RC Review: Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec vs. Team Associated Nitro TC3

For those of us unable or unwilling to invest big bucks into a speed demon sports car, the radio-controlled version can be the next best thing, especially when they’re nitro-powered and can go almost as fast. So, to help all you aspiring Nitro-enthusiasts out there, we’ve picked two of the most popular nitro car models and weighed some of their pros and cons. We’ll start off with the Nitro 4-Tec, a diamond in Traxxas’ rough and tumble truck selection.

Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec

Pros:

The bod on this car definitely isn’t something to be sneered at, and is more sleek and sophisticated than you’d expect from an RC.
The 4-tec comes stock with a two speed transmission, fully assembled and with Traxxas’ signature EZ-start system that makes it simple to start and get running.
This one won’t be too much of a strain on your wallet like some of HPI’s more expensive nitro car models, and can be bought for easily under $400.
No glow starter is needed because of the EZ Start system, which means you’ll be running with just the push of a button.
The suspension is fully-adjustable and uses Traxxas’ oil filled Ultra Shocks and bell crank steering for precise control and handling.
The car also has a center-mounted fuel tank that keeps the weight balance consistent as the fuel levels fluctuate.
Winner of RC Car Actions “Car of the Year” Award. These guys know what they’re talking about, so it’s pretty safe to trust their judgment!

Cons:

Occasionally 4-tec drivers may find that their throttle servo strips some of the gears, but if you phone Traxxas they are generally happy and willing to send you replacements.
You may find the tires that come stock with this car to be inadequate and they have a tendency to wear out pretty quickly, so a new set of tougher tires will be a worthy investment for your 4-Tec.
The tuned-pipe that comes with the 4-Tec’s kit is also a bit sub-par, but can be replaced with a CVEC exhaust system to get about 25% more torque. One of these systems should be easy enough to pick up at a local hobby shop, or you can order one online.
The shocks on the car will work fine, although if you crash it, go too fast over a bump and come down hard, the shock’s plastic caps are liable to pop out. You can remedy this by adding Traxxas’ Big Bore shocks (designed for their truck models) at $30 a pop if you’ve got the extra cash.

Alright, now let’s take a look at Team Associated’s Nitro TC3…

Team Associated Nitro TC3

Pros:

This baby has four-wheel drive and is capable of 40+ mph right out of the box!
You can choose from two sleek stock bodies, although not quite as styling as the 4-tecs, in either red, black, white or blue.
Comes stock with ball bearings so you don’t have the hassle of having to replace plastic or metal bushings to protect the drive shaft.
Even at top speeds, the TC3’s handling is superb for racing, as that is primarily what it’s designed for.
According to Team Associated, the TC3 is “the only nitro touring car that accommodates either pull-start, side exhaust, or rear-exhaust engines, both slide-valve or rotary carburetors, and your choice of flat-pack, hump-pack or dry-cell receiver battery configurations.”—No complaints about that!
Winner of RC Car Action Magazine's 2003 "Reader's Choice" award—Tried and tested by you, the user. Who else can you trust?

Cons:

The acceleration isn’t the best in this car, but once it gets up there it goes really exceptionally fast.
This car isn’t the best if you’re looking to rip up rocky terrain, as you can have problems with rocks getting stuck under the bod and jamming the steering.
The TC3 wears down its ball bearings pretty quickly, so you may run up more costs than with other cars in replacing them.

Ultimately, if I had to choose between these two cars I’d pick Team Associated’s TC3, because Team Associated are well known race winners. However, for a newcomer to the scene, the 4-Tec may be a better bet as it’s more user friendly.

I give both vehicles a 4.5/5. Hope these tips have helped and happy racing!

About the Author

Lee Brain is a freelance writer and offers sound advice in the field of RC cars and RC Trucks. He currently runs his own personal hobby website, and specializes in electric RC cars and RC nitro cars.