Originally Posted by
targetdg15
What about a tamiya grasshopper? Is that pretty much the same thing as the holiday buggy?
DT-02 based kits like the
Holiday Buggy are definitely more advanced than the
Grasshopper, but neither is going to perform satisfactorily. If you really are dying for a Tamiya buggy, at least go for the 'Sand Viper' - which is also DT-02 based, but it comes with a full bearing set and a 540 (standard) sized motor; with the two cars you've mentioned, you'll be running on bushings which will rob your speed and power, and the motors are 380 - which is so slow and devoid of power that you'll end up feeling instant buyer's remorse.
Most people are going to say 'get a B4.1', but I understand that the price tag is off-putting. Frankly, the B4.1 is going to be one of the most complete and race-ready buggies you can find - but at $200 for just the kit, it isn't cheap. I think you'll probably enjoy the Tamiya buggy as much as anything else considering this is your first - but you don't want to run anything that doesn't come with a complete set of bearings and a 540 sized motor.
One thing to consider before you purchase any car is the parts support. What do the shops in your area sell? Sure, you can always rely on the internet to find even the most obscure parts - but sometimes you just don't want to wait, or maybe you might need actual help (considering you are new to the hobby). If you buy a car that nobody has heard of and nobody has parts support for, it will make the hobby more difficult.
Good luck, and have fun. And in the end, just buy what you think looks cool/fun and know that no matter what, you'll either love this hobby or not - and if you love it, your first won't be your last
