I have never even seen the real wood. Seems someone a long time ago said they were going to get it. Never heard if they did. Personally I prefer the faux wood. Not sure you can tell the difference as the burl I have on to NA looks very real. I have seen real wood in older European cars that did not hold up well after years in the sun. May be different now. As to stiffness...I don't know but I do know what I have is really very easy to work with and I will stick with it on the GXP. Not much help to you huh. Sorry. Chuck