its like digging up the ol' grave, shaft vs belt....
why dont you ask Surikarn first?
he's the latest world champ driving EVO4 in 2004 for Tamiya Squad, I didn't know whether today Tamiya still afford Evo4
I have 2 shaft car, and 1 belt car,
IMO shaft car has more efficient drivetrain than belt car, then suitable for stock 27T or 23T, acceleration is blast from the start, while belts typical are 'very slghtly noticable lag' on acceleration
its like two side of coin,
this nature of solid drivetrain, gear to gear contact, give and instant response blessing, it could be good or bad, its then depends on our nerve and finger
on other side any impact on front/rear wheel will be transmitted throughout drivetrain component, and then weakest item will break or bend, usually diff gear (ask Pro4 owner..) then drive shaft.
in same condition, instead of transmit, belts will absorb most of the impact energy > more 'forgiving'