Graphics Driver 2 is definitely better looking than it's predecessor, but I still can't decide whether that has anything to do with engine enhancements or just better texturing and modelling. Nothing like trying to get away from police and taking a shortcut only to have a huge apartment block suddenly materialize in front of you. Some of the new features such as the moving bridges can yield some very strange graphical artefacts. Funnily enough, though, the game is so entertaining that you tend to just disregard these little faults. They all have some nicely placed jumps, obstacles and oddities that you must learn to use to your advantage.
All vehicles differ between cities.
Overall, the graphics are a definite improvement over Driver - but still exhibit the annoying 3D bugs in the engine. The coolest thing about Driver 2 is the ability to get out of your car and hijack another. The latter can be great fun when jumping the bridges in Chicago. Some of the missions require you to beat up a car enough to scare the driver away, then return the car to a storage area. Opening the storage area requires you getting out of your car to press a button, etc.