Arrma Gorgon vs. Arrma Quake: Budget Basher or Brushless Beast?

Paul Onorato April 30, 2026 Stories

ARRMA GORGON

The Gorgon is widely recognized as the king of budget-friendly 1/10-scale bashing. It’s a 2WD monster truck that focuses on durability and simplicity. This vehicle offers the full Arrma experience at the most affordable price point in the 1/10-scale lineup, making it a value-first choice for any driver. Though it comes equipped with a brushed motor, the driveline is brushless-ready, with internal gears and a transmission built to handle high-power upgrades later. It features a unique hidden body mount system that uses a quick-release mechanism to eliminate traditional body clips for a cleaner, scale look. Maintenance is simplified further with a bottom-loading battery tray that allows for swaps in seconds without removing the body shell. Additionally, the Gorgon comes standard with rubber-shielded ball bearings throughout, providing a significant durability boost over the plastic bushings often found in budget rigs.

Gorgon Quick Specs

Scale: 1/10
Drivetrain: 2WD
Power System: MEGA 550 Brushed (14 Turn)
ESC/Receiver: Spektrum 2-in-1 25A Waterproof
Servo: Spektrum S660 Waterproof Digital
Radio: Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz
Top Speed: 20+mph
Battery Connection: IC3 (EC3 Compatible)
Item #: ARA3230T1
Price: $159.99

ARRMA QUAKE

The Quake is part of Arrma’s 223S series, designed to bridge the gap between intermediate bashing and pro-level speed. It is a significant step up in technology and power. This platform is designed for incredible versatility, running reliably on 2S LiPo for manageable speed or 3S LiPo for pro-level 50+mph runs. To help manage that power, it includes Spektrum Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) technology, which provides electronic steering assistance to keep the truck straight on loose or slippery surfaces. The drivetrain is bolstered by a factory-assembled metal-gear differential to handle the massive torque of the brushless motor. For high-speed durability, a rugged latch-based clipless body system ensures the shell stays secure during tumbles. To maintain peak performance during intense sessions, the Quake also comes factory-equipped with an Arrma 40mm motor cooling fan.

Quake Quick Specs

Scale: 1/10
Drivetrain: 2WD
Power System: Spektrum 3660 4000Kv Brushless
ESC/Receiver: Spektrum 2-in-1 45A Brushless (2S/3S Compatible)
Servo: Spektrum S681 Metal-Geared Waterproof
Radio: Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Top Speed: 35+mph (on 2S) / 50+mph (on 3S)
Battery Connection: IC5 (EC5 Compatible)
Item #: ARA3537T1 (Red), ARA3537T2 (Purple), ARA3537T3 (Green)
Price: $269.99

Power and Speed Comparison

The most obvious difference between these two trucks is the motor. The Gorgon uses a brushed MEGA 550 motor, topping out around 20mph. It’s perfect for backyard bashing and learning the ropes without constant repairs. The Quake, however, is a brushless machine. Out of the box on a 2S battery, it is nearly twice as fast as the Gorgon, and on 3S, it enters a different category of performance entirely.

Arrma Gorgon vs. Arrma Quake: Budget Basher or Brushless Beast?

Stability and Electronics

While both trucks use the Spektrum SLT2 radio, the Quake includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). For a 2WD monster truck, this is a game-changer. DSC helps counteract the “spinning out” effect common with high-power 2WD vehicles on dirt or gravel. The Quake also boasts a metal-geared steering servo (S681), providing more durability and torque compared to the Gorgon’s S660 plastic-geared unit.

Price and Upgrade Path

Price is the major fork in the road for many enthusiasts. The Quake carries a price of $269.99 and is aimed at the driver who wants 50mph speed and stability assistance immediately without needing to wrench on the truck first. However, the Gorgon offers a unique advantage for those starting from scratch. While the standard version (#ARA3230T1) is available for $159.99, it is also offered as a complete combo package for $189.99 along with different body colors. The combo deal uses different part numbers (#ARA3230ST1 Yellow, #ARA3230ST2 Red, #ARA3230ST3 Gun Metal, #ARA3230ST4 Purple, #ARA3230ST5 Blue) and includes a Spektrum Smart NiMH battery and a USB charger right in the box.

This makes the “all-in” price of the Gorgon significantly lower than the Quake, leaving more room in your budget for future upgrades. Because the Gorgon is “brushless-ready,” many hobbyists choose this rig as project truck, starting with the included setup and slowly upgrading the electronics as their skills grow. Please note that the prices listed in this article were accurate at the time of publication; we recommend checking the current price before making your final purchase.

Final Thoughts

If you are a first-time hobbyist or shopping for a younger driver, the Arrma Gorgon is arguably the best “bang-for-your-buck” 1/10-scale truck on the market. It is durable, easy to maintain, and grows with you. However, if you have already mastered the basics and want a truck that can pull wheelies at 30mph and stay pinned to the ground at 50mph, the Arrma Quake is the clear choice for you. The Quake isn’t just a faster Gorgon; it’s a more sophisticated platform with metal internals and stability tech designed to handle serious power.