Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / November 2005

Not sure if you have seen the controversial series of articles done by
RC Driver but they tested the M18, RS4 and BRP SC18 V2.  In it all
three were tested on a carpet track designed for 1/18 cars.  They had
multiple drivers drive each car to eliminate the "driver skill" factor.
They tested them in a "stock" set-up as most people would run them, a
mild-mod setup then a "max the charge card" brushless setup.  The BRP
was the cheapest car in each class, and spanked the others every time.
In the final test the RS4 was rebuilt from the ground up with a bunch
of options including a $75 chassis.  The M18 recieved a $56 chassis and
a bunch of shiny metal parts.  The BRP, it got a motor mount so they
could mount up the Mamba, that's it.  Yeah, it still took them.

The reason I say it was controversial was because some of the RS4 and
M18 owners have been complaining.  After the first article I read that
the article was fixed because the SC18 had "better electronics" and
that was why it won.  When they put the same electronics in all three
and it still won there were outrage that the article was even written.
While it is Ok for an RS4 owner to say, "My 4wd car wil pwn your 2wd."
when a magazine tries to actually test that claim, well that's just
crazy!

Final verdict according to Steve Trebing of RC Driver, "If the answer
is speed and handling on an indoor carpet track like we have been
testing at, the BRP is the hands-down best choice!  This car dominated
each round of testing for this project."  He went on to say if your
racing outside on asphalt, all three would have a fighting chance.  If
you are not limited to the RS4 and M18 then check out the SC18 V2.
They sell for less then $100 on eBay, brand new from BRP.  That is
cheaper then the other cars it beats.

As for my status on the bandwagon, at the time of the first article I
owned an RS4 Micro.  I never owned an M18.  I do not own an SC18, but
after those articles I want to.

To directly answer your question, the M18 did better in the tests then
the RS4.  Having owned an RS4 I can tell you I noticed the same
problems as they did.  Get to much traction, and the car flips.  Not
enough traction and it spins.  Just right, and the back end will "hop"
around the corner.  If your class limits you to the RS4 or M18
according to the articles I would suggest the M18.  I would also
recommend you check out one18th.com for guys that know the micros
inside and out.