United got (I think) 6 or 7 seven different enviroments, while Nations only got one (the stadium). Each environment has different kinds of cars with different kinds of physics, and completely different kind of driving style to master. United also got an awesome content sharing system, and you get more building blocks for the level editor (even for stadium environment). United Forever (the latest installment) also got improved graphics and engine, but I haven't tried it yet.
Originally, United had more Stadium blocks, but Nations Forever gave Nations the same blocks and all
As for the United Forever graphics, it's the same as Nations Forever.
Which means pretty good. ;d