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Deal.ai › Compare

HPI Racing Baja 5B vs Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck

The XRT is the better buy for most shoppers. It arrives assembled, runs on 8S brushless power, has full-time 4WD and Traxxas Stability Management, and owners praise its toughness and parts support. The Baja 5B is a self-build kit with no engine or electronics, so it only suits experienced builders who want a gas 2WD buggy and enjoy assembly. On build, the Baja's 4mm 6061 aluminum monocoque and sealed viscous differential are proven, but the XRT's steel CV drivetrain and sealed electronics need less upkeep.

  • Choose the HPI Baja 5B if you are an experienced builder who wants a 1/5 gas buggy kit, plans to fit your own 23-32cc engine and electronics, and enjoys long build projects and 2-stroke tuning.
  • Choose the Traxxas XRT if you want a 1/5 truck that runs out of the box on 8S brushless power with 4WD, stability control and strong parts support.

Prices

  • HPI Racing Baja 5B: $739.99 at Cardinal Racing (last seen Nov 2)
  • Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck: $1,099.95 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the HPI Racing Baja 5B is $359.96 cheaper than the Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 12)
HPI Racing
HPI Racing Baja 5B 1/5 Scale Gas Buggy

HPI Racing Baja 5B

HPI Racing Baja 5B 1/5 Scale Gas Buggy

$739.99at Cardinal RacingChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit Cardinal Racing
Pros
  • Proven 1/5 desert buggy platform
  • Strong 4mm aluminum monocoque chassis
  • Sealed viscous differential and all-metal drivetrain
  • Long-travel adjustable HD coilover shocks
  • Up to 30-minute runtimes on a tank
Cons
  • Kit only; engine and electronics not included
  • 2WD only
  • Expert build skill required
  • Gas engine tuning and fuel mixing add work
  • No radio, servos or receiver in the box
Traxxas
Traxxas XRT 1/5 Scale 4WD Truck w/ 8S ESC

Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck

Traxxas XRT 1/5 Scale 4WD Truck w/ 8S ESC

$1,099.95at AmazonChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Runs out of the box on 8S brushless power
  • Full-time 4WD with steel CV driveshafts
  • Traxxas Stability Management aids low-traction runs
  • TQi radio with telemetry and 30-model memory
  • Wide parts and upgrade support
Cons
  • Batteries and charger sold separately
  • Lower ground clearance than the buggy
  • Composite chassis, not aluminum
  • Needs two 4S packs for full 60+ mph

What separates them

HPI Racing Baja 5BTraxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck
AssemblySelf-build kit; you supply engine and electronicsReady-to-run; add two 4S LiPo batteries
PowerGas 2-stroke, 23-32cc, up to 30-minute runtimesVelineon 1200XL brushless, 8S LiPo, 60+ mph
Drivetrain2WD with viscous oil-filled differentialFull-time shaft-driven 4WD with steel CV shafts
Chassis4mm 6061 T6 aluminum monocoqueX-Truck composite chassis with low ground clearance
Driver aidsNone; mechanical setup onlyTraxxas Stability Management, adjustable 0-100%
Radio and telemetryNot includedTQi 2.4GHz with Traxxas Link telemetry, 30-model memory
Skill levelExpert builders onlyBeginner to intermediate
MaintenanceFuel mixing, engine tuning, more wrench timeCharge batteries, less tuning

Price history

  • HPI Racing Baja 5B: lowest $739.99 on Nov 3 at Cardinal Racing.
  • Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck: lowest $1,099.95 on Nov 12 at Small Addictions RC.

Prices at every store

HPI Racing Baja 5B

  • Cardinal RacingNew

    Availability unknown

    $739.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit Cardinal Racing
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $749.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $799.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit Walmart
  • Eliminator-RCNew

    Availability unknown

    $802.28Checked Nov 2
    Visit Eliminator-RC

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck

  • Small Addictions RCNew

    In stock

    $1,099.95Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Small Addictions RC
  • TraxxasNew

    In stock

    $1,099.95Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Traxxas
  • HobbyTownNew

    In stock

    $1,099.95+ $56.00 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit HobbyTown
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,099.95Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • 997 RC RacewayCheck price at 997 RC Raceway

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHPI Racing Baja 5BTraxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck
Recommended AgeAdult—
Product TypeOff-Road Buggy Kit—
ThemeCars—
Construction TypeSelf-Assembly Kit—
Skill LevelExpert, Experienced kit builders—
Quantity1—
SizeOver 80cm (nearly 32 inches) long—
Batteries RequiredYes—
Battery Size6V hump style (2+3) pack (receiver battery)—
Power Source TypeGas-powered—
Typical UsersSerious hobbyists—
Weight9.6 kg—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHPI Racing Baja 5BTraxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck
Dimensions255mm (Height)—
PersonalizedYes—
Pocket SizeNo—
Assembly RequiredYes—
Durability FeaturesShields engine and internal components from dam…—
Drive Type2WD—
Motor TypeGas—
Scale1:5—
Supported AccessoriesElectronics, 23-32cc RC engine—
Top speed

What reviewers say

HPI Racing Baja 5B

Owners of the Baja 5B platform praise its toughness and the way the big chassis handles rough ground at speed. The main complaints are the cost and effort of completing the kit and the maintenance a gas 1/5 buggy demands.

What people mention
  • BuildMixedBuilders enjoy assembling a large-scale kit but describe it as a long, expert-level project.
  • DurabilityPraisedThe aluminum chassis and HD drivetrain are cited as holding up to crashes and rough terrain.
  • Engine choicePraisedThe 23-32cc engine bay lets owners pick their own powerplant and reach long runtimes.
  • WeightCriticisedAt about 9.6 kg finished, owners find it heavy to carry and recover.

Traxxas XRT 1/5 4WD Truck

Owners treat the XRT as a fast, tough 1/5 basher that handles rough ground well for its size. Most praise the power and cooling, while some note it needs two batteries and eats tires.

What people mention
  • PowerPraisedOwners say the 8S setup delivers strong acceleration and top speed.
  • CoolingPraisedThe dual motor fans and heatsink keep temperatures in check during hard runs.
  • BatteryMixedIt takes two 4S LiPos for full performance, which owners note adds cost and prep.
  • StabilityPraisedTSM helps keep the big truck straight on loose ground.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a beginner?
The XRT. It comes assembled and running, with stability control and a radio included. The Baja 5B is a kit for expert builders and needs an engine and electronics.
Which lasts longer?
Both are durable, but they wear differently. The Baja's aluminum chassis and sealed differential hold up well with engine maintenance. The XRT's brushless system and steel CV drivetrain need less tuning but depend on battery care.
Is the XRT worth stepping up to over the Baja?
For most shoppers, yes. You get 4WD, brushless power, telemetry and no build work. Step to the Baja only if you specifically want a gas 2WD buggy and enjoy building.
Can the Baja 5B run without an engine?
No. The kit ships without an engine, radio or servos. You need a 23-32cc 2-stroke engine, a receiver battery and electronics to complete it.
Which handles rough off-road terrain better?
The Baja 5B, with its long-travel suspension and higher ground clearance, suits rough desert-style terrain. The XRT is faster and more stable but sits lower.
Do both need batteries?
The XRT needs two 4S LiPo drive batteries and a charger. The Baja needs a 6V hump receiver pack plus its own engine and electronics.

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—
60+MPH
Model number—78086-4
Wheel diameter—3.8"
Hub size—24mm splined
Length including wing—31.41 inches (798mm)
Front track—23.43 inches (595mm)
Rear track—23.43 inches (595mm)
Ground clearance—1.93 inches (49mm)
Wheelbase—18.9 inches (480mm)
Radio system—TQi 2.4GHz transmitter with TSM receiver
Motor—Velineon 1200XL brushless with heat sink and du…