yes there is a difference between the two. if you know what you are looking for its easy to spot, but the biggest things are the motor codes are different b18c5 is in the type R and b18c1 or 2 (depending on year) is in the gsr. the frames are different also. the Type R has more structural support from the factory since i came out as an affordable car that weekend racers could buy drive from the showroom straight to the race track and compete.