On the track the steering difference in the two isn't going to make a big deal, I race on a track with XB8'S and MBX5's and sometimes we swap cars to get a feel and there pretty much the same. I can tell you from experience though the MBX5 Prospec can take a beating and if you do happen to break something, you can get the parts. The guys with the XB8 at my track order a whole bunch of parts to have in hand so when they break they have one ready. HUDY hasn't really stocked the hobbies shops with all the parts they need yet.