Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Jaxon Mike
The Traxxas E-Revo is one of the most popular and well-known monster trucks in RC racing. First released in 2006, the E-Revo featured a brushless motor and innovative suspension design that made it a top choice for bashing and racing. In 2016, Traxxas introduced the E-Revo 2.0, an upgraded and enhanced version of the original truck. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how the E-Revo 2.0 compares to the original E-Revo.
Here is an in-depth comparison table for the Traxxas E-Revo vs E-Revo 2.0:
| Specs | E-Revo | E-Revo 2.0 |
| Motor | Velineon 3500kV brushless | Velineon 1600XL brushless |
| ESC | XL-5 waterproof ESC | VXL-6s waterproof ESC |
| Max Voltage | 4S LiPo | 6S LiPo |
| Top Speed | 50+ mph | 70+ mph |
| Acceleration | Brushless power | More torque and power |
| Chassis | Composite tub | Larger composite tub |
| Suspension | Coil over shocks with progressive springs | Beefier shocks and springs with more travel |
| Shocks | Plastic bodies and caps | Aluminum bodies and caps |
| Drivetrain | Spur gear differential | Reinforced metal differential gears |
| Stub Axles | Plastic | Metal |
| Wheel Hexes | 14mm | 17mm |
| Tires | Stage 1 talon tires | Stage 2 talon tires |
| Radio | TQi 2.4GHz radio system | TQi 2.4GHz radio system |
| Telemetry | None | Bluetooth module included |
| Notable Features | Brushless innovation, progressive rate suspension | 6S power, adjustable sway bars, stronger drivetrain |
| Durability | Very good for its time | More heavy duty parts throughout |
| Release Year | 2006 | 2016 |
| PRICE | CHECK LATEST PRICE | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
E-Revo Overview
History and Original Release
When the first Traxxas E-Revo was released in 2006, it was ahead of its time with a powerful brushless motor and advanced suspension technology. Brushless motors were still quite new in RC cars at the time, and the E-Revo proved their performance potential. It quickly became one of the most popular RC monster trucks.
The E-Revo featured a Castle Creations Velineon 3500 brushless motor that delivered incredible speed and acceleration. It had a tough transmission and drivetrain components that could handle the power. The suspension utilized progressive rate coil-over shocks and strong composite arms for rugged durability.
Features and Specs
Some key features and specs of the original E-Revo:
- Castle Creations Velineon 3500kV brushless motor
- Waterproof XL-5 ESC with LiPo compatibility
- Low-profile radio box for precise steering
- Adjustable steel turnbuckles and toe links
- Oil-filled coilover shocks with progressive rate springs
- Beefy 8mm spiral cut shafts and CVDs
- 14mm hex hubs and stub axles
With the Velineon 3500 motor, the truck could hit over 50mph. The drivetrain was robust enough for 4S LiPo battery power. The suspension soaked up big jumps and hard landings. It established a new level of monster truck performance.
Performance and Handling
The E-Revo delivered race-level speed and acceleration, even on low traction surfaces. The progressive rate suspension provided a plush ride at slower speeds for better control. At higher speeds, the suspension firmed up for stability and handling. The waterproof electronics allowed bashing in all conditions.
While fast for a monster truck, the E-Revo was still optimized for control and durability over flat out speed runs. The low-profile servo and chassis design gave it very responsive steering. For a high-performance monster truck, it was remarkably easy to drive. Bashers and racers loved the E-Revo for its durability and well-rounded abilities.
E-Revo 2.0 Updates
In 2016, Traxxas released the E-Revo 2.0. This updated truck incorporated new technology and refinements to improve performance, durability, and capabilities.
Changes and Improvements
The E-Revo 2.0 features a long list of enhancements over the original:
- Re-engineered chassis for greater torsional rigidity
- Stronger shock towers, bulkheads, and suspension arms
- Larger diameter shocks and springs for increased travel
- New GTR shock pistons for more precise damping
- New rear axle carriers and stub axles
- Beefed up differentials with metal gears
- Redesigned motor mount and slipper clutch
- New wheels, tires, and foam inserts
New Features and Components
Major new features included:
- Velineon VXL-6s ESC capable of up to 24 volts
- Velineon 1600XL 6s motor with more efficiency
- High torque metal gear digital steering servo
- Pre-fitted sway bar kit for greater cornering traction
- Factory installed telemetry with Bluetooth connectivity
Enhanced Durability and Power
The redesigned parts, bulked up drivetrain, and electronics updates allowed the E-Revo 2.0 to handle more power and abuse than the original. The new Velineon motor and VXL-6s ESC let it run on up to 6S LiPo batteries for absolutely insane speed and acceleration.
Despite the increased capabilities, the 2.0 retained the plush suspension action and stability of the original truck. Durable new wheels and tires provided better grip and control for conquering rough terrain.
Direct Comparison
Now let’s directly compare some key aspects of the original E-Revo and the 2.0 side-by-side:
Design and Aesthetics
The 2.0 retains the iconic E-Revo look but with a more muscular stance. The larger diameter shocks, beefed up chassis, and redesigned components give it a more aggressive and capable appearance while keeping the classic E-Revo style.
Speed and Acceleration
The original E-Revo with the 3500 motor was fast, but the updated 1600XL motor and 6S capable ESC in the 2.0 allow it to reach over 70mph on 6S power—nearly 20mph faster than the original. It has outrageous torque and acceleration.
Durability and Parts
The E-Revo 2.0 is built stronger in nearly every aspect. The reinforced chassis, thicker suspension arms, oversized shocks, beefed up diff gears, and heavier duty axles make it even tougher. Aftermarket parts availability is also better for the 2.0.
Performance Comparison
Let’s take a deeper look at how the performance and capabilities differ between the original E-Revo and the 2.0:
Speed Runs
With the Velineon 1600XL motor and 6S compatible ESC, the E-Revo 2.0 is simply in another league when it comes to pure speed compared to the original. While the 3500 motor was fast for its time, running 4S packs, the 2.0 can hit over 70mph on 6S power. It reaches insane speeds even on just 4S batteries. The 2.0 is hands down much faster.
Bashing Ability
The E-Revo 2.0’s greater suspension travel, beefier components, and stability improvements make it the better basher. It can jump bigger, crash harder, and keep going. The larger shocks better absorb big landings, while the reinforced chassis, arms, and drivetrain components handle abuse better.
Racing Performance
The 2.0 has the edge for racing as well. The adjustable sway bars allow tuning cornering grip and traction. The low-profile servo and chassis yield sharp handling. The huge power of the 6S Velineon motor gives it explosive acceleration out of corners. And the tires offer increased bite on loose dirt surfaces.
Terrain Handling
Both trucks boast great terrain handling abilities. But the 2.0’s greater ground clearance, better tires, and improved chassis rigidity give it a slight edge for tackling rough terrain and obstacles at speed. The sway bar also helps maintain stability off-road.
Long Term Durability
Being built stronger and beefier throughout, the 2.0 clearly has the advantage in long term durability. The all metal gears, thicker components, oversized shocks, and reinforced chassis are built to withstand more bashes and crashes over time. Routine maintenance like shock rebuilds will be needed less often.
Electronics
The 2.0’s electronics are vastly improved with the Velineon 1600XL motor, VXL-6s ESC, and high torque servo. They deliver more power and precision. The Bluetooth module also allows tuning and monitoring via a phone app. The original E-Revo electronics were advanced when new but don’t compare now.
Value
At its launch, the E-Revo 2.0 commanded over a $100 premium in price over the original, which was a substantial increase. However, it delivers a lot more performance, capabilities, and long-term durability to justify the higher cost. Compared to the 2.0, the original E-Revo now seems under-powered and dated.
Recommendations
For Bashing
The E-Revo 2.0 is easily the better choice for hardcore bashing. It can simply withstand crashes and jumps that would break the original. The increased travel suspension soaks up big air better while the beefed up chassis and components handle the abuse. It also has more power on tap when you need it.
For Racing
The 2.0 is also the better racing truck now thanks to the greater tuning options with the sway bars, much more responsive steering, and the incredible power and acceleration advantage of the 6S power system. It corner and accelerates out of turns better.
Buying Used
If looking to buy used, the 2.0 would again be recommended despite the higher initial cost. The increased durability will make it last longer and require fewer repairs down the road despite hard use from previous owners. Replacement parts are also easier to find.
New Buyers
For those new to RC monster trucks, the 2.0 is the obvious choice despite being priced higher than the outdated original E-Revo. It’s a much more advanced and higher performing truck that won’t leave you wanting more power or durability. It’s a better long term investment.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between the E-Revo and E-Revo 2.0?
The 2.0 has a more powerful brushless motor and ESC that can run on up to 6S LiPo batteries, allowing for speeds over 70mph. It also has vastly improved durability with a reinforced chassis, beefed up drivetrain, and thicker suspension components.
Which is faster, the original E-Revo or 2.0?
The E-Revo 2.0 is significantly faster, capable of over 70mph on 6S batteries compared to about 50mph on 4S for the original. The more efficient Velineon 1600XL motor provides insane power and acceleration.
Is the E-Revo 2.0 worth the higher cost?
Yes, the 2.0 is better in pretty much every way and justifies the higher original price. It delivers a lot more power, speed, durability, and long term value over the original E-Revo.
Can I run 6S batteries in my original E-Revo?
No, the original E-Revo should be limited to 4S LiPo batteries max. The truck wasn’t designed to handle the power of 6S setups. The 2.0 can safely utilize 6S packs thanks to its reinforced drivetrain.
Which is the better racing truck, the E-Revo or 2.0?
The 2.0 is easily the better racing truck. It has greater steering precision, adjustable sway bars for tuning grip, much more power from the 6S motor, and higher quality tires for increased traction.
Conclusion
In the 10 years since the original E-Revo was launched, Traxxas made the 2.0 version bigger, stronger, and faster while retaining the precise handling of the original. With brute power, greater durability, and more adjustability, the E-Revo 2.0 is undoubtedly the superior truck compared to the game-changing original. While innovative when new, the original E-Revo simply can’t compete with performance envelope of the 2.0. For both new and experienced RC drivers looking for top-level monster truck performance, the E-Revo 2.0 is clearly the truck to get.
I am Jaxon Mike, the owner of the Rcfact website. Jaxon Mike is the father of only one child. My son Smith and me we are both RC lovers. In this blog, I will share tips on all things RC including our activities, and also share with you reviews of RC toys that I have used.