First of all, Virtual RC is not even close to the real thing....not on 1/10th TC, and FAR OFF from real 1/8th on road...
Like g12314, I picked up a used 950R alittle bit before him and ran the car at the same weekend with him..........if there are more 1/8th ppl racing around midwest...I will throw the 1/10th 200mm TC in the recycling bin, TC are NO MATCH to 1/8th..........I too ran the 235mm Impact/835 as well, that is NO MATCH to 1/8th...but still, more fun then 1/10th 200mm TC.
Both 235mm and 1/8th.........the car must be in complete screw up situation to be undrivable..........I was running some used foams, with eye balled setup (no setup guage cause don't want to buy one)......both cars are on rail and the 235mm are faster then any other TC with 5 ports motor.....and I was running a 4 years old 3 ports non turbo enigne.........
Ppl has to try one of those 1/8th first....about 1/8th is expensive. probably 10 years old, it is all depends on the buyer.......I don't believe a new car will give you a much faster or more understanding of the car...I have a used 950R (90% new) for $250...on ebay, I have seen 950/950R from $200-280....a OK 21 engine (new)...are $350. A pipe set, $60-80........I don't see these equipment are a lot cheaper on 200mm TC............but a fully deck up 200mm will never get to the point like 1/8th does (if the track is big and wide enough)....
Last...don't tell me tires are expensive...ebay (Jaco Nitro shoes)....a set of 35 shores 1/8th foams are less then $30 shipped...so does Twister tires..around $30 a SET..........TC are about $25 a set, but TC tires last only 1 day of race......
Bigger is NOT always more expensive...take a look around, 1/8th is much cheaper then before and TC is NOT any cheaper at all ( a decent 12 engine is $200 plus...)