Does it really matter how much the car is developed?

Actually, playing in a league where it would appear my car is more developed than the other racers. Verified through spying on other cars' components. Drivers appear to have about the same attributes. Still have very close races with same tires and same pit strategy. Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

It makes a massive difference.

Since you're in a 25% Race Distance type of league, my advice is to just put on the Hard tyres and don't pit... Nearly works everytime...

i wonder that too sometimes.... some people on high levels only need like 50% to beat people with average levels (7,8,9)