
Traxxas does a good job of keeping the feature set similar between both ESCs. The base model Traxxas Rustler comes with the XL5 ESC, while the Rustler VXL comes with the VXL-3s ESC. So it should be no surprise that the Traxxas Rustler has two different electronic speed controllers (ESC): the XL5 and the VXL-3s.

The ESC (electronic speed controlled) and motor go hand in hand.

The Velineon 315R is a high-performance brushless motor that is more expensive, more efficient, and can achieve much higher speeds. In summary, the Titan 12T is a reliable and durable brushed motor that is a good option for beginners or people on a budget. The brushless Velineon 315R motor in the Rustler VXL can reach speeds of up to 70 mph. Returning to the Rustler, the Titan 12T motor in the base model can achieve speeds of up to 35 mph. In general, a brushless motor is more powerful and typically lasts longer per charge than a similar brushed motor. That means it converts more electrical energy from the battery into mechanical power that drives the RC car instead of being wasted as excess heat. What do we mean when we say that a brushless motor is more efficient? They’re also less powerful and less efficient than brushless motors. In short, brushed motors, such as the Titan 12T, are typically less expensive and generate more heat than brushless motors. If you’re new to the hobby, you can learn more about the differences between a 540 and 550 motor and the differences between burshed and brushless motors here. The Titan 12T is a 550 brushed motor, while the Velineon 315R is a 540 brushless motor. The Rustler also has a Nitro-powered option, but we’ll ignore that in this article. The electric Traxxas Rustler has two motor options depending on the model: the Titan 12T and the Velineon 315R. In each section, I’ll show images to help highlight the differences. In this section, we’ll discuss the differences between the 2WD Traxxas Rustler and the Rustler VXL in more detail. I wasn’t quite ready for a 4WD RC car yet, but I felt I’d progressed beyond the base-model Traxxas Rustler. This makes it aimed at more experienced RC enthusiasts looking to take their hobby to the next level. In comparison, the Rustler VXL 2WD upgrades to the Velineon brushless motor that can achieve speeds of up to 70 mph. It is also a good option for those who want a more affordable RC car that still provides good performance and durability. It’s a great choice for beginners who want a high-quality off-road RC car that is easy to use and maintain. The Rustler 2WD has a standard Titan 12-Turn 550 brushed motor that can go up to 35 mph. Although you can fit street tires to them, both the Traxxas Rustler 2WD and Rustler VXL 2WD are designed for off-road.
