I'm new to this post but not new to the hobby. I was thinking about getting the 1/8th Nitro Forza. The look so awesome, and they are fast and durable. But I have noticed that redcat offers a 1/8th buggy with a .28 engine and it is about the same price, but they are not as good looking as the Forzas. In your opinions witch is faster and more durable, and wich has a better engine.

Parts are going to be hard to find or get unless your hobby shop carries red cat stuff. Look at how easy parts are going to be for what ever kit you plan on running. Nothings worse than breaking a part and waiting a week to get it in. If your lhs carries mugen, go with them, or kyosho then them, and so on.
My vote would be a kyosho sp2 or wc edition. Straight from ebay 2-300 dollars on the sp2 and the wc you should start seeing more of as kyosho is putting out another new buggy, mp9.