RC18MT Vs. Mini-LST

[suicide_star]

So, my friend and i ran a few tests to figure out which r/c was better out of the box. The Losi Mini-LST looked like a better offroad truck because the tires are wider/taller, the stance is a little wider and it sits significantly higher, in fact, the Mini-LST is a bigger truck than the Associated RC18MT.

Here are a few specs on each car:
Losi Mini-LST
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/rhodified/mini_lst_e.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/rhodified/mini_lst_i.jpg
Specifications:
Scale - 1/18
Length - 271mm
Width - 209mm
Wheelbase - 185mm
Weight - 1000g
Chassis - Dual Deck Aluminum
Suspension - 4 Wheels Independent
Drive Train - 4WD with 3 differentials and Reverse
Battery - 7.4V NiMh
Motor - Dual 370 Class


RC18MT
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/rhodified/18MTbody_300.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/rhodified/untitled-2.jpg
Specifications:
Scale - 1:18
Length - 225mm
Width - 188mm
Wheelbase - 154mm
Weight - 605g
Internal Gear Ratio 2.5:1
Drive - 4WD shaft drive
Battery - 7.4V NiMH
Motor - Single 370 Class

Just looking at the specs, you can assume that the RC18MT would be a better truck for flat terrain and asphalt while the Mini-LST would perform better on rugged terrain and rocks.

We conducted 4 tests and the results are as follows:

On Road:
The RC18MT was significantly faster than the Mini-LST, but the Mini-LST has a slightly better turn radius. The RC18MT had better throttle response all around.

In Grass:
The RC18MT had a little trouble in grass mostly because it sits lower to the ground than the Mini-LST. All around, the Mini-LST handled better and accelerated better in the grass.

In Rocks:
The Mini-LST handled much better than the RC18MT in the rocks, while the RC18MT accelerated faster in the rocks, it was too hard to control to actually beat the Mini-LST in a race.

Crawling:

Both cars are horrible crawlers out of the box, mostly because the slip differentials are too sensitive, in both rock crawling tests we conducted, both cars performed about the same.

Videos will be up later this evening or early tomorrow morning with all of our tests as well as more theories, conclusions, etc...

Opinions:
suicide_star- I actually think the RC18MT is better all around out of the box, it's a better car for less experienced drivers and the chassis layout is more basic and looks easier to work on than the Mini-LST; however, i think the Mini-LST has significantly more potential after upgrading.

HERE'S THE VIDEO: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5031807346992292193&q=rc19mt&ei=6u2DSLGzLI_ArgKq7d3IDA&hl=en

[KITT222]

i have an RC18MT with a new motor and a new body with KITT-like lights. its pretty good for me!

[suicide_star]

bump, test results video added.

[mustanglover]

where the link?
now i see it you must have just put it in.

[Donziikid]

Nice test, Suicide.

I beleive the RC18MT differentials are more sensitive than the LOSI LST. I've gone through three differentials in the past two days.. :lol:

[Sweed]

I would go with the MLST. The shocks are big (and bad [booya]), it's Losi. Twin engines rock for torque and you can gear it to the sky. It's also a dedicated chassis, not one that was redesigned to be a truck.

But, I almost bought a RC18MT to convert to a Rallye Car...

[suicide_star]

the stock stance of the MLST hinders it a bunch, with some adjustable springs, or spacers, it would sit at least 3/4" higher. donzii, get a 3racing ball differential imo, they aren't but about $20. as far as out of the box, the RC18 is fun and very userfriendly.