Finally got GP2. Here is my experience...
Machine: P-100, 256k Pipeline cache, 32 meg EDO, 32-bit Cyrius
Logic video, 6x CD, T2 driving system.
After reading this group, I was afraid my machine was too slow to
run this game. I loaded up the game in auto detail (SVGA), noticed
that most graphic option weren't checked, started a race and..
beautiful!
Then, wondering what I was missing, I reloaded with all options
turned on. The frame rate dropped to 8. I thought it might not run.
Surprisingly, It did run. A little choppy, but playable. I raced a
quickrace at Monaco and finished 8th.
Once more I reloaded, but went to manual detail and turned off
just about every option except a few, like tire smoke, curbs, and
smoke and track in rearview mirrors. The frame went to 17 and I
drove for hours.
The game is beautiful. The different options are relatively minor.
You don't really notice much different from having many options on
to have few. A lot of trackside detail is still visible even though
most options aren't checked.
As for frame rate, 14 is perfectly acceptable in this game. I own
just about every racing sim ever made and most seem to require about
20 fps to be enjoyable, but this thing is smoother tham most others
at 14 fps.
My advice: If you own anything faster than a 486-66, get the game.
You won't regret it. What the GP2 people need to release is a
playable demo, so all of these people knocking performce won't
be able to scare anyone off.