Mini-4wd Chassis Types
This page is intended to present the various Tamiya Mini-4wd chassis types that are currently available as well as legacy versions that are no longer available. I've tried to gather images of all the types I'm aware of, although having only really latched onto the hobby when I re-discovered it about a year ago I don't have to hand any legacy types (yet!). So if you have decent quality images of any chassis types I'm missing, or don't have listed yet please feel free to get in touch if you are happy to donate them to complete this page. Similarly if you have chassis types that are made by other brands which are different to the Tamiya ones again feel free to drop me a line with details and images so I can add them to this or an additional page. Although I love the Tamiya product I'm not adverse to making use of other brands if they have a model that Tamiya doesn't have in their catalogue.
MA Chassis
- Motor Layout: Center (Midship), double-shaft
- Features: Aerodynamic one-piece frame, low center of gravity, six rollers as standard, easy maintenance, suitable for both beginners and advanced racers
- Wheelbase: 80mm
- Notes: Excellent for high-speed tracks and technical courses
MS Chassis
- Motor Layout: Center (Midship), double-shaft
- Features: Modular 3-piece design (nose, center, tail), high rigidity, easy customisation, 80mm wheelbase, direct drive
- Notes: Favoured for its balance and flexibility in racing setups
AR Chassis
- Motor Layout: Rear, single-shaft
- Features: High rigidity, 6 rollers, low battery position, 82mm wheelbase, flat underside for low center of gravity, easy maintenance
- Notes: Popular for its stability and adaptability
FM-A Chassis
- Motor Layout: Front, single-shaft
- Features: Aero-optimized design, front motor layout for stability on up-and-down courses, reinforced bumper, quick motor access
- Notes: Designed for technical tracks with many slopes
Super II Chassis
- Motor Layout: Rear, single-shaft
- Features: Reinforced bumper, screw-secured cover, rear stay with rotating switches, excellent adaptability, 80mm wheelbase
- Notes: Durable and easy to upgrade
VS Chassis
- Motor Layout: Rear, single-shaft
- Features: Lightweight and compact, short 80mm wheelbase, hinged gear cover and battery holders for easy maintenance
- Notes: Highly agile, suitable for tight corners
VZ Chassis
- Motor Layout: Rear, single-shaft
- Features: Compact and lightweight, reinforced bumper and stays, easy to customize, 80mm wheelbase
- Notes: Modern design, versatile for various track conditions
Super TZ-X Chassis
- Motor Layout: Rear, single-shaft
- Features: Medium 82mm wheelbase, wide tread, additional screw holes on front bumper, reinforced rear stay
- Notes: Stable at high speeds
Super XX Chassis
- Motor Layout: Rear, single-shaft
- Features: Long wheelbase, wide tread, enhanced rigidity, nose guard for wide roller settings
- Notes: Excellent stability for high-speed courses
Super FM Chassis
- Motor Layout: Front, single-shaft
- Features: Aerodynamic underside, strengthened bumper, motor cooling ducts, rear roller stay
- Notes: Good for technical courses with elevation changes
Type 1-5 and Zero Chassis (Classic Series)
Type 1
Type 5
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Type 1: First off-road style, high ground clearance, 80mm wheelbase
-
Type 2: First on-road, large-diameter tires, long wheelbase
- Type 3: High ground clearance, wide setting range
- Type 4: Lowered battery position, long wheelbase for stability
- Type 5: Flat, aerodynamic, long wheelbase, lightweight
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Zero: Short wheelbase, low center of gravity, high cornering performance
Comparison Table
Chassis
MA
MS
AR
FM-A
Super-II
VS
VZ
Super TZ-X
Super XX
Super FM
Type 1–5/Zero
EZ
Motor Layout
Center
Center
Rear
Front
Rear
Rear
Rear
Rear
Rear
Front
Rear
Center
Shaft Type
Double
Double
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Double
Wheelbase
80mm
80mm
82mm
83mm
80mm
80mm
80mm
82mm
84mm
83mm
80–82mm
-
Key Features
Aerodynamic, 6 rollers, easy maintenance
Modular, high rigidity, customisable
Rigid, 6 rollers, low battery, flat underside
Aero design, front motor, reinforced bumper
Reinforced, adaptable, easy upgrades
Lightweight, compact, agile
Compact, reinforced, modern
Medium wheelbase, wide tread, reinforced
Long wheelbase, wide tread, rigid
Aero, cooling ducts, technical course ready
Classic, various features by type
Crawler, single AA, slow speed