DF-03 VS TT-02B Tamiya

Which one of Tamiya’s basic buggies is better out of these two?

It isn’t easy to pick.

You have to look more into it than just what you get with the kit - one is more expensive than the other so of course will have a bit more in the way of hop up parts as standard.

I think to make it fair price wise, we will compare the DF-03 with my TT-02b that has an alloy prop, motor mount, and bearings. This will pretty much even up the price of each car.

Let's look at the main reasons you would buy one of these two buggies:

Build Quality

Hands down the DF-03 out of the box is the more fun and challenging to build. The TT-02b has a super basic layout and no oil diffs.

The Dark Impact has ball diffs as standard. Both cars have oil shocks but the DF-03 ones seem better built and it wins this one.

Value for Money

That is a very hard one to call - with a few hop ups to bring it up to standard with the DF-03, the TT-02b literally comes in at the same price within a few pounds. Draw.

Parts Availability

The TT-02b is easily the most repairable and upgradeable buggy of the two. There are hundreds of hop up parts and spares are readily available. If you break a DF-03 you will probably need Ebay for some of the spares. The one main thing I want for mine is the slipper clutch and they are really expensive.

Driving

The DF-03 is easily more fun to drive with like-for-like electronics. It is much more nimble due to the reduced weight, and I’m confident it would be better on track.

DF-03 Likes:

• Lightness and nimble handling
• Slim chassis and layout
• Ball differentials

DF-03 Dislikes:

• Terrible parts availability
• No slipper clutch as standard
• Ridiculous battery fitment

TT-02b Likes:

• Loads of spares available
• Hop ups can take it to next level
• Solid tub chassis
• Will easily it 2s or 3s batteries

TT-02b Dislikes:

• Heavy
• Standard driveshafts are rubbish
• Steering is very inaccurate

Which one is best?

We have talked about the driving capability of both cars, but let’s be honest you do not buy either of these to go on track. You buy them to bash them around a field or a car park.

While the DF-03 has been a great addition to my collection and will put a smile on your face, it is no match for the TT-02b when it comes to why you actually want either of these cars.

I’m not confident it can run brushless without the slipper clutch and that prices it well over £200. For that money I think you could hop up a TT-02b to be a better car.

Then also the spares and hop ups issue - you will probably break it eventually and then you will be stuck. The fact I am thinking of selling my DF-03 to fund another build says it all in my mind. TT-02b wins the battle of the Tamiya budget buggies.