If u let me choose, I must choose Kyosho one, 2wd can be very fun to drive, the car is lighter, therefore better jump, and the power consumption is low too therefore more running time. Tamiya have not yet build a serious 2wd offroad yet ......
If owned DF02 before, very good and fast. Can find spare parts and has many hopups (share some of TT001 hopup parts). I sold it and now play DT02 Desert Gator. I bought all the hopups for it as they are not expensive. The best hopup is the ball diff. Makes a big difference to handling. I like 2wd buggy more than 4wd. The biggest compliant I have with DT02 is no choice of gear. It comes with 17t pinion and can choose 19t but it is not standard gear so can't find anywhere. I find DT02 is slower than DF02 but I still like DT02 more .
Finally there's user comment for the Gator.
How much did u get the ball diff for? I heard that a slipper clutch will be available later, but i doubt about it.
The pinion is a special one?? As far as i remember, it's standard type like other tamiyas, isn't it?
I paid $115 for the ball diff. It has some sort of slipper clutch effect. The gears used in DT02 are not standard and no spare to be found in kws as I know. Hope GPM is kind enough to make some.
i think 19t with a stronger motor will improve the performance a bit...i tried original silver can, black sport tune, and 23t. 23t gives better performance but not significant. With 19t, i think it will make more acceleration...let's put it this way, i don't think i can jump with 23t.
i won't say 2wd is better than 4wd. It is really a matter of personal choice. I feel Tamiya buggies are made for fun rather than serious competition. As mentioned by other brothers above Associated and Losi made some serious EP buggies for racing.