I have just read some of the very interesting posts and would like to jump in with my opinions.
First and foremost, I respect
@nowcontrol @et_ @WhoosierGirl @332i opinions. As a new driver in this game (6 weeks or so), I watch some of your replays and look up to learning from the way you drive in these events a lot.
I would express my opinions based on my actual game experience and actual driving/autocross/track in real life. It can be right and wrong.
Topic: Driving aids
1. There is a DIFFERENCE between increasing the CAR'S LIMIT and the CONSISTENCY driving the car at its limit.
2. Increasing the CAR'S LIMIT WILL improves lap time while CONSISTENCY is driving the car limit most of the time but consistency does not improve lap time.
3. Driving aids such as running on racing soft, and SRF INCREASE CAR'S LIMIT because this gives you MORE traction. As the traction circle gets bigger, it will offer more G-force and ultimately, the car has a higher corner speed limit and hence improve lap time.
4. Driving aids such as traction control, ASM, driving line, ABS etc... do NOT increase CAR's LIMIT because 1. These aids do not add more HP/Torque, 2. These aids do not add more traction. They DO IMPROVE your CONSISTENCY of driving the car at its limit. For example, let's say a newbie who just starts this game, they probably can't finish the lap without crashing everywhere. However, with the driving line on, they can learn the "safe" line to finish the track without crashing and with some practice, they can consistently obtain consistent lap times.
5. Regarding traction control, I personally feel that it actually makes slower lap time because the computer would kick in at some moment to cut off the power to prevent you from spinning out. However, as you develop the sensitivity in throttle control, you don't need interference from the computer. With that freedom, you can drive a little harder than the computer limits you. I do a lot of autocross with my Lexus IS350 in real life and from my very real experiences, I almost always get better lap times with traction control OFF than on. I share the same experience in GT6, I almost always find better lap times with traction control OFF in most cars on most tracks. Of course there is exception, on car with crazy power such as the red bull, I find traction control on giving me better lap time. This is because the throttle response is too sensitive for me due to such high power.
6. When all aids are off (except ABS), the cars seem more alive and IN MY CONTROL so therefore, I drive without aids from day 1 because driving immersion is top priority.
Topic: Game Goals/Priority
1. Everyone plays this game for various different reasons. Some play very competitively. Some look for realism in driving simulation. Some look for both and many other reasons.
2. To be competitive in this game especially on the time trials, there are 3 major contributors:
a. Driving skill.
b. The RIGHT CAR for the RIGHT track.
c. The RIGHT TUNE for the car.
d. Consistency.
3. My opinion: The people who made to the top 10 on the leaderboard definitely at least know how to drive conceptually. At least they know very good line and possess knowledge of car driving techniques. This leads to my few other points.
4. Without driving aids, they can still make very fast and competitive time with pretty good consistency.
5. With driving aids that improve consistency (not SRF nor racing soft tire), they can further consistently drive the car at its limit and nail top competitive time almost all the times.
6. With driving aids that increase car's limit (SRF and better tire), they can achieve even better time.
Topic: Game suggestions
1. PD should make 2 main leader-boards:
a. No tune, no aid.
b. Tune + aids.
2. Within the main leader-board in (1). PD should make SUB-leader-boards sortable by CAR and COUNTRY. The leaderboard by car is what I craved for the most because then I can compare apple to apple and know exactly how much more potential I can gain from driving that same car on the very same track!
3. Make one-make car event on time trial where EVERYONE uses the same car such as the Lexus on Nuburgring few months ago. Then, in the following week, choose a different car. This is more entertaining than seeing the same Suzuki GSX on the leader board for so many times lol.
LIKE this post if you agree with some of my saying