Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec vs Gran Turismo
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a critically acclaimed racing simulation game developed by Polyphony Digital for the PlayStation 2. Released in 2001, it redefined the genre with stunning graphics, advanced physics, and an extensive campaign spanning beginner, amateur, professional, endurance, and rally races. Players can collect and tune over 150 meticulously modeled vehicles featuring advanced graphical effects like sun glare, heat distortion, and real-time reflections. With split-screen local multiplayer, TV-style replay modes, and a licensed soundtrack, it delivers an authentic and immersive motorsport experience.
Gran Turismo is the acclaimed first entry in the simulator racing series, developed over five years by Polyphony Digital and designed by Kazunori Yamauchi. It offers an authentic driving experience that became the best-selling PlayStation game, captivating players with its deep simulation mechanics and vast automotive selection. The game features two distinct gameplay styles: Arcade Mode for immediate free-choice racing and the deep Gran Turismo Mode, where players earn driver's licenses, credits, and prize cars through career championships. With 140 meticulously detailed cars and 11 challenging race tracks, it sets the standard for console racing simulators.
- Incredible vehicle physics and handling simulation
- Stunning graphical fidelity for its era with advanced visual effects
- Massive variety of races including championships, endurance, and rally
- Robust replay mode with broadcast-style camera angles
- In-depth and realistic driving simulation for its era
- Robust career progression via Gran Turismo Mode
- Extensive roster of 140 cars and 11 unique tracks
- Engaging driver's license qualification system
- Limited online multiplayer capabilities by modern standards
- Steep learning curve for casual arcade racing fans
- Car roster is restricted to vehicles available up to the game's 2001 release
- Dated graphics by modern standards
- Steeper learning curve for casual arcade players
- Limited to local multiplayer options
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
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The ultimate automotive simulation sequel featuring nearly 650 cars and 27 tracks.
A high-definition preview of the ultimate racing simulator for PlayStation 3.
Alternatives to Gran Turismo
View all →The ultimate automotive simulation sequel featuring nearly 650 cars and 27 tracks.
The legendary racing simulator featuring over 150 detailed cars and realistic physics.
A high-definition preview of the ultimate racing simulator for PlayStation 3.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the safer default choice for buyers seeking vastly superior critical reception, more cars, tracks, and advanced graphical effects. The main trade-off is saving $10 with the original Gran Turismo, which offers an older, career-focused experience with 140 cars and 11 tracks.
Key differences
- •Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec features over 150 detailed cars and a massive variety of race types (championships, endurance, and rally), whereas Gran Turismo offers 140 cars and 11 distinct tracks with reversed versions.
- •Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec boasts advanced graphical effects like dynamic sun glare, heat distortion, and realistic reflections, while Gran Turismo has dated graphics by modern standards.
- •Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec achieved a perfect critic score of 100/100, compared to Gran Turismo's critic score of 73/100.
- •Gran Turismo features a specialized Gran Turismo Mode requiring official driver's licenses, whereas Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec focuses on beginner, amateur, professional, endurance, and rally races.
Gameplay & fun factor
Gran Turismo 3 delivers advanced physics and over 150 detailed cars with a stellar 100/100 critic score.
Platform availability
Not specified
Price & value
Gran Turismo costs $39.99, while Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is priced at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games support single player, multiplayer, and two-player split-screen multiplayer mode.
Content & replayability
Includes over 150 cars, 60 championship races, 10 endurance races, 10 rally races, and an advanced replay mode.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games share a steep learning curve for casual arcade racing fans.
Graphics & performance
Features advanced graphical special effects including dynamic sun glare, heat distortion, and realistic reflections.
Choose Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec if…
Simulation racing fans wanting top-tier visuals, massive race variety, and a critically acclaimed experience.
Choose Gran Turismo if…
Classic PlayStation gamers looking for a pioneering racing sim at a lower price point.
Common questions
Which game is less expensive?
Gran Turismo is cheaper at $39.99, while Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is $49.99.
Do both games feature split-screen multiplayer?
Yes, both Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec include a two-player split-screen multiplayer mode.
How do the car counts and critic scores compare?
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec features over 150 cars and a 100/100 critic score, whereas Gran Turismo has 140 cars and a 73/100 critic score.