If you are shopping for a Traxxas Slash or Traxxas Rustler, you will absolutely love which ever truck you end up buying. Both are fantastic 1/10 scale RC trucks that are built with quality Traxxas parts and can take a beating, and I mean they can really take a beating!
So which car should you buy?
When picking either a Traxxas Slash or Rustler, think about the following criteria:
- Size
- Ground Clearance
- Durability
- Self Righting Technology
- Body Style
Refer to this table for a quick comparison between the two trucks.
| Details | Slash | Rustler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Speed | Slower Max 60 MPH | Faster Max 65 MPH |
| Ground Clearance | 3.5in/89mm | 1.1in/28mm |
| Durability | More Durable | Less Durable (only slightly) |
| Self Righting | No | Yes |
| Drive Train | 2WD and 4WD | 2WD and 4WD |
| Price | Slightly More | Slightly Less |
| Check Amazon Price | Check Slash Price | Check Rustler Price |
The Slash is a bigger truck compared to the Rustler and sits up higher off the ground. However, the Rustler sits lower to the ground and is more nimble. If ground clearance is important to you, pick the Slash. If you want a slightly smaller truck, go with the Rustler.
I think the Slash is a better all-around car and can handle any terrain. But the Rustler is faster and is more nimble.
The rest of this post will cover the major differences between the Slash and Rustler so you can make the best choice if you are looking for your first RC car. Let’s dive in!
What’s the difference between Traxxas Slash and Rustler?
The Traxxas slash is a short course truck. At first glance, you will notice that the Slash is a bigger rig with excellent ground clearance. The body of the truck sits over top of the wheels and has a more realistic design.
The slash is fairly tall and sits 7.6 inches off the ground and is 11.65 inches wide. This profile will allow you to drive off-road and on rough terrain.
I often drive my Slash in the backyard, and it has no problem powering through the grass. If you plan to drive off-road in the rocks and sticks, get the Slash. The Slash will handle the rough terrain a bit better than the Rustler.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate
- Velineion 3500 brushless motor
- Velineon VXL-3s electronic speed controller
- Metal components
- TQi 2.4 GHz transmitter included
- Waterproof steering servo
- Does not come with a battery
- Does not include a charger
- Upgraded parts are expensive to replace
The Traxxas Rustler is a stadium truck. It is wider than the Slash at 12.94 inches wide, and it stands 6.35 inches tall. It has a sleek design, and it is more compact.
The Rustler body does not cover the truck’s tires, and the body sits just on the inside of the tires. I think this is the main difference when is comes to the appearance of these two trucks.
So, the Rustler is broader and lower to the ground than the Slash. The Rustler will not tip over as easily as the Slash because of its width. If you plan to drive on pavement most of the time, get the Rustler. It is faster and can handle tight turns on pavement better than the Slash.
To sum it up, the Slash is bigger and tougher than the Rustler. But, the Rustler is faster. Which RC vehicle you choose depends on where and how you want to drive the car.
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL
- Velineion 3500 brushless motor
- Waterproof electronics
- Self righting technology
- TQi 2.4 GHz transmitter included
- Failsafe receiver technology
- Does not come with a battery
- Does not include a charger
- 4×4 models have increased maintenance costs
Which is more Expensive, the Traxxas Slash or Rustler?
The Traxxas Slash is more expensive than the Rustler, but not by much. For the two-wheel drive brushed motor configuration, the Traxxas Slash is usually around $175 to $225, and the Traxxas Rustler is around $180. Please note, prices may vary.
For the four-wheel drive VXL Rustler, the Rustler and the Slash are similar in price.
I don’t think the price should be a deciding factor when comparing the two cars.
How Fast is the Traxxas Slash?
The top speed of the two-wheel drive Traxxas Slash with a brushed motor is 30 miles per hour.
The top speed of the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL is 60 miles per hour. However, to reach 60 MPH with the Slash, you must use a 3S battery and install the 19-T pinion gear with the 54-T spur gear.
We wrote an entire article on how to make your RC go car faster. Check it out for tips on reaching maximum speeds on your Traxxas Slash.
How Fast is the Traxxas Rustler?
The max speed of the two-wheel drive Rustler with a brushed motor is 35 miles per hour.
The max speed of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is 70 miles per hour. Again, to reach 70 MPH with the Rustler, you need to run a 3S battery and install the 31-T pinion gear with the 76-T spur gear.
If you want a car with the highest top-end speed, buy the Rustler VXL with Traxxas Stability Management.
Is the Traxxas Slash or Rustler Better For Big Jumps?
The Rustler is better for jumping because it is more aerodynamic, smaller, and wider.
Hardcore Slash fans would argue with me about this, but I still think the Rustler is more suited for ramps and jumps because of its lower profile.
When you look at an RC track, is the terrain rugged or well-groomed? Most RC tracks are well kept, and the jumps are nice and smooth. That being said, The Slash’s higher ground clearance doesn’t really matter as much.
That is why I think the Rustler wins when talking about jumps.
Are you looking for an RC track near you? Check out our RC map that shows tracks and hobby shops (there are even flying fields on there for our airborne RC fans.)
Is the Slash or Rustler Better For Bashing?
The Traxxas Slash is the best car for bashing out of the box. A stock Slash is strong and durable; you can crash it, roll it over, flip it back over, and keep driving.
You will often drive through rocks, sticks, and grass when driving hard and bashing the Slash. The Slash’s higher ground clearance will help maneuver through the rough terrain. You would be surprised to see a Slash in action in the dirt with room to run!
Check out this video to see the Traxxas Slash running in the rain and how Traxxas stability management works!
The Slash also has a longer wheelbase at 12.75 inches. The longer wheelbase should help the car handle rough terrain at higher speeds.
The Slash also has a nice uniform (and rounded) body. I roll the Slash over all the time, and it usually lands on its wheels and keeps going. Anytime you roll the truck and don’t have to run and flip it back over is an absolute win. This will lead to the next topic: self-righting capabilities.
Does the Traxxas Rustler Have Self Righting?
The Rustler 4×4 VXL has self-righting technology. Self-righting functionality means the car can flip itself over if it gets stuck upside down.
Self-righting can be handy if you flip your car over and it’s far away or in a location that is hard to get to. All you have to do is hold the “set button” down for about 5 seconds, and the car will begin to flip itself over. Or, at least it will try to. Self-righting attempts don’t always work with the Rustler.
Does the Traxxas Slash Have Self Righting?
No. The Slash does not come with self-righting technologies like the Rustler. If you flip over your Slash, you have to walk to it and flip it over.
If self-righting is a feature you are interested in, I suggest buying the Rustler over the Slash.
Which is more durable, the Traxxas Rustler or Traxxas Slash?
Looking at the Slash’s front and rear, you will see giant bumpers on each end. The Rustler does not have the protective bumpers that the Slash has. The bumpers on the Slash make it the clear winner for durability.
I have crashed into a fence post and driven directly into my mailbox countless times. The front bumper is scratched and has a few chunks of plastic missing from my hard driving. Interestingly, I have yet to break any of the A-arms or front shock towers.
I think the bumpers on the Slash are one of the reasons my Slash is still on one piece.
Traxxas Slash vs. rustler parts
I like Traxxas brand RC cars because you can find replacement parts for their vehicles online and at your local hobby shop. Traxxas also has hop-up parts for both the Slash and the Rustler. If you break the steering servo or a shock tower, you can quickly have a replacement part shipped to your door. If you live in a town with a hobby shop, they will very likely have it in stock.
I highly recommend Traxxas cars and trucks for new RC owners for the availability of spare parts alone. While the Rustler and the Slash are durable, they will eventually break.
Traxxas Slash vs. Rustler Conclusion
If you are looking for a fast, agile stadium truck, pick the Rustler. It can handle high speeds and big jumps, and I think the Rustler is overall more aerobatic than the Slash.
The Slash has superior durability if you want to off-road and bash your car around. The front and rear bumpers add excellent protection when you crash.
You won’t be disappointed in either model. They are both great RC cars, and If you are like me, you will eventually own one of each!
The take-home point is to decide where you will drive your RC cars at most. Pick the car that is most suitable for your situation.
Fast and sleek – Rustler
Tough and rugged – Slash
Traxxas Rustler Vs. Slash FAQs
Is the Traxxas Slash Waterproof?
You can get your Traxxas Slash wet and muddy and drive it through puddles and even through shallow streams. The Traxxas Slash is an electric car with electronic components. So it isn’t completely waterproof, and I would not fully submerge my Slash and expect it to keep functioning correctly.
What is the cheapest Traxxas Rustler model?
The Traxxas Rustler 1/10 scale two-wheel drive with brushed motor is the cheapest Rustler version. It costs $179.99 on the Traxxas website and is model #37054-4.
What is the Most Expensive Traxxas Slash model?
The Traxxas Slash Ultimate 1/10 scale Brushless four-wheel drive is the most expensive Slash model. It costs $549.99 on the Traxxas website and is model #68077-4.
