Which is better for a beginner?

The Losi. It arrives assembled with a battery, charger and transmitter, so you charge it and drive. The Hornet EVO needs building plus a radio, servo, battery and charger before it moves.

The Losi is rated at 20+ mph out of the box. Tamiya does not publish a top speed for the Hornet EVO; its 540 brushed motor on 7.2-7.4V NiMH is typically slower in stock form.

Can I drive the Hornet EVO on pavement?

Yes, but it is set up for off-road with spike rear tires and ribbed fronts. The Losi is built for asphalt and handles it better.

Is the Losi worth the extra money?

At $199.99 versus $166.59, the $33 gap buys a battery, charger, transmitter, servo and AWD. For a first car, that is the better value.

The Hornet EVO is easier to keep running long term: sealed gearbox, ball bearings, oil dampers and wide 1/10 parts support. The Losi's brushed 380 motor is a wear item.

Which is better for a collector?

The Hornet EVO. It updates a 1984 icon and is listed for collector use. The Losi is a current race-livery runner.

Losi 1/12 Asphalt Late Model vs Tamiya Hornet EVO

Buy the Losi Asphalt Late Model for a ready-to-run on-road stock car you can race indoors or on smooth pavement the day it arrives. Buy the Tamiya Hornet EVO if you want a build project and an off-road buggy with a 1984 lineage. The Losi is $199.99 at Walmart as of November 4, 2026; the Hornet EVO is $166.59 at Bay Shore Hobbies & Toys as of the same date.

Today the Tamiya Hornet EVO costs $33.40 less at its best price.

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