Different goal
Robot wars involves navigating a course. The American [link|http://www.battlebots.com/|BattleBots] is head-to-head combat.
The biggest difference though IMO is that some of the American bots cost over $20,000 to build. [link|http://www.battlebots.com/meet_the_robots/meet_robot_specs.asp?id=26|Biohazard] comes to mind. And things like [link|http://www.battlebots.com/meet_the_robots/meet_robot_specs.asp?id=617|Son of Whyachi] have weapons that can take apart reinforced concrete without flinching.
In this setup, manuverability takes a back seat to offensive power. All hail the knockout hit.
