Love the E-Revo 2.0? Meet Its Nitro Counterpart: The Traxxas Revo 3.3!
If you’re a fan of the E-Revo 2.0 and wondering whether there’s a nitro version available—yes, there is! It’s called the Traxxas Revo 3.3.
Among all the electric RC cars from Traxxas, the E-Revo 2.0 stands out for its unique design, powerful performance, and solid build. But if you’re someone who prefers the raw sound and feel of nitro engines, you’ll be happy to know that the Revo 3.3 is your go-to nitro version. In fact, it predates the E-Revo 2.0!
So how does it compare to the E-Revo 2.0? Does it offer similar thrills? Is it worth the investment?
Let’s dive in and explore!
Design Comparison
Body Style: Revo 3.3 vs. E-Revo 2.0
Despite sharing the “Revo” name, the Traxxas Revo 3.3 and the E-Revo 2.0 are completely different in design.
- The E-Revo 2.0 features a sleek, low-profile body, optimized for high-speed performance with aerodynamic styling. It’s seen numerous upgrades over the years to fine-tune its look and performance.
- In contrast, the Revo 3.3 has a more traditional RC truck design, resembling the Traxxas Maxx in both form and dimensions.
So, even at a glance, you can easily tell these two models apart—electric vs. nitro, sleek vs. rugged.
Front End Features
At the front, the Revo 3.3 sports fake headlights and a grill—aesthetic touches that are quite similar to the E-Revo, maintaining a bit of brand identity.
Want real lights? You can always add an LED light kit for a custom look.
The hood includes two traditional body clips, unlike the clipless system found on the E-Revo’s body shell. The design here is simple and straightforward, with minimal detailing.
Middle and Rear Section
The middle section of Traxxas Revo 3.3 is just as clean and basic:
- It has three window stickers and branded decals including the Traxxas and Revo 3.3 logos.
- At the rear, you’ll find a cut-out for the engine, plus two additional body clips.
- There are also two functional openings: one for fueling, and one for accessing the fuel tank handle.
The rear is finished off with taillights and a silver rear bumper that’s securely attached to the chassis.
Color Options
Traxxas Revo 3.3 is available in four bold colors:
- Blue
- Gree
Pick your favorite and personalize your nitro RC experience!
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Traxxas Revo 3.3 Chassis
The Traxxas Revo 3.3 features a robust metal chassis that shares several design elements with its electric counterpart, the E-Revo—most notably, the horizontally mounted shocks and other high-performance components.
Front Section
At the front, the Revo 3.3 is equipped with a wide silver bumper that spans the full width of the chassis. This bumper isn’t just for looks—it’s built tough to absorb hard impacts and protect both the chassis and body during crashes.
Behind the bumper is a large brace that acts as a buffer zone, helping to absorb shock energy and reduce the impact transmitted to internal components.
Unlike most RC cars, which typically feature a shock tower followed by vertical shocks and a body mount, Traxxas Revo 3.3 takes a different approach. Instead, you’ll first notice the body mount, followed by the horizontally mounted shocks—a unique design choice.
Surprisingly, there’s no obvious shock tower in the front suspension layout (at least not in the traditional sense). The suspension arms and driveshafts are located level with the body mount and are positioned in front of the shocks, contributing to the Revo’s distinct look and performance.
It’s clear that the front end of traxxas Revo 3.3 breaks the mold and offers something quite special compared to standard RC designs.
Middle & Rear Sections
Moving to the center of the chassis, this is where things really get technical.
Just after the front suspension, there’s a compact disk brake controller, followed by a two-speed transmission. Flanking this setup are twin steering servos, one on each side. These servos are powerful and responsive—an improvement over those found in the E-Revo 2.0.
Once you remove the Revo 3.3’s body, you’ll notice that many components are enclosed in protective boxes. These house everything from the transmission and disk brakes to the receiver and servos. While this layout may seem complex at first glance, it showcases the thoughtful engineering behind the vehicle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, the internal design might feel a bit overwhelming at first—but that’s part of its charm and sophistication.
At the rear, the Revo 3.3 is powered by a 3.3 nitro engine, paired with a 150cc fuel tank. Like the Jato 3.3, it includes a convenient handle for easy access to internal components.
You’ll also notice two fuel lines connected to the tank:
- One line feeds fuel directly to the engine.
- The second connects the fuel tank to the exhaust system. This isn’t for fueling the exhaust—it’s a pressure line. As the vehicle runs, the exhaust generates pressure, which is sent back to the tank through this tube. This pressure helps push fuel toward the engine, ensuring consistent delivery. A clever bit of engineering!
The exhaust system itself is mounted at the rear of the chassis, unlike the Jato 3.3 where it’s positioned differently.
Finally, tucked beneath the rear section are the rear shocks, which connect to the body mount and help maintain stability. The rear bumper is slightly shorter than the front one but still offers protection during impacts.
Traxxas Revo 3.3 Performance
The Traxxas Revo 3.3 is a 4WD Nitro RC car equipped with the powerful TRX® 3.3 racing engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 mph. While this top speed may not surpass other Traxxas Nitro models like the Jato 3.3, the Revo 3.3 has consistently earned its place as the best Nitro RC truck since 2004.
This RC powerhouse also features a 2-speed automatic transmission, enabling it to handle heavy-duty tasks with ease. Beyond its mechanical performance, the engine incorporates advanced technology such as the EZ-Start system, which simplifies the engine start-up process—a feature not commonly found in other Nitro RC cars.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key internal components of the Traxxas Revo 3.3:
- Engine: TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine
- Servos: Dual 2075 digital high-torque
- Fuel Tank: Large capacity 150 cc
- Transmission: Heavy-duty reversing OptiDrive®
- Brakes: Large diameter front disc brake
- Clutch: Torque-Control™ slipper clutch
- Air Filter: High-volume dual-stage air filter
- Additional Features: And more…
Advanced Features and Systems
The Traxxas Revo 3.3 isn’t just about its impressive internal components. It also boasts a range of features and systems designed to enhance your driving experience and make controlling this beast easier than ever.
Transmitter and Receiver
To complement the unmatched performance of its Nitro engine, the Revo 3.3 includes one of the most advanced transmitters available: the TQi™ 2.4GHz transmitter. This transmitter comes packed with features, with the standout being the Traxxas Link system.
Traxxas Link Features:
- Attach the Traxxas Link device to the transmitter.
- Install the Traxxas App on your smartphone.
- Connect the device to your phone via Bluetooth.
Once connected, you gain access to real-time telemetry data, such as:
- Speed
- Temperature
- RPM
- Battery voltage
This system not only makes driving more fun but also enhances the overall user experience by providing detailed insights into your RC car’s performance.
TSM (Traxxas Stability Management)
Another standout feature is the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM), which is operated by the 5-channel Micro Receiver. If you’re familiar with high-end Traxxas vehicles, you’ve likely encountered TSM before.
How TSM Works:
- TSM helps maintain stability by automatically adjusting the steering to keep the car moving in the intended direction.
- It senses the vehicle’s movement and makes corrections by turning the wheels left or right as needed.
This feature is especially useful in preventing crashes, maintaining control, and ensuring a smoother driving experience—even at high speeds or on rough terrain.
EZ-Start System
Another exclusive feature of Nitro RC cars like the Revo 3.3 is the EZ-Start system, which makes starting the engine a breeze. Simply insert the remote into the Glow Plug, press the button, and you’re good to go!
For enthusiasts who prefer a more “hands-on” approach, the pull-start system remains an option. Whether you enjoy the convenience of modern tech or the nostalgia of manual starting, the Revo 3.3 offers flexibility to suit any preference.
Traxxas Revo 3.3 Parts and Upgrades
Many people assume that the Traxxas Revo 3.3, being a Nitro RC car, shares the same upgrades and parts as the Jato 3.3. But the truth is—it doesn’t!
First, as outlined earlier, the Revo 3.3 has a distinct structure that sets it apart from most Traxxas RC cars—Nitro or electric. The only exceptions are the Traxxas Summit and E-Revo, which share a similar suspension system.
However, some parts, such as wheels and tires, are interchangeable with models like the Traxxas X-Maxx or Maxx, as well as other Traxxas Nitro RC cars. Fortunately, replacement parts for the Revo 3.3 are widely available, though they aren’t necessarily cheap. Whether you’re looking for mechanical or electrical components, finding parts for the Traxxas Revo 3.3 won’t be a challenge!
Things I Don’t Like About the Traxxas Revo 3.3
Let’s be honest—while the Traxxas Revo 3.3 is an outstanding RC car, there’s one aspect that left me a bit disappointed: the top speed.
While 45 mph is certainly fast, it falls short when compared to other models, even those with similar engines. For example, the Traxxas Jato 3.3, which also features a 3.3 motor, can hit speeds of over 60 mph! This difference raises the question: why isn’t the Revo 3.3 faster?
That said, aside from the top speed, everything else about the Revo 3.3 is exceptional. From the design to the technology and performance, this RC car is nothing short of impressive.
Great Features of the Traxxas Revo 3.3
There are several standout features that make the Traxxas Revo 3.3 a truly remarkable RC car. Let’s dive into a few of them:
1. Fuel Shutoff Gadget
The Revo 3.3 includes a clever gadget in the tube between the motor and the fuel tank—a red fuel shutoff valve. With a single press, this gadget stops fuel from flowing to the engine, effectively shutting it down. It’s a simple yet effective feature that eliminates the hassle of using less creative methods to stop the engine.
2. Downward-Pointing Exhaust Pipe
If you look closely, you’ll notice the exhaust pipe is angled downward toward the ground. Why? This prevents exhaust from directly hitting and damaging the rear bumper. It’s a small detail, but it demonstrates how much thought Traxxas put into the design.
3. Easy Access to Transmission Gears
The transmission box houses the gears and serves to protect them. Normally, checking the gears would require opening the entire box—a time-consuming process. Traxxas addressed this by including a small access cap, allowing you to inspect the gears quickly and easily.
4. Complex Structure
The Traxxas Revo 3.3 boasts a highly intricate design, with a dense arrangement of components packed into a compact chassis. For those used to simpler electric RC cars, the complexity of the Revo 3.3 might seem overwhelming at first. However, this intricate engineering is a testament to its superior craftsmanship—and it’s something I personally admire!
What about you? Do you find the complexity of the Revo 3.3 exciting or intimidating? Let me know!
Traxxas Revo 3.3 Pricing
The Traxxas Revo 3.3 is a premium RC car that combines advanced engineering, cutting-edge technology, and incredible performance. Naturally, this level of quality comes at a price. While it’s not the cheapest RC car on the market, the value it offers makes it well worth the investment—especially for enthusiasts who appreciate unique, high-performance models.
So, Should You Buy the Traxxas Revo 3.3?
Here’s the short answer: YES, absolutely!
If budget isn’t a concern, the Traxxas Revo 3.3 is a fantastic choice, offering unparalleled performance, durability, and features. However, if the price feels steep, there are great alternatives to consider:
- Traxxas Jato 3.3: A more affordable Nitro RC with comparable (or better!) speed.
- 1/16 E-Revo: An electric RC car that’s significantly cheaper but still highly capable.
But if you can afford the Traxxas Revo 3.3, don’t hesitate—it’s worth every penny!
What Do You Think?
Would you invest in the Traxxas Revo 3.3, or would you opt for one of the alternatives? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
