The 4×4 Traxxas Rustler is a feisty and fast stadium truck. It is capable of speeds up to 65 miles per hour, can hit big jumps, and is a great all around basher!
However, there are several different models of the Traxxas Rustler and there is are major differences between the Rustler VXL and and the standard 4×4 version.
In this post we will look at the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VS Rustler 4×4 VXL to explore the key differences. Spoiler Alert: The VXL version has more advanced features compared to the standard 4×4 Rustler model. Lets dive in and see how each model is different!
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Motor
The Traxxas Rustler 4X4 has a 3785 Titan 12-Turn 550 Modified Motor. This is a brushed motor that is designed to run at 8.4 volts. This electric motor has an integrated cooling fan to help circulate air and control internal temperatures.
I think the brushed motor on the Rustler 4×4 is one of the main differences compared to the VXL model. Brushed motors are less efficient than brushless systems and the 550 Titan motor on this model is powered by a NiMH battery.
These components are powerful, but are not near as powerful at the VXL’s motor and battery combo.
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL Stadium Truck
Lets take a look at the Traxxas Rustler VXL:
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
And now the Standard 4×4 Rustler:
Traxxas Rustler 4×4
- Titan 550 Brushed Motor
- Waterproof electronics
- XL-5 ESC
- TQi 2.4 GHz transmitter included
- NiMH or LiPo batteries
- Not a brushless motor
- Cannot run on 3S
- No Self-righting
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL Motor
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is equipped with a Velineon 3500kV sensorless brushless motor. The Velineon motor is capable of running on a 2S 7.4 volt or 3S 11.1 volt single LiPo battery. In order to reach maximum speeds of 65 miles per hour, you will need to power the truck with a 3S LiPo and install a 20 tooth pinion gear.
According to the Traxxas website, the VXL Rustler comes equipped with an eleven tooth pinion gear. Traxxas also adds a seventeen tooth pinion gear that can help the Rustler reach 60 miles per hour when paired with a 3S LiPo.
Again, the major difference between the brushless VXL Rustler and the brushed non VXL Rustler is the motor. The brushless motor on the VXL allows you to run a greater Voltage 3S LiPo. More voltage from the LiPo battery means more power!
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 ESC
The Rustler 4×4 non VXL model is powered by the XL-5 waterproof electronic speed controller. This ESC is made for brushed motors and does not power the faster, more powerful VXL Traxxas models.
The XL-5 waterproof ESC has the following specs:
- Can use a 2 cell LiPo battery (max 7.4 volts)
- Can use 4-7 cell NiMH batteries (4.8 to 8.4 volts)
- Equipped with thermal shutdown safety protection
- Is Waterproof
- has breaking, forward, and reverse operation
- Has training, race, and sport modes
The next section is about the VXL’s ESC. You will notice the main difference is the voltage each ESC can handle. The XL-5 ESC can not accept as high of a voltage as the VXL model’s Velineon ESC.
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL ESC
The VXL Rustler comes with the Velineon VXL-3s brushless electronic speed controller. This ESC is an AWESOME Traxxas product that powers both the Traxxas Slash and Rustler VXL models.
The Velineon VXL-3s ESC has the following specs:
- Can use a 2 cell or 3 cell LiPo batteries (7.4/11.1 volts)
- Can use 4-9 cell NiMH batteries (4.8 to 10.8 volts)
- Allows forward, reverse, and breaking
- Is waterproof
- Can power brushless motors only
- Has training, race, and sport modes
Traxxas Rustler VXL Stability Management
Traxxas stability management (TSM) is a steering feature that helps keep your truck on all four wheels. TSM works by automatically adjusting the steering when the TSM sensors detect the truck starting to lose control.
The Rustler VXL model comes equipped with TSM installed. The regular 4×4 model does not. TSM is a great feature that lets you run full throttle and cuts down on crashes. I think this feature is worth the extra cost for the VXL model. One bad crash could result on many new parts. Maybe TSM could have saved some of that cost?
To learn more about TSM, check out this YouTube video:
Traxxas Rustler VXL Self-Righting Technology
Self-righting technology is one feature the VXL model has that the 4×4 non VXL model does not. Self-righting technology is a feature that helps automatically flip the truck over if it lands upside down. All you have to do is push a button on the transmitter, and the truck will flip itself back on all four wheels.
For example, you are bashing your Rustler around and it flips over. Normally, you would have to run over to the truck and flip it over yourself.
The self-righting functionality works by using the motor to rock the truck back and fourth. The back and fourth rocking will gain enough momentum to flip the truck back onto all four wheels.
Self-righting technology is a really neat feature, but it doesn’t work 100% of the time. It works best on flat, solid ground.
This is a nice to have feature, not a must have feature. I wouldn’t let this feature alone convince you to buy the VXL model.
To see more about the VXL model, check out the Traxxas website.
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Vs Rustler 4×4 VXL Conclusion
Both the standard 4×4 model and the upgraded VXL version are great trucks. The VXL model can handle higher voltages, has a better motor and ESC, and can reach higher max speeds. It also has Traxxas TSM installed out of the box. But, these features come at an additional cost.
If you are a beginner looking for your very first Traxxas truck, the standard 4×4 version will be an awesome truck. But, if you can afford the higher price tag, the VXL model is an upgraded (and better performing) machine in my opinion.
Which ever model you buy, Traxxas makes great RC vehicles that will last. Traxxas is on of the top brands on the market and you are sure to be impressed by your Traxxas Rustler
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Vs Rustler 4×4 VXL FAQs
How fast can the Traxxas Rustler Go?
The Traxxas Rustler VXL can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. But, you need to install a 20 tooth pinion gear and run the car with a 3S 11.1 volt LiPo battery
Is The Traxxas Rustler Waterproof?
Yes, The Traxxas Rustler is waterproof. You can get the motor, ESC, and steering servo wet and the truck will continue to run! However, we don’t recommend fully submersing the truck in water. Its not a submarine.
