ORIGINAL: chrobar
Race buggies are usually the high end in pricing. Not only do they include high quality CNC, carbon fiber, and plastic parts, they are also lighter and the chassis better distributes the mass to maintain a low center of gravity close to the center line for optimum steering and handling. The race buggies are tweaked and tested extensively by the companies to make sure you get the most durable, and best handling buggy on the market. Usually, the buggies that are pro level have a big brother, a truggy. If you look at all pro race buggies, there is a truggy built off the same platform. The other factor that plays in to the high pricing and popularity is a well known brand name. Mugen, kyosho, x ray, associated, cen, jammin, ofna, etc are all manufacturers of pro level buggies. Almost all pro level buggies are also kits, meaning you can pick whatever radio, servos, engine, etc. you want for the buggy.
+1. The kits are good because you have so many options. You can build your buggy to perform just how you like it. The downside is, you need to know what you are doing so you put it together properly, and don't buy a poor engine, radio set up, etc. They are also more expensive. For most racing you have to have a .21 engine, so it really all comes down to details. How well you can tune the car, the weight, the handling, and obviously your skill as a driver. Some buggies are designed perfectly for racing, and others just can't keep up, but are tough as nails and great for just throwing off some crazy jumps.