DF01 vs TT02B, why?

[Saito2]

I have some questions. For those with experience with both the old DF01 platform (i.e. Manta Ray) and the newer TT02B, is there anything the TT02B does better than the old DF01 as an off road buggy?  

Its always been my understanding that the old DF01 was better at, well, being a buggy. There other considerations though. The DF01 could be made a touring car or rally car (TA01, etc.). It could be tricked out (Top Force spec) or kept inexpensive (the Manta Ray re-re was quite reasonable) so overall, the platform was adaptable. Now my logic may be flawed due to not having full experience with all the variants of both chassis. I don't know if a TT02 is vastly superior to a TA series touring car for instance. If not, why not continue to punch out the DF01 if its the better overall platform? Traxxas certainly has done it for decades with incremental improvements along the way. 

Perhaps it all comes down to cost. Perhaps, even if the old DF01 is better than the new TT02B it doesn't matter because the TT02B is cheaper to make and thus more profitable. Maybe the TT02/B is better in some regards I'm unfamiliar with (feel free to educate me as I'm no expert in the ways of TT02).  

[BuggyGuy]

TT02B is not a great buggy, particularly if it's going near a modern track. 

No clutch, lack of front kick up, short wheelbase. There are other issues too with regards to the suspension geometry (setup window is small). 

Hopups can solve a lot of issues with the 02B - but the above can't be solved as far as I know. It is a fine basher though with excellent and cheap parts support. 

[Saito2]

2 hours ago, BuggyGuy said:

TT02B is not a great buggy, particularly if it's going near a modern track. 

No clutch, lack of front kick up, short wheelbase. There are other issues too with regards to the suspension geometry (setup window is small). 

That's in line with what I've read from other's experiences. Folks generally love the Top Force as a capable vintage racer. It seemed the DF was just a better, more adaptable chassis overall. I hate when future replacements only cheapen the experience rather than improving upon or advancing it. I'm curious if I'm missing something great about the TT line if all other things were equal (i.e. plentiful affordable spares, etc.). I admit the TT02B probably suits what its designed for, it just seems like the (very) old DF01was better at it.

[Jonathon Gillham]

The TT02B drivetrain is better, much simpler just having pinion to spur, then the diff at each end. The DF01 has gearboxes at each which are more complicated and I can't see any advantage from the complexity. The main disadvantage is the limited gearing options, needing to buy gear bags for different spurs, and fixed motor mount. The TT02 could come with the high speed gearset adapter which means any gearing option is possible. The one advantage is a transverse motor but modern buggies and TC have the longitudinal motor and cope with mod motors so I don't see that as a major thing, certainly less so than the limited gearing

The TT02B is probably better on a flat surface like a tennis court as its basically a touring car with long arms. The DF01 will be better in every other respect though.

I would tell people to get the Manta Ray or Top Force as a runner over a TT02B, but they are all out of stock. I think that parts supply will always be fine for them though as there are a lot of aftermarket parts, and also shared parts with other chassis.

I'm comparing a Top Force thats halfway to Evo spec, with a box stock TT02B (other than bearings). A few hop ups for the TT02B may improve things but they get expensive really fast. I don't think hop ups will improve the fundamental issues which have been noted above.

[Saito2]

So, it might be the case that the TT series provides a cheap and serviceable chassis to underpin a large quantity on on-road shells while also being "good enough" for a 4wd buggy. If the focus is more as an on-road vehicle, its simpler design/drivetrain is an advantage perhaps. Thanks for the input.