the first question is how mechanicly inclined are you?(hopefully better than my spelling) i would go for the kit because it would be alot better if you knew what your doing. but if you cant handle putting it together then a rtr would be better for you. i personally find it fun to put together a car with all of the parts i want. remember that a kit will cost you more than $400 though. are you new to rc, if so you may want to get a rtr, if not go for a kit.