I don't think it's the same engine and it can't be. Too much differences in everything: lots displaying, managing a huge load of neighbours and all the citizens. Nope can't be. Sims 2 engine would be left dead trying to render even a single lot. I seem to recall an interview where they said it's a new engine. Basically the pre-release ones I guess.
The pudding. Yeah right
Funny how those who smash sims 3 will keep arguying, even if you show them they're wrong. Want to know the real difference between the games? sims 2 is a single lot simulation, sims 3 is a whole hood simulation. Now sims do
have real neighbours and can go relax on the beach without loading time; don't you see a difference?! Clearly: Sims 2 is a
demo compared to Sims 3. Yes, you read it right. Don't you realize that seeing your other lots kids actually going to school is something amazing you'll never see in sims 2? Sims 3 simulates a whole friggin' town, not a mere lot with a horrible outside view. You really see your neighbours kids growing up, getting married etc. No more 'Oops mommy's dead! We'll have to take the grave to a graveyard, let's load the graveyard! Ow I'll put her here, it's a nice spot. Now loading time again: we have to go home feed the kids before they go to that school that I've never seen and nevar will! Loading time over, I can keep on playing this lot 'til they all die! Weee!"... LOL alienating. Smashing a game because of a feeble lightning that utterly turns almost every pic into crap is really silly. Then you have all the other improvements that a lot here keeps mentionning, but who cares?! There's pudding!
Ooooo I prefer my tiny lot 'til my sims death! My god, pudding! Pudding, the magic word! ROFL. Come on, seriously.
Edited for taipoo.