Depends on your definition of light years ahead. Many people would say light years would require a much more holistic approach than can manufacturers generally take.

What you get is a car that handles better, accelerates much faster, shifts faster (auto vs. auto), stops in shorter distance.

You get more HP & Torque, bigger brakes, more aggressive shocks & springs, larger anti-roll bars, etc.

Worth the premium over the base model without a doubt.