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The Tamiya TT-02 kit has been featured on my YouTube channel many times. I have built just about every variant. Here is how I would rank the nine different TT-02 kits plus a couple TT-01E’s as well.
Let me start at the bottom in the D Tier. By far the worst variant is the TT-02T Sand Shaker. I bought mine from an online dealer in Japan. I consider it to be a novelty. Don’t waste your money on this truck unless you are just collecting the different variants.
Next are the TT-02’s that I would not buy again. They are not necessarily bad in my opinion. I just wouldn’t recommend these kits to anyone, especially someone new to the hobby.
The TT-02D Drift Spec is an example of the incredible versatility of the TT-02 platform. Unfortunately, it is not a very good RC drift car. It remains to be a shaft-driven 4WD chassis unless you install the $70 aftermarket RWD kit. You are better off buying a purpose-built drift chassis at the same prices as the TT-02D.
I bought the TT-02FT Quadtrack when it first came out. It looked so cool and interesting to build. However when I watched review videos, the biggest complaint was how tedious the tracks are. Mine is still sealed new in box. I have no plans to build it anytime soon.
The original Tamiya shaft-driven 4WD tub chassis, the TT-01, was launched in 2003. It was upgraded in 2008 with LCB battery & motor positions as well as improved front uprights.1 I think the TT-02 is a better option unless there’s a body shell that is only available on the TT-01E.
I ranked the TT-02D Drift Spec, TT-02FT Quadtrack and TT-01E with touring car bodies in the C tier. You definitely have better choices.
Next are two TT-02 variants I have neutral feelings about. Both have their place in the TT lineup.
I think the street car body TT-02 kits are great for someone who wants to put their 1:1 vehicle on a shelf. You can display the box or a completed RC car and somewhere in between. You can also buy a display chassis for the painted body shell and wheels.
The TT-02RR is a special racing variant that comes with many hop-ups included in the box. It does not come with a motor, ESC or body shell. It is meant for someone who wants to compete in a club race. I’ve also seen the TT-02RR being used for speed runs that reached over 100mph. Very impressive!
I rank both the TT-02 street car and TT-02RR chassis in the B tier. They are good options that fills its purpose well. However, I believe there are better TT-02 variants to buy.
We are getting close to the top. These next four TT-02 variants are all at the top of its class. I would recommend them to anyone looking to get into different levels of RC car hobby.
If you have nothing but dirt roads around, the TT-02B is definitely worth a look. It’s a 4WD buggy based on the TT-02 platform. With longer dampers and off-road tires, it is both fun and competitive in the dirt.
The Type-SRX is the top of the line TT-02. If you’re a seasoned racer looking for an upgraded chassis, take a look at the Type-SRX. It comes with many racing hop-on’s only found on this variant.
Why is there a TT-01E chassis in the A tier? This is no ordinary kit. When adapted to become a Eurotruck, the sheer fun of the driving experience outweighs any downsides of the chassis. It is so popular as a racing class that there is a regulatory organization called the Euro Truck Racing League (ETRL). How cool is that?!
The TT-02 GT cars are the kits I would gift someone looking to start in club racing. The body aerodynamics and rear spoiler makes a huge difference on the track.
Finally, the top tier of the TT-02 variants is what I considered to be a swiss army knife of RC cars. That will be the TT-02 rally cars such as this 1999 Subaru Impreza Monte Carlo. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed the newer rally kits, such as the Toyota GAZOO WRT/GR Yaris, do not come with block tires. Tamiya probably wants you to buy them separately. “Cha-ching”
Well there you go. My rankings for the TT-02 chassis. Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to watch the tier list video.
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