32 pitch are also used in the classic Tamiya vehicles. I can say for certain that they do not mesh, having swapped motors between a Grasshopper and Dark Impact but forgot to swap pinions. I didn't apply power as I couldn't get a mesh at all, and thus caught my mistake, but I can't imagine it would end well.

And yes, they are more durable. My TB-02 is louder than a nitro from rocks and sand getting in the gearbox, while the vintage cars seem to ignore it. I clean it out regularly but the pinion and spur are ruined.