Yes Corrado, I do know about that article. They weighed everything in that ... build, price, driveability, user friendliness. Everything was taken into account.
FW05 is just a more user friendly and wallet friendly car. When I was looking for a new car to race competatively, I was lucky. All three of those cars were being driven on the track I frequent, Prospeed. Also had the chance to see them in action in the A-main. 710Baby (S710), Team17(MTX-3), Ratzo(VoneRR), and a friend who's not on this board had the FW05. All did fairly well against each other.
Team17 was hacked, Ratzo was taken out accidently by my brother in a head on collision after jumping the road rail.
I never counted out the Kyosho. I just think that the MTX-3 and S710 are a bit more on the advanced side for the everyday driver.
- In rank of driveability out of the box (lowest to highest) I would say 710, MTX-3 then the FW05.
- Pricewise, the mugen and serpent are pretty much even (parts and kits). Kyosho is a little bit cheaper.
- Parts availability is only relevant to your local supplier.
The R40 is also another good racer. Also very competative with the right setup and throttle control. Parts tend to be more available for the HPI cars when compared to the other 3.
All the cars mentioned in this thread are comprable in performance. It comes down to driver's preference. I have driven all 3 of the 4 cars in this thread. I didn't get a chance to try Ratzo's VoneRR but did see the kit in the pits and was very impressed.
I liked all 3 that I drove. Would've bought the MTX-3 but didn't because of the parts issue at my LHS. I didn't want a shaft driven car since I have the NTC3. I just liked the potential for the S710 and was lucky in getting a good baseline for the setup from fellow drivers that race with me during the nitro season.
Dentex, I can only suggest that you weigh the pro's and cons of the 4 cars mentioned. I will not tell you which is better or worse for you, I can only tell you what I have experienced and why I chose the S710.
Just to see things in perspective, The ROAR Region1 Touring champ is Mike Mal, a friend and fellow competitor at Prospeed. He won that title at R/C Madness this summer with his 710. A couple of months later, a fellow teammate of mine beat Mike Mal at the same track with his NTC3. Does that make the NTC3 a better car? No, just means that the better driver that day had a NitroTC3. Dentex, you have to make the final choice. Do your research on the cars and try to find nonbiased articles (pretty rare these days). Get as much feedback from owners of these cars, not just those that "know" of them.
If you can get to the local track and watch them in action in capable hands, even better. You are on the right track to choosing your car. Keep asking questions on the forum as well as in person. Take what you learn and make a wise decision based on your needs. Speed is good but handeling is even more important.
