Okai don't be too harsh on your judgements on this vid, its been a year since i've played this and that car is a complete stock, anyways hope you enjoy
Oh and Arcade stage is more fun since you feel like actually racing. Besides it takes time and practice to do the shifting gear perfectly. Its true you need money to play arcade but its worth it (well at least for me)
I totally agree to learn the maps from the Ps2. However it is also true in special stage it got more accel work and when you hit walls the speed reduction is ridiculous. However Arcade is way more fun since theres a B.level and you can race others. ;/