I have Scourge, but I always regret not picking up the Optimus one the single time I saw it in the shops. I passed on it because I assumed that since it's Optimus Prime everywhere would have them in stock like previous Optimus Primes and I could pick one up once I was a little better off in my wallet. And yet on this one occasion I was so very wrong.
There's no doubt that Scourge's chromey shininess beats Prime. The trailer looks absolutely fantastic. However, Scourge lacks the electronics, so if you're wanting a light-up sword, I'd go with Prime. If you don't care about that, get Scourge.
Besides colors, there is also another difference to note: Scourge/Black Convoy does not have the electronics/lights... if that makes a difference I personally prefer Laser Magnus, but checking prices at BBTS: CR Black Convoy for $40: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK10409&mode=retail RID Scourge for $82: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS11372&mode=retail Ehobby Laser Magnus for $110: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK10503&mode=retail Reissue Battle Convoy/Laser Prime is sold out Vintage G2 Laser Prime, sealed for $105: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=C1841P0033&mode=vintage There are cheaper loose Primes Scourges too I'd say order that $40 CR Black Convoy on clearance right now.
Well, as far as the mold goes you actually have a few choices. You can either go with Black Convoy from Car Robots or Scourge from RID. The Scourge RID release will usually cost you a lot more than a CR Black Convoy though, because Scourge was a TRU exclusive and thus a much more limited run so he goes for more on the aftermarket. However, just within the last two months I was able to pick up a CR Black Convoy off of eBay (from a seller that always seems to have plenty in stock) MISB for $45 plus shipping. Aesthetically there's really not much difference between the two except that CR Black Convoy's sword is pointy at the tip (Hasbro has to dull their blades due to child safety laws) and is a deeper shade of red (rather than the strange pink my TRU Scourge's sword is). Also, instead of Decepticon symbols Black Convoy has inverted G2 Autobot symbols on him (which was his faction's symbols in the original Japanese version of Car Robots). My only major grip with Scourge or Black Convoy is that the electronics were gutted from the mold, but that doesn't really take away anything in the long run. If you want a G2 Laser Prime you can either go for a vintage one or the reissue that came out of Japan a couple years back (Battle Convoy). The thing about G2 Laser Prime is that he isn't gutted of his electronics (even the Japanese reissue has them). However, the original release of G2 Laser Prime/Battle Convoy has a rather bland paint job in robot mode (with most of the main body being a matt grey), however the reissue of Battle Convoy has a chromed chest and lots of added paint detail where all the matt grey was before to make him look much more impressive. If you really want a kick arse Optimus Prime for your collection I would highly recommend a reissue Battle Convoy as he was my favorite until the release of Classics Optimus Prime. Also, the Laser Prime mold was repainted one more time. When Takara reissues Battle Convoy e-hobby did an exclusive recolor of him as Ultra Magnus. Who, IMPO, is just as awesome looking as all the others, but is probably also the most pricey of the group as well. If you have the cash to blow I would probably highly recommend this version myself.
