3S Lipo in 1/8 scale buggy

[GO-RIDE.com]

Hey Cain,

I've been following the 3S 1509 or 1512 buggy posts. Ultimately I think 4S is better due to cooler running temps, unless you have a really good ESC that only runs on 3S. However, there is one big mistake I keep seeing quoted. Going from 4S to 3S will not save you weight unless you want to give up run time.

Essentially (run time = watts). Watts = Mah x Volts (basically). So a 4S 6000 will have the same watts as a 3S 8000, and also very similar weight. However, the volts will be a bit more efficient and still have a bit more run time. Of course this only holds true if you have motors and gearing optimized for each battery. In the end the 4S will still run cooler and have a wider gearing range.

I think if you want to save weight and still have good run times I'd look at a 1509 on 4S. It will probably be like a good Nitro .21, but still be quicker off the line with the instant torque.