Superior to GTA is every way.
The combat is engaging and gives enough challenge for you to focus on whats going on. Also incorporating take downs and free running mechanics gives the game play a enjoyable variety.
The music is really fitting and sometimes you get that zen moment when its dark and raining and just the right song sets the tone as you speed down the highway. Loved the music so much in this game. Bastion and Red Dead are two of the other few games that nailed this aspect that lots of games miss.
The racing mechanics could warrant a racing game on their own. After I beat the game, I went back to race more in my new car I bought just before beating it.
Get this game. Its super underrated.