Difference between HPI & Rovan

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
DarkCarnage_95

DarkCarnage_95

Member
Messages
16
Reaction score
11
What are the visual differences between HPI Baja and Rovan Baja. In other words, how can can I spot the differences by just looking at the models.

Really need to understand the differences as I do not wana pay for something that is not worth it.

Could not find anything specific related to this, hence posting and requesting your expertise! 💕
 
I'm no expert on this, but from what I've been told it's the plastic's quality that's sub par on the Rovan vs official HPI product.
So I've no idea how you'd tell just from looking, maybe someone on here may have some advice on the subject. (y)
 
the fuel tank is a tad shorter on the rovan and the battery box is a tad longer, not by much, but theres a difference,or it could longer tank and shorter box, i forget now :LOL:,
there is an extra hole on the main chassis of an hpi baja, its where the plastic stub fits into on the battery box,
rovan doesn't have the extra hole or the stub on the box,
plastics are a lower quality, and also most rovan have a different design of a arm, but someone could easily swap out a arms,
the shocks have a different design on the knurling on the adjuster rings, and if memory serves me right the shock tops are different as well,
if its bone stock then the wheel rims will have hpi on em, and also have metal inserts in the hexes,
tyres will be dirtbusters on the hpi,
again tyres and rims are easily swapped if anyone wants to con you,the main things to look for though are the extra hole in the main chassis and lack of stub on the battery box, plus the shocks,
just have a look online at hpi stock shocks, and take note of the caps and knurling,
 
HPI have a serial number on the battery/receiver box. This is only a sticker so it could fall off, however, if there's a small rectangular smooth spot on it, then that's where the sticker was.

HPI front upper and rear upper rod ends are gun metal/grey colour, but i think that was copied too???

*edit* This is the smooth spot i'm referring to

20221211_073559.jpg
 
Last edited:
The spur gear spacer is anodized purple on the hpi rigs. The radio box will have a serial number sticker on it.
Just show us pics of anything you plan on buying. There are a lot here that can tell.
 
Rep732 said:
I'm surprised nobody mentioned this one but.... the names of the companies that make them :LOL: 🤦‍♂️
Click to expand...
People are snakes 🐍 these days. He is being cautious.
Generally because ppl get butthurt when other than hpi products are mentioned. Some “Other” companies actually have legit certain parts
 
Im not biased with companies when it comes to the baja for the simple fact that by the time people are done modding them there is barely anything hpi or rovan related left. In reality we can say we're building a clone of a rig due to the fact that majority of the parts alloy or upgraded aren't from the originating manufacturer so it is on par with a clone.

The alloy and upgraded bits are replicas of the original parts so that can be considered clone parts because the original manufacturer did not produce them but they are designed to fit a vehicle that company did not design.

So we really can't be mad at clone companies because the aftermarket sector depends on those vehicle companies to produce vehicles so they can offer better parts. So we are hypocrites for bashing clone companies for reproducing stock vehicles but we see our favorite aftermarket companies as superior but they reproduce copies of parts but with a different material over stock but we think it's superior because it's not made out of plastic or cheap metal.


Also we hold hpi higher than rovan because their materials are better, but would we consider hpi to be in the place of rovan if a company came out with a better and stronger version?
 
Last edited:
The main visual difference between the two is that HPI Baja vehicles have a more realistic, scale appearance, while Rovan Baja vehicles have a more toy-like appearance.
 
Back
Top