not really!

pro cards are weaker in most cases than the consumer cards, in most cases. but they are build to run stable and to run proper with the latest 3d apps. you will find a much bigger support for them if your maya crashes due to cars issues or depiction errors occur.

they are put to the acid test. for that you pay the xtra dollars. now its up to you to decide whether or not to purchase one.

although you are right. mostly they run on the same core.