I think I read an article somewhere that Rockstar is working on real world physics for driving in the next installment. I can't even begin to describe how much I hope this is true.
Most games will hype up various aspects with saying "real world" and stuff like that. The only real goal they have is to make it fun to play. Of course adding some elements that make changing gear or customization more realistic is wanted. The car crashing physics did take a step back and I think most they saw the comparisons. Can see that they really are trying to make each GTA different from the other and that is why you have features and physics removed/added.
I wouldn't be surprised because they really up the realism every version and what I like most about these games is that they don't focus on it too much to the point where it's all the game has to offer. I like that the realism is more just a minor addition and serves as a background to the mechanics and gameplay.
I personally don't believe in this. "Real world physics" applies to the real world. When it comes to games, it can only be so accurate.
GTA IV had "real-life" driving physics, and it wasn't fun in the least. They actually made the driving system in GTA V a little more arcade-y, so chances are pretty high that they're not going to revert to the older system/physics in the future.
