most kits come as a rolling chassis(no radio gear, motor, or electrics) with a body. Some have wheels and tires, others don't. With a kit, you get to choose your own electrics combo. RTR's usually have entry level electrics and radio gear. If you're willing to shell out a little more cash and take a little more time finding the right parts for you, build it yourself, and paint the body yourself, you'll probably be happier. On the other hand, you might wanna start with an RTR because of their cheaper entry price, slower speeds so you can get used to a hobby level RC and upgrade as you go, they generally come with everything already installed where all you have to do is charge and go(or fuel and go with a nitro, which I wouldn't reccommend to a beginner), and they're quicker and easier to get running cause they are prebuilt. Unfortunately, they can get pricey when you try to upgrade as your skills progress and you get a desire for more speed(I'm guilty of this myself, putting about a grand into an rtr Losi XXX-T, but looking back, I still would have done the same thing again). Hope this helps you out more.