Lipo will run in either, but the older brushed esc prob doesn't have a low voltage cutoff (lvc) to protect lipo from being overdischarged. Lipo batts can be damaged by discharging them below about 3.0v/cell (don't discharge a 2S below 6v for example). There are lvcs you can add to brushed setup to do this - Novak smart stop is one example.

Brushless can be tougher on NiMH batts - if you don't have 3300mah or bigger, the pacs will have trouble generating the current - you'll be able to tell easily, batts will get very hot, very quick.

And if you're asking about mixing brushless esc and brushed motors - yes, thats possible, but just be sure to buy esc that can do both.