Races are still quick yet frantic, while physics are airy but entirely forgiving.
Even at a top speed, you won't win the race if you're crashing into everything, but you won't do half bad either. CPU AI has improved as well, but it still exhibits a plethora of exploitable flaws. For the most part, CPU opponents tend to follow preset lines throughout a race, which leaves you quite open to passing them. Similarly, inducing a CPU opponent into rear-ending you for greater speed is a common occurrence. On the other hand, the preset lines that the CPU follows are much tighter and faster than those found in previous Daytona games, so you're going to have to drive a clean race to assure yourself a top finish.