So after spending some time with both the Kyosho Optima re-release and the Tamiya Hotshot re-release, I’ve started to notice how different these two classic buggies feel — even to someone like me who’s still fairly new to RC racing. Both are legendary 4WD machines from the 80s, but driving them back-to-back really shows their personalities.
The Hotshot is pure Tamiya charm. It looks amazing — that sleek red body, the funky suspension layout, and the big off-road stance. But once you get it on the dirt, you can tell it’s a product of its time. The mono-shock suspension (one shock shared between both wheels in the front and rear) feels a little bouncy and stiff, and it doesn’t soak up bumps as well as more modern setups. As a beginner, that means you’ve got to be more careful with your throttle and steering inputs. Still, there’s something satisfying about wrestling it around a track — like you’re driving a piece of RC history that makes you earn every clean lap.
The Optima, on the other hand, feels more refined. Even though it’s also an 80s design, Kyosho built it with racing in mind, and you can tell. The suspension is more traditional with four independent oil shocks, and the aluminum ladder frame gives it a stiffer, more precise feel. It’s still old-school, but it drives smoother and handles bumps with a bit more composure than the Hotshot. As a beginner, that gave me more confidence to push it without feeling like the car was fighting me.
Where the Hotshot wins for me is in character. It’s quirky, it looks iconic, and it’s just plain fun to see it bouncing along. But if I were picking one to actually try learning racing basics on, the Optima would be my choice. It’s easier to drive consistently, and the whole build feels sturdier and more “engineered.”
Both of them attract attention, though. When I bring them out, people stop and want to talk about them — the Hotshot because it’s such a Tamiya classic, and the Optima because of its chain/belt drive and polished metal frame. As a beginner, that’s half the fun: you’re not just learning to drive, you’re also connecting with a whole RC culture that stretches back decades.
So if you’re starting out and want something more forgiving, I’d say the Optima is the way to go. But if you’re up for a challenge and love the idea of piloting a vintage icon with tons of personality, the Hotshot will definitely make you smile.
Tamiya Hotshot Chassis RC Car Practical Upgrade & Maintenance for Beginners has been developed from the ground up for beginners who are new to Tamiya Hotshot cars (Hotshot, Hotshot 2, Supershot/Super Hotshot…etc). It gives an introduction to their architectures. The primary goal is to explain various RC technical concepts and essential DIY upgrade & maintenance techniques in very simple language. Modern features such as 2.4G radio, Lipo batteries and brushless systems are covered in addition to the more traditional RC terminologies, techniques and technologies. We believe that this book and its support materials have everything you need for an informative, interesting, challenging and entertaining RC experience with cars based on the Hotshot chassis.
