one is the right fit for you (or your child!).
If you’re a fan of monster trucks and considering buying either the Bigfoot or the Stampede, you might be wondering:
What sets them apart? Is it just the appearance? Or maybe the size? Especially since their prices are so close!
Well, the truth is — it’s not just size. Both trucks share some similarities, but also have key differences that can influence your buying decision.
Let’s dive into the Traxxas Bigfoot vs. Stampede comparison to help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your garage!
Note: The Traxxas Stampede comes in several versions — from a brushed 2WD model to a powerful brushless 4WD. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the 2WD version, but we’ll also touch on the others where relevant.
Also, for more details, feel free to check out my full review of the Traxxas Stampede 2WD [here], and the complete review of the Traxxas Bigfoot [here].
Design Comparison: Traxxas Bigfoot vs. Stampede
The Body
One of the first things you’ll notice is that both trucks are similar in overall size — which might surprise you! In pictures, the Bigfoot can look larger, but in reality, it shares the same chassis dimensions as the Stampede.
However, when it comes to body width and length, the Bigfoot has a slight edge. These few extra millimeters give it better shock coverage, which can help protect the suspension during bumpy rides.
Design-wise, the two trucks couldn’t be more different:
- Traxxas Bigfoot features a classic, vintage monster truck design, paying homage to the original Bigfoot.
- Traxxas Stampede, on the other hand, has a modern, sleek look with smoother curves and a more aerodynamic style.
Both trucks come with high-quality decals, but the Bigfoot’s chrome grille and headlight stickers give it a more realistic and nostalgic appearance. While neither truck includes functional headlights out of the box, you can always install them later as aftermarket upgrades — and they look awesome!
Practical Features
Both bodies are secured with standard clips, and thanks to their elevated mounting on the chassis, it’s easy to peek at the internal components without removing the shell. A thoughtful design touch from Traxxas!
One thing I really appreciate about the Bigfoot is the attention to detail, especially the small nostalgic elements that nod to vintage RC and monster truck history — features you won’t find on the Stampede.
In contrast, the Stampede’s body is more streamlined with curves that help reduce air drag — great for speed and performance. The Bigfoot, with its boxier, more angular lines, looks more aggressive and true to its monster truck roots.
What’s Next? The Chassis!
Up next, let’s take a closer look at the chassis and internal components of both trucks. This is where performance and durability really begin to show their differences…
Traxxas Stampede vs. Bigfoot – Chassis Comparison
When comparing the chassis of the Traxxas Bigfoot and the Stampede, you’ll notice that both trucks share the same base platform. However, differences start to appear depending on the version of the Stampede you’re looking at. Let’s break it down.
Platform Overview
- Traxxas Bigfoot is available in one version only — a 2WD model based on the same chassis as the 2WD Stampede.
- Traxxas Stampede, on the other hand, comes in multiple configurations:
- 2WD Brushed
- 2WD Brushless (VXL)
- 4×4 Brushed
- 4×4 Brushless (VXL)
Although these versions all maintain the core Traxxas Slash platform, the layout and design of the chassis vary between 2WD and 4WD models.
For example:
- In the 2WD versions (like Bigfoot and Stampede 2WD), the motor is positioned at the rear, which is a unique trait of this specific chassis design.
- In the 4×4 versions, the Stampede adopts a completely different setup — similar to models like the Slash 4×4 and Traxxas Hoss, where the motor is centrally mounted, and the drivetrain is more complex.
So, while the Bigfoot keeps things simple with one variant, the Stampede gives you more flexibility and performance options — a definite plus if you’re looking to upgrade or customize later on.
Your chance to win starts now!
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Traxxas Bigfoot vs. Stampede 2WD – Head-to-Head Chassis Comparison
To keep things fair, let’s compare the Bigfoot with the 2WD version of the Stampede, since both share the same chassis.
📏 Dimensions & Layout
Both trucks have identical chassis dimensions, including:
- Height
- Width
- Ground clearance
This elevated design allows both vehicles to tackle rough terrain and climb over obstacles with ease, making them great all-around RC trucks for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
⚙️ Shared Components
Since they’re built on the same platform, they also have identical internal components, including:
- Motor
- ESC (Electronic Speed Control)
- Steering Servo
That means performance-wise, they’re neck and neck — at least under the hood.
Key Differences: Wheels & Visual Impact
Despite having the same chassis, there are still a few noticeable differences:
- Wider Wheels on the Bigfoot:
The Bigfoot is equipped with wider tires, giving it a more aggressive stance and better off-road grip. - Visual Size Perception:
Thanks to its larger body shell and bulkier wheels, the Bigfoot looks bigger than the Stampede — even though their actual dimensions are nearly identical.
🤔 Which One Should You Choose?
So, if both trucks have the same chassis and internal components, how do you decide?
It mostly comes down to aesthetic preferences and wheel configuration:
- Choose the Bigfoot if you love that classic monster truck style, with a nostalgic body and big, bold tires.
- Go for the Stampede if you prefer a modern look or want the option to upgrade to a 4×4 or brushless version later.
Either way, you’re getting a solid, fun-to-drive RC truck — it just depends on your style and how much customization you’re aiming for!
Traxxas Bigfoot vs. Stampede Performance Comparison
To ensure a fair evaluation, we’ll be comparing the 2WD versions of both the Traxxas Bigfoot and the Traxxas Stampede.
Performance Overview
In terms of performance, the Bigfoot and the Stampede 2WD are nearly identical. Both vehicles are equipped with:
- Titan 12T 550 brushed motor
- XL-5 Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
Driving Modes
The XL-5 ESC offers three selectable driving modes:
- Sport Mode – Forward / Brake / Reverse
- Race Mode – Forward / Brake
- Training Mode™ – 50% Forward / Brake / 50% Reverse (Patented)
These modes are standard across many Traxxas RC models, including the TRX-4 lineup (like the Bronco and TRX-4 Sport).
Battery Compatibility & Speed
Both vehicles are ready to run out of the box with a 4–7 cell NiMH battery. However, for enhanced performance, upgrading to a 2S LiPo battery is highly recommended — it transforms the vehicle into a whole new beast, capable of reaching speeds over 30mph.
Limitations
It’s important to note that the 2WD versions of the Bigfoot and Stampede do not include:
- TSM (Traxxas Stability Management)
- Self-righting system
- Advanced Traxxas controller features
These features are available in other, more advanced Traxxas models or higher-tier versions of the Stampede.
Summary
Overall, the Bigfoot 2WD and the Stampede 2WD are very similar in terms of hardware and performance. The main differences emerge in higher-end versions, which offer additional power and features for more demanding RC enthusiasts.
Traxxas Stampede Versions: Features & Highlights
The Traxxas Stampede lineup offers a variety of performance levels depending on the version you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what each model brings to the table:
Stampede 2WD VXL (Brushless)
- Equipped with the Velineon® 3500 Brushless Motor and VXL-3s ESC featuring 3 driving modes.
- Add a 2S or 3S LiPo battery, and you’re looking at speeds of over 65 mph!
- It includes TSM (Traxxas Stability Management), a system that helps maintain control by correcting your direction when things get wild.
- This version is all about raw speed and smart handling—a true high-performance machine!
Stampede 4×4 Brushed
- Powered by a Titan 12T 550 motor and XL-5 Electronic Speed Control.
- With a 2S LiPo battery, it can reach speeds of 30+ mph.
- However, this version doesn’t include TSM, which means fewer stability advantages compared to the 2WD VXL.
- It’s a solid choice for beginners, but it lacks some of the premium features found in the other models.
Stampede 4×4 VXL (Brushless)
- The most powerful Stampede in the lineup!
- Comes with the Velineon® 3500 Brushless Motor and VXL-3s ESC, just like the 2WD VXL—but in a 4-wheel drive format.
- Capable of hitting 60+ mph with a 2S or 3S LiPo battery.
- Features upgraded components like aluminum parts for extra durability and enhanced performance.
- Includes TSM for stability and the Self-Righting system—a game-changer when your truck flips over. Just press a button, and the Stampede flips back on its wheels automatically.
- With top-tier speed, control, and convenience, this model truly offers the full package.
Don’t Forget the Fun: Upgrades!
No matter which version you choose, there’s always room for customization. Upgrading your Stampede can be just as exciting as driving it—from better shocks to new wheels, the possibilities are endless.
A Note to Bigfoot Fans
While the Stampede packs serious performance, it doesn’t carry the nostalgic charm of the Traxxas Bigfoot. If you’re a true Bigfoot fan, no amount of speed or tech will sway your loyalty—and that’s what being a fan is all about!
Traxxas Bigfoot vs Stampede: Upgrades & Price Comparison
Upgrade Potential
When it comes to customization, both the Traxxas Bigfoot and Stampede are excellent platforms. Built on the Slash 2WD chassis, they share a wide range of compatible parts, making upgrades easy and accessible.
- Traxxas Bigfoot stands out with its unique body options, tailored specifically for that iconic monster truck look.
- You can upgrade everything—from wheels and tires to servos, and even swap out plastic components for aluminum parts to boost durability.
- Looking for more speed? Tuning your gearing (spur or pinion) is a simple yet effective way to improve performance.
- Want to stand out? Add accessories like LED headlights to give your RC truck a more aggressive, custom appearance.
Whether you’re going for aesthetics, speed, or handling, both models offer endless upgrade paths to match your style.
Pricing Breakdown
So how do the Traxxas Stampede and Bigfoot compare when it comes to price?
- For the 2WD versions, pricing is very similar. Both are budget-friendly and offer great value for beginners and casual drivers.
- However, Stampede pricing varies significantly depending on the version:
- The more advanced the model (like the Stampede 4×4 VXL), the higher the price tag.
- But with that higher cost, you’re getting more power, better performance, and advanced features.
Remember: You get what you pay for. Whether it’s speed, tech, or toughness, the higher-end Stampede models deliver.
Final Verdict
After comparing every aspect of the Traxxas Bigfoot vs Stampede, it’s clear that each has its strengths:
- If you’re a fan of classic monster trucks and love that iconic Bigfoot design, then the Traxxas Bigfoot is the perfect choice. It’s simple, nostalgic, and fun to drive.
- If you’re chasing performance, features, and upgrade potential, the Stampede—especially the brushless 4×4 versions—is a beast.
That said, as you move up the Stampede lineup, you start entering the price range of other powerful models like the Traxxas Hoss or even the Maxx. So it’s worth considering your options carefully.
What Do You Think?
Which one would you choose—Bigfoot’s classic charm or Stampede’s raw power?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your take!
