I think if your racing get a kit. Both are awesome kits, the reason why you get a kit instead of a RTR is they come with a little bit better upgraded parts already for example Associated RTR doesnt have Big Bore Shocks like the kit does. Thats 80 bucks right there to change that out. Motors are cheap for the most part as long as you dont need to have a 500.00 speed or whatever. 200.00 engines keep up with the big boys.