I have a HPI MT 2 great truck but the RTR has very weak drive train and if he gets the kit with a radio it is well over his budget. The only MT 2 I will recommend is the SS kit. Yes 4 wheel drive is much better but over his budget. Yes the Firestorm has not been out very long but getting great reviews from the end users which are much more reliable then reviews from those that sell advertising. The Firestorm will all so make a great racer.
Here is HPI web site with much more information on the Firestorm and the MT.
http://www.hpiracing.com/index2.htm