Different, not necessarily superior. The *racetams impact acetylcholine levels, and this neurochem plays a part in memory formation and retention. Additionally racetams are associated with increased oxygen flow in the brain. Anecdotal evidence suggests they can cause headaches if you aren't taking choline, but also is strongly positive towards sharper memory. They're easily obtainable as supplements, and unlike classic amphetamine-based stimulants, aren't demonstrably neurotoxic or addictive. In my opinion, however, there is no comparing/substituting them to traditional stimulants that allow for hours of immediate focus. Take both. Or better yet titrate the addictive amphetamine down with adrafinil or modafinil. Adrafinil is an effective way to avoid a lack of sleep's associated cognitive deficits. It seems to be correlated in people with subjectively low IQs though http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16140369
Nootropics are a fascinating topic, and many are inexpensive and uncontrolled enough to make a personal trial potentially pay dividends. Or cause an aneurysm. I am not a doctor.