After owning both the Cen and currently still own a 4tec 3.3, I can't say the cen can't hold a candle to it, they arre two different animals. The 4tec is overpowered where as the Cen was much more balanced with great top end. The 4tec was all top end. Both were similar in top end but the traxxas didn't need 1/4 mile to reach top end. My only gripe with the 4tec is handling. Its OK and can be made acceptable with a lot of setup, the Cen was much easier to drive fast. As for the HPI.. been there.. sold it quickly was very dissapointed with the top end. The handling was fine for racing, just too slow. If I can hold full throttle for more than a couple of seconds, its too slow.. JMO