Just got a Pole Position Cockpit - Loving it!
Also have PP1 and 2 boards, and had some time to compare the two. I have little to no experience with either game from the past (not much sentimental attachment), so my opinion is somewhat unbiased. In summary - and this was an easy decision - PP will stay installed, PP2 will be shelved.
Graphics - About the same (using the same monitor, same color settings),with an edge to PP - It looks brighter, crisper, smoother lines. PP2 has a slight blockiness to the image - its not the picture color or sharpness - it just seems to be different lines used and not as smooth as the PP lines.
Sounds - EASILY PP. reading reviews here about the sounds, i thought you guys might be too nitpicky - but - you are absolutely right. The PP sounds so much better, from the engine revving to the other cars revving. PP2 is very toned down sounds and not as adrenaline inducing.
Example - One of the best experiences in both games is when you are starting a race - all cars are revving up - PP does this really well, where you feel like you are in the pack. PP2 just doesnt have the oomph there. Also, the theme music in PP sounds better to me than the remix on PP2. This one is a PP2 deal breaker by the way - the difference is so drastic.
Feel - About the same, but the cars in PP2 seems more aggressive, which i actually like. PP2 also seems to be less forgiving on turns - seems that one has better chance of offroading than in PP where turns can be whipped and car kept on road.
Difficulty - PP2 seems more difficult - probably due to the updated car logic and my note on feel, where the car seems to be harder to keep on track. But PP holds its own - in any scenario, it seems one must not crash (or maybe one time is allowed) to make it through to the last lap goal - i find that challenging and look forward to getting there.
Tracks (Variety) - easily PP2 - the only reason why i see updating. So, i even considered "trading" in all the other points to keep the extra tracks (by keeping PP2 installed) but decided against it - the PP2 tracks are just "ok". Even test track - i like the idea - something for a beginner when they stop over - but the brown dirt sides - ugh!
The other pluses i can add for PP2 that i liked were the background images on the tracks (ferris wheel, sail boats, etc), and the added signs on the sides of the roads.
I really wanted to keep it installed but decided PP offers alot more in play, look and feel.
