Which Buggy?

[CW_]

Hi All

I used to keep rc cars as a teenager and raced them for a while, since then travelling, job, wife, kids etc.... all happened and it got forgotten about. I found my cars recently at my parents house (original tamya hotshot and one of the first kyosho ultimas - shows how long ago it was), and now I have more time again I'd like to get back into it, and so naturally have a few questions... I would not class myself as a complete beginner so dont want to buy a car that I will end up changing in few months for something better.

1/ How much quicker than an electric car is a nitro, ie compare a quick electric car (which is my other consideration - something like a modified schumacher cat sx) to a reasonable quality nitro.

2/ Very open question but, if buying a nitro to potentially race with, which one? Seen other posts about hyper7, or also seen HPI trophy or thunder tiger s3 or tomahawk in shops, also from reading the associated rc8 looks to have very positive feedback, but is it worth the difference in price?

3/ 1/10 or 1/8 scale? ie will a tomahawk 1/10 being lighter actually be better than a 1/8.

4/ Any other advice anyone feels they can offer me - I have read the beginner stickies which are similair to advice I have had in model shops.

Thanks in advance fo your help

Chris