Here are some varying GTAIV graphical comparisons...
Finally we have what is partially an issue, and partially a positive to Grand Theft Auto IV on the Playstation 3. Prior to playing the game you will have to undergo a mandatory install of approximately 3.4GB onto the PS3 Hard Drive. It is annoying that we are burdened with this (the XBox 360 version has no install as far as we know), but the positive is that the load times on the PS3 version are actually shorter then on Microsoft's console.
http://www.futuregamez.net/ps3games/gta4/review2.html
Much has been made of the PS3's resolution with Grand Theft Auto IV apparently running at 640p compared to 720p on the XBox 360 version. Side-by-side comparisons though show virtually no difference between the two and if anything, the PS3 game actually looked the better of the two with less jaggies and more visual effects here and there. Either game though is sure to impress overall.
http://www.futuregamez.net/ps3games/gta4/review3.html
As I had the pleasure of testing both versions of the game, I would like to start with the Playstation 3, since you probably already heard of the freeze-type problems some players seem to experience. Fortunately my console, even if equipped with the 60GB hard-drive, never gave in, so everything went smoothly from installation to multiplayer. Out of curiosity I played the PS3 version for hours, but aside from a few slow-downs during the cinematics I had no freezes whatsoever, so I cannot venture to comment about it. The combination was PAL with PS3 60GB PAL acquired at launch, if anyone is interested. One thing worth mentioning is that it never ran in 1080p, even though this option does appear on the box and my system supports it.
The Xbox version does run in 1080p, but this is not of much help as the rendering is done in 720 and scaled to a higher resolution. Unofficial sources claim that the PS3 version is scaled in a lower resolution hence the advantage goes to Xbox. On the other hand shadows and lighting effects are better on the PS3, so it's a hard decision to choose between the two.
http://computergames.ro/en/games/viewitem/id/1050/name/grand-theft-auto-iv-playstation-3/section/review/page/3.html
As I have both versions of the game, it is only natural that I compare the two. There is a 8-10 minute install process for the Playstation 3 which does a great job of keeping that version moving, but given that the vast majority of the game streams on both versions, the net result is almost a draw. The Xbox 360 version seems to have a deeper color palette and a little less motion blur/bloom, but the Playstation 3 version seems to have less pop-in and sharper anti-aliasing. Both versions have a few framerate hits here and there, but it never seems to drop the game into unplayable territory. In point of fact I’m going to rate them the same as they are for all intents and purposes equal.
http://www.gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=1034
On Sony’s side you will get the more slightly more solid game experience from having a good chunk of data loaded onto the systems hard drive. After the install the PS3 has less lighting glitches and less object pop-ups. The PS3 seems to perform a little better than the Xbox 360 which can be an important to rightfully picky.
http://www.extremegamer.ca/multi/reviews/gtaivb.php
If you're wondering about differences between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto IV, the truth is that there aren't many. The PS3 version can only be played after a mandatory install that takes around 10 minutes, and its load times are a little shorter and less frequent as a result. The visuals, which don't always hold up to close scrutiny but are impressive during typical gameplay, are comparable and feature the same quirks (shadows that flicker, for example) on both consoles.
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/grandtheftauto4/review.html?page=2
For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster. Don't worry Xbox owners, the load times are rarely more than 30 seconds and don't occur very often. The slight visual edge goes to PS3, but the 360 is no slouch. Either version will do you proud.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/869/869541p5.html
Hackers are poor nerds who don't wash.
