The Traxxas Hoss and Rustler 4×4 VXL are two highly anticipated RC cars that many enthusiasts are eager to compare. Both models pack incredible power, sharing some similarities while also having notable differences.
Owning either the Traxxas Hoss or the Rustler 4×4 promises hours of thrilling fun. Whether you choose the Hoss or the Rustler, you’ll be in for an exciting experience, enjoying their impressive performance.
That said, there are several key differences between these two models that could influence your buying decision. But don’t worry—I’m here to guide you in choosing the one that suits you best, ensuring you make an informed choice.
And if you’re new to RC cars and want to learn more, you can check out our full review of the Traxxas Hoss here, or the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL review here.
Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL Design
The Body
When it comes to design, the Traxxas Hoss and Rustler 4×4 VXL are notably different. The Hoss carries a design reminiscent of the Maxx and X-Maxx models, placing it firmly in the truck category. It’s built for off-roading, with large wheels that make it capable of handling rough terrain and overcoming obstacles with ease.
In contrast, the Traxxas Rustler’s design leans more towards a sleek, fast RC truck. While it can also tackle large obstacles, its emphasis is more on speed, agility, and lightweight construction, making it ideal for high jumps and quick acceleration.
That being said, these design characteristics don’t necessarily reflect the overall performance. Just because the Rustler looks fast doesn’t mean the Hoss is slow. We’ll dive deeper into how both perform in the next section.
Ultimately, neither design is inherently better—it all comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of fast, sleek supercar-like designs, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a powerful, robust truck aesthetic, the Traxxas Hoss might be the one for you.
Both models do have some shared features, such as clipless bodies and external protective cages to guard against crashes.
The Chassis
While the bodies of the Hoss and Rustler differ, their chassis share many common elements. Both are built on the same platform as the Traxxas Slash, known for its excellent handling and reliability. This shared foundation provides solid performance in both models.
However, the driving experience varies due to different components used in each model. One notable feature that both the Hoss and Rustler include is a wheelie bar, which helps maintain balance during full-throttle launches by keeping the front wheels closer to the ground.
According to the Outsourced RC YouTube channel, after testing both models, the Hoss’s wheelie bar outperformed the Rustler’s. The Hoss’s bar was sturdier and more effective, while the Rustler’s wheelie bar fell short due to weaker build quality and an unfortunate design flaw: the rear part of the Rustler’s body doesn’t fully reach the rear bumper, causing the wheelie bar to get stuck in the gap during crashes.
So in this area, the Hoss takes the win!
Both models also feature Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) to keep them on course, as well as a self-righting system to help flip them back over after a rollover.
Traxxas Rustler vs Stampede : Choosing the Perfect RC Car for Your Adventures
Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL Performance
When comparing the performance of the Traxxas Hoss and the Rustler 4×4 VXL, there are several aspects to consider.
The Traxxas Hoss is equipped with a Velineon® 540XL Brushless motor and a VXL-3s™ Speed Controller. In contrast, the Rustler 4×4 VXL features a smaller Velineon® 3500 brushless motor but shares the same speed controller as the Hoss.
Both trucks can reach impressive top speeds. The Traxxas Hoss, with the help of a 3s Lipo battery and its 4WD system, can hit 60 mph. Similarly, the Rustler 4×4 VXL can also achieve high speeds, but it edges out the Hoss by reaching up to 65 mph!
However, the motor and speed controller are not the only factors that influence an RC car’s speed. Other components, such as wheel size, pinion gears, and battery choice, all play a significant role in overall performance.
When it comes to wheels, larger ones provide better ground clearance and higher speeds, giving the Hoss an advantage in off-road conditions. On the flip side, while the Rustler’s smaller wheels may not be ideal for rough terrain, they come with their own advantages.
One area where the Rustler shines is in its pinion gear. By upgrading the stock pinion gear to a 22-tooth one, you can unlock the Rustler’s full potential. But be cautious—over-gearing can lead to overheating and damage.
Gearing upgrades can greatly enhance performance, but if not handled properly, they can also cause serious issues.
Another important factor is weight. As you may have noticed, the Rustler is smaller and lighter than the Hoss, which allows it to pull off impressive jumps and adds to the fun factor.
In terms of durability, both vehicles are made primarily from plastic. While this means you shouldn’t expect extreme toughness, there are plenty of upgrades available, including stronger plastic or aluminum parts to enhance durability.
As for ease of driving, I previously compared the Traxxas Maxx with the Hoss and found the Hoss to be easier to control. In this case, I would say the Hoss is still easier to drive compared to the Rustler, thanks to its larger wheels and heavier weight.
So, which one is better? Well, both trucks are fantastic and offer great performance. The decision really comes down to personal preference.
Do you prefer larger wheels, more weight, ease of driving, and upgradability?
Or do you lean towards higher speeds, sleek design, and impressive jumps?
Which one suits your style?
Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL Best Review, The Best RC Car You Must Have!
Traxxas Hoss vs Rustler 4×4 VXL: Upgrades and Pricing
Upgrading RC cars is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the hobby. However, it can sometimes be frustrating if parts aren’t readily available.
Fortunately, that’s not a problem with the Traxxas Hoss and Rustler 4×4 VXL.
Both models are easy to upgrade, whether you’re looking to enhance the battery, wheels, or suspension system.
For more details, check out our articles on the best upgrades for the Traxxas Hoss and upgrades for the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL.
What About the Price?
On Amazon, there’s a slight price difference between the two models, with the Traxxas Hoss being a bit more expensive than the Rustler.
The Final Verdict
In my opinion, there isn’t a huge difference between the two cars—they each have their own unique features that make them great.
Personally, I prefer the Traxxas Hoss because I enjoy the combination of speed, size, and power. However, if you’re someone who loves speed, high jumps, and a sleek design, the Traxxas Rustler might be a better fit for you.
That said, if budget allows, I would definitely go for the Traxxas E-Revo, which is a larger and more powerful version of the Rustler.
So, which one would you choose and why? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Traxxas Rustler Parts : Top Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL Upgrades You Need To Do Now!
