I’ve been playing Mario Kart my whole life and I’ve never played CTR until this summer when the remake dropped. CTR is a little harder to learn and master. It’s not as easy to just pick up and play as Mario Kart. You can read any review of the game to and they will no doubt mention that. It has a different type of drift mechanic that if you’re not using almost constantly (even when the track doesn’t turn) you are not winning the race simple as that. Shortcuts aren’t really optional either, they are sort of mandatory if you want to win. Items aren’t as potent in CTR as they are in Mario Kart so if you’re falling behind your only option is to be really good at drifting, building up speed and keeping it without hitting a wall. I have played Mario Kart for years and I love it of course. I have only played CTR since it came out this summer so my opinion is not one of bias since I haven’t played the series before that. Never said one was better than the other. I love both games but honestly CTR is a little deeper. Does that necessarily translate to being more competitive? Maybe not but I do get a greater feeling of pride when I win in CTR.