Gran Turismo vs Gran Turismo 4
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Gran Turismo 4 is a premier racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and the final installment in the series for the Sony PlayStation 2. It offers an unprecedented automotive collection with over 700 vehicles from 80 manufacturers and 51 meticulously designed tracks. Renowned for its technical achievements, it stands as one of the few PlayStation 2 titles capable of 1080i output. Players can dive into a deeply realistic driving experience featuring comprehensive physics, diverse real-world and fictional circuits, and robust single-player and split-screen multiplayer modes.
- 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
- Massive selection of over 700 cars
- Impressive 1080i graphical output capability
- Extensive lineup of 51 diverse tracks
- Deep and rewarding career progression
- Dated graphics by modern standards
- Steeper learning curve for casual arcade players
- Limited to local multiplayer options
- Online multiplayer mode was removed during development
- Long development delays prior to release
- Hardware limitations of the PlayStation 2 platform
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Alternatives to Gran Turismo 4
View all →The legendary racing simulator featuring over 150 detailed cars and realistic physics.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGran Turismo 4 is the safer default choice, offering vastly more content, higher review scores, and advanced hardware support, while the original Gran Turismo appeals mainly to retro enthusiasts. The primary trade-off is choosing between GT4's massive roster and 1080i output versus GT1's lower price and classic design.
Key differences
- •Content scale: Gran Turismo 4 features over 700 cars and 51 tracks, whereas Gran Turismo includes 140 cars and 11 tracks.
- •Critical reception: Gran Turismo 4 holds an 87/100 critic score compared to Gran Turismo's 73/100.
- •Visuals and Hardware: Gran Turismo 4 supports rare 1080i high-definition video output on PS2 hardware, while the original GT features graphics that are dated by modern standards.
- •Pricing: Gran Turismo 4 costs $49.99, whereas the original Gran Turismo is priced lower at $39.99.
Gameplay & fun factor
Gran Turismo 4 features a sophisticated and realistic vehicle physics simulation engine and an extensive career mode testing various disciplines.
Platform availability
Not specified
Price & value
Gran Turismo is cheaper with an MSRP of $39.99, while Gran Turismo 4 is priced at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games support single player, multiplayer, and local split-screen modes, and both lack online multiplayer (GT4 had it removed during development).
Content & replayability
Gran Turismo 4 offers massive content with over 700 cars across 80 manufacturers and 51 tracks, compared to GT's 140 cars and 11 tracks.
Difficulty & accessibility
Gran Turismo has a steeper learning curve for casual arcade players, while GT4 features a deep career progression and driving mechanics.
Graphics & performance
Gran Turismo 4 supports rare 1080i high-definition video output on PlayStation 2 hardware, whereas GT has graphics dated by modern standards.
Choose Gran Turismo if…
Classic PlayStation gamers and budget-conscious players looking for the pioneering 1997 title.
Choose Gran Turismo 4 if…
Motorsport fans wanting massive car rosters, 51 tracks, and high-definition 1080i support.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Gran Turismo 4 has an MSRP of $49.99, while Gran Turismo has an MSRP of $39.99.
Which game has more cars and tracks?
Gran Turismo 4 includes over 700 cars and 51 tracks, while Gran Turismo features 140 cars and 11 tracks.
Do either of these games feature online multiplayer?
No. Both games are limited to single player, multiplayer, and local split-screen modes, with GT4's online mode having been removed during development.