Having tons of difficulties with TRANCE DRIVE and PLAYFUL GENTLEMAN

[Sir Francis]

Got a Trueno Maxed out with what I have unlocked so fat (LVL2 engine and rest LVL1) and a 180SX same deal, but can't even get close to them with proper tuning and soft wheels. I've been losing a lot due to this....any advice or hints?

[Calorie Mate]

I dunno know about the Trueno, but I've left both of them in the dust with the Subaru(lvl1 tunings).
But I always ride hard wheels.

Edit: should be noted that my go-to tuning always sets the 2nd and 3rd gears towards acceleration over top speed. Basically accelerate fast until you're in 4th.

I found that in this game, the start of a race basically determines 90% of its outcome. If the NPC breaks away, you often won't catch up. But the same goes vice versa. If you break away, the NPC, no matter how fast, just can't catch up.

[Thazen]

dont max out your speed for your transmission. there's a sweet spot that isn't actually calculated properly. when you're set for max speed, start moving it towards better acceleration and you'll see your last gear shorten a little, then go back up (not quite to max speed but it'll be more than enough). you'll have a much better time driving and have less issues during high speed acceleration (3rd and 4th gear feel way better)