In my honest opinion, you can't even compare the two. My first plane was/is a brushed SPEED 480 and it flies like a dog. Incredibly heavy and lacking overall torque and power. If I flew it now after flying the brushless sytems, I would probably crash it because I am so use to flying with power now, and using that power to get out of trouble. The brushed system could not get me out of any trouble, just had to deal with the situation, did not have the power or torque. My second plane (and everyone since) was a brushless setup, and the difference is ridiculous [:-] The brushless motors have a much better power to weight ratio, no brushes to replace, more torque and power...etc

Yes you are going to pay a bit more, but in the long run.......it is really the only way to go The flying experience on a brushless system is much more enjoyable.