pro #1
i dont have a digiQ-R but i can say for sure is that konami made the second generation digiQ go slower reverse so it seems like it can actually drive right. the first generation digiQs went really fast backwards but spins a lot. more than u can ever imagine in reverse. the slowing down problem is not the car. it lies in the propo. if u were to use the R propo with a normal digiQ with the same id, it would so slow too.
pro#2
i dont think it's the gears, it's more of the electronics. sorta like the miniZ servo noise. it sometimes makes the noise even if the car is not moving. it's not that big of a deal.