Welcome to cars.edu.vn, your ultimate destination for in-depth car reviews within the Gran Turismo universe. For enthusiasts and players alike, this site is dedicated to exploring the vast array of vehicles featured in the Gran Turismo games, from the classics to the modern marvels.
My journey into reviewing Gran Turismo Cars began shortly after I immersed myself in the original Gran Turismo (GT1) back in December 2003. Initially, these reviews were personal notes, a way to remember the nuances of each car after extensive virtual drives. This personal archive proved invaluable, allowing me to recall specific car characteristics months after my initial experience.
The transition to Gran Turismo 2 in March 2004 significantly expanded my virtual garage and, consequently, my collection of handwritten reviews, growing to nearly twenty. Looking back, these early reviews now seem quite rudimentary. Then, in May 2004, inspiration struck. Instead of manually writing reviews and then transferring them to digital format using Pagemaker, I realized I could directly compose them as web pages. And thus, cars.edu.vn was born.
Here, you won’t find an exhaustive review of every single car in the Gran Turismo series. Instead, I focus on the vehicles that have genuinely inspired me through extensive driving and racing. Think of these reviews as similar to what you might encounter in a car magazine, but with a unique twist: I strive to bridge the gap between the in-game representations and my real-world knowledge of these cars. As a mechanic in real life, I have the privilege of experiencing many of the cars featured in Gran Turismo outside of the digital realm (though admittedly, not at Gran Turismo speeds!). My reviews are therefore a detailed, systematic comparison, contrasting the game’s simulated reality with the tangible reality of these incredible machines.
While numerous websites offer walkthroughs and FAQs detailing how to quickly progress through the Gran Turismo games and acquire the fastest cars with a perfect win record, often advocating for “overkill” vehicles and overlooking slower models, my approach is different. Few resources provide detailed analyses of how these cars, both fast and slow, actually behave within the game.
The experience of driving gran turismo cars varies significantly across different Gran Turismo iterations. Even the same make and model can exhibit distinct strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific game environment. Understanding these nuances from game to game is crucial for appreciating the depth of the Gran Turismo series.
Gran Turismo 1 is often considered the most challenging and “hardcore” installment by many players. Credits are harder to come by until later stages, demanding strategic car choices for consistent wins. Features like pole-position qualifying and license tests often present a steeper learning curve in GT1.
Gran Turismo 2, boasting hundreds more cars than its predecessor, sometimes feels less refined. In my opinion, it is the easiest Gran Turismo in the series; earning money is remarkably simple, even for drivers with moderate skill. However, GT2 does present pockets of difficulty. License test difficulty is inconsistent. Overall, GT2 has a somewhat “rushed” feel, with inconsistencies, mistakes, and glitches that can occasionally detract from the experience.
Despite these shortcomings, GT2 introduced features absent in other GT games, such as the Event Generator, arcade races up to 99 laps, and memory card record sharing. It also featured unique tracks like Red Rock Speedway, Grindelwald, and Rome Nite, exclusive to this edition. And, of course, the sheer volume of unique gran turismo cars, numbering in the hundreds, not found in other GT titles.
In Gran Turismo 3, Polyphony Digital shifted focus towards quality and polish, resulting in a visually stunning game, albeit with a reduced car roster compared to GT2. The initial races in GT3 can be remarkably easy, almost to the point of being simplistic. However, as players advance into the Professional League, the challenge intensifies considerably. GT3 offers extensive driving and racing content, but a notable drawback is its monotony. The reduced car selection compared to GT2, combined with repeated track exposure, led to a sense of repetition for many players.
Gran Turismo 4 addressed this monotony with a vast expansion of car models (hundreds), many of which were entirely new to the series. Numerous new tracks, both real-world and fictional, were also introduced. The driving feel was also enhanced, offering a more realistic sensation compared to earlier games. Many criticized GT3 for feeling “slow,” which was often attributed to the in-car camera perspective rather than actual speed. GT4 rectified this as well. While GT4 retained some easier aspects and the absence of mechanical damage from crashes, the “maintenance” concept introduced in GT3 (oil changes) was further developed. Car handling could degrade over time and mileage, reflecting wear and tear. GT4 included so many new features that a comprehensive list would be extensive.
Gran Turismo 5 was the title many fans eagerly awaited, bridging a six-year gap since GT4. Released in November 2010, GT5 broke new ground for the series. It was the most dynamic installment at the time, introducing online racing alongside the traditional game modes. The game structure was divided into A-spec (player-driven races) and B-spec (computer-managed races), marking a significant departure and innovation, alongside the online multiplayer component.
Gran Turismo 6 followed, but reviews for cars in GT6 and subsequent editions are not featured on this site. GT6 was the first game where Polyphony Digital removed testing grounds, a feature crucial for my detailed car performance evaluations, specifically acceleration, braking, and top speed. While GT6 boasted improved physics and graphics, the AI behavior in GT6, as well as in GT Sport and GT7, became heavily reliant on rubber-banding.
This website provides a detailed assessment of each gran turismo car’s practical value, particularly beneficial for newcomers to the series. Beginners can utilize this information to select cars based on their drivability, modification potential, and credit-per-mile efficiency. Often, visually appealing cars can be overwhelming for novice players or prove ultimately impractical. More experienced racers may also find valuable insights here.
Furthermore, cars.edu.vn hosts pages dedicated to “fair racing” guides, designed to enhance the challenge and competitiveness of GT2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Explore the Racing Guide links throughout the site for more information.
This website is dedicated to providing valuable information for Gran Turismo enthusiasts. Explore the car reviews and racing guides to enhance your Gran Turismo experience.
