The debate over how cars should handle in Grand Theft Auto 6 is heating up, with many fans arguing that the series needs to reclaim the weight and consequence found in the 2008 classic, GTA 4. While GTA 5 opted for a more accessible, arcade-like system that allowed players to zip through traffic and even flip their cars upright with the analog stick, many feel this came at the cost of immersion. The request for the next game is simple: make cars feel like heavy pieces of machinery again.
In GTA 4, driving was a skill that had to be mastered. Vehicles had soft suspension, realistic body roll, and long braking distances. When you took a corner too fast in a heavy sedan, the tires would screech and the car would lean dangerously. This made high-speed chases feel chaotic and dangerous, as every collision carried genuine momentum and impact. Critics of this system often complained that it felt like “steering a large ship,” but for enthusiasts, this difficulty added a layer of realism that made the open world feel more grounded.
By comparison, the driving in GTA 5 felt much more floaty. Cars had incredible grip and could stop almost instantly, which suited the fast-paced, action-movie vibe of the Los Santos setting. However, this simplified handling removed much of the tension from everyday travel. In a game like GTA 6, which is expected to push the boundaries of technical realism on modern hardware, a return to complex physics could make the act of simply moving through the city a much more engaging experience. Enhanced vehicle damage systems would also pair perfectly with heavier handling, making every fender bender feel like a significant event.
Whether Rockstar Games will listen to these requests remains to be seen. The developer has a history of refining its engines with every release, and the jump from Red Dead Redemption 2—which featured highly detailed horse physics and weight—suggests they are still interested in grounded realism. If GTA 6 can find a middle ground that keeps the weight of the fourth game while incorporating the speed of the fifth, it could deliver the most satisfying driving experience in the history of the franchise.
