ngom52

Hi, I'm thinking about getting my first kit. I was wondering if anyone can point out the difference between the tamiya df-02 and df-03 chassis, its advantages and disadvantages and if the higher price of the df-03 kits are justified.

Thanks in advance

tom_chang79

iTrader: (13)

The DF-02 and the DF-03 chassis are completely different. The DF-02 uses a traditional battery pack to one side with the motor and electronic on the other side layout that is commonly found on 4wd Touring Cars.

The DF-03 is a radical new design which has a 2wd-esque layout in a 4wd package. Doing so presented some challenge, such as the center driveshaft going diagnol across and the steering assembly being way in the back.

It also has a rear transmission like a mid-motor 2wd.

The DF-03 IMO is a better choice then the DF-02. Consider it just from obsolescence point of view (DF-02 is on its way out from production).

Just use images.google.com and do a search and compare and contrast it for yourself, you'll see there's a whole world of difference.

If you do decide on a DF-03, come join me and other DF-03 owners in our thread:

http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric...f-03-type.html

There's a whole world of 4wd 1/10th buggies, you should do some research first, such as what your local guys are running and also what parts are available at your local hobby store before getting into this buggy. Some of the guys on the DF-03 thread has local shops that support the DF-03 buggies, most of us don't (mail order all the time)...

fabolousRC

iTrader: (1)

There isn't much advantage that the DF02 provides other than being really cheap and sloppy. You don't want that in a car. Even Off-road. The rear suspension was badly designed and it almost looked like an afterthought. The gear selection is limited to about four pinions and two spurs and they are pre-selected, too, and like Tom said above, the chassis is on the way out.

DF03, other than being a radical design, is more adjustable in everyway. It is suffering from a few short comings though:
1. sloppy front steering crank. Most people in DF03 forum knows how to fix this issue.
2. Cramp radio area.
3. Serious overheating issue
4. Short wheelbase.
5. Non standard gearing system. Can be replaced with standard system with a "slight" modification.

If you are planning on bashing the car, DF03 will be the better choice because it is more durable compared to DF02. For future competition, however, I'd recommend neither and rather choose DB01 instead. It is much better racer out the box and not too shabby as a basher either plus its parts are quite affordable; even the carbon filed plastic parts and it already comes with 48p gear system standard.

Jesper Jacobsen

+ 1 for the DB01