The Tamiya Grasshopper and Tamiya Hornet are the two most recommended first builds in the whole Tamiya lineup, and picking between them trips up a lot of first-time builders. Both are 1/10 scale 2WD off-road buggies, both trace back to 1984, and both are still in production because the original design holds up. But they're not identical under the body — the differences affect what you'll spend to get one running and how it'll feel once it is.
Tamiya Grasshopper vs Hornet at a Glance
| Spec | Grasshopper | Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $127.40 | $166.60 |
| Motor | 380-size, brushed | 540-size, brushed |
| ESC (Speed Control) | Included | Included |
| Shocks | Plastic friction dampers | Oil-filled dampers (front and rear) |
| Length | 15.3 in (389mm) | 16.9 in (430mm) |
| Rear Tires | Paddle-style | High-grip spike |
| Suspension Layout | Independent swing front, rolling rigid rear | 4-wheel independent double wishbone |
| Ball Bearings | Compatible, sold separately | Full ball bearings included |
Tamiya Grasshopper: What Makes It a Great First Build
The Grasshopper's biggest advantage for a true beginner is simple: the electronic speed control is already in the box. Between the included 380 motor and ESC, you're only sourcing a radio with servo, a 7.2V battery, and a charger before it's ready to run — fewer separate purchases and fewer compatibility questions to sort out on your first build. The plastic friction dampers won't soak up bumps the way an oil-filled shock does, but for a first kit on a driveway or a park path, that's rarely the thing that matters.
Tamiya Hornet: What Makes It Different
The Hornet EVO steps up from the Grasshopper in real, meaningful ways. It runs a larger 540-size motor with an ESC included, just like the Grasshopper, so you're not budgeting for a separate speed control. The bigger difference is underneath: the Hornet EVO uses 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with oil-filled dampers on all four corners, instead of the Grasshopper's simpler swing-axle front and rigid rear setup, and it ships with full ball bearings already installed rather than compatible-but-sold-separately. It also carries the classic orange-and-yellow color scheme from the original 1984 Hornet, so it's the look most people picture when they hear the name. If you want something different, Tamiya also sells a Jun Watanabe limited-edition colorway with a black-spotted white body and purple chassis — same kit underneath, different look. Once you've built it, a stainless steel screw kit is a common first upgrade, since it replaces the stock screws before they have a chance to rust or strip.
Tamiya Grasshopper vs Hornet: Which Is Cheaper to Get Running?
The Grasshopper is $39.20 cheaper than the Hornet EVO, and this time it's a straightforward comparison — both kits include their ESC, so there's no hidden cost to add on either side. The Hornet EVO's higher price buys real hardware: full ball bearings instead of sold-separately, and independent double wishbone suspension with oil dampers on all four corners instead of the Grasshopper's simpler swing-axle setup. If budget is the deciding factor, the Grasshopper gets you running for less. If you'd rather have the more capable suspension built in from the start, the Hornet EVO's extra cost is going toward real upgrades, not just a bigger motor.
Tamiya Grasshopper vs Hornet: Which Handles Better?
This is where the two kits genuinely diverge. The Grasshopper's independent swing-axle front and rigid rear axle is simple and easy to maintain, but it's a basic setup by design. The Hornet EVO's 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension, paired with oil-filled dampers on all four corners instead of just some, lets each wheel move independently over rough terrain — the kind of setup that soaks up bumps and holds a line through corners more predictably. Tire tread plays a role too: the Grasshopper's paddle-style rear tires dig into loose dirt, while the Hornet EVO's high-grip spike tires tend to grip better on harder-packed ground. But the suspension architecture is the bigger factor here, and it's a real step up on the Hornet EVO.
Final Verdict: Tamiya Grasshopper or Hornet?
If you want the lowest-cost, simplest path to your first run, the Grasshopper is the easier starting point — it's cheaper, and its swing-axle suspension is simple to understand and maintain. If you're willing to spend more for a genuinely more capable kit, the Hornet EVO's double wishbone suspension and full ball bearings make it the stronger buggy once it's built, and the classic orange-and-yellow look is the Hornet most people expect. Either way, you're building on the same 1984 design that's been teaching people this hobby for decades.
More Tamiya Kits at AbsoluteHobbyz
Not sure either of these is the right first kit for you? Our guide to the best Tamiya kits for beginners covers more starting points by skill level and budget. Ready to browse everything in stock? Check out our full Tamiya RC car lineup.
