I think Nitro is cheaper to start than electric is but electric is cheaper to keep going.Before I bought my SS I did a price comparison on an electric TC3 and after gettingeverything I needed for the TC3 the price over 750$$.Now that is the price for batteries,charger,motor,ESC,Tires/rims,gearing,Radio,and the car itself.I'm sure it can be done for cheaper because that stuff was all top of the line but why not spend the cash and get the stuff you really want.I ended up going with SS just because all the stuff I wanted was only around 450$ but after time the fuel and glow plugs have added up too.