There can be so much more, but they aren't in the game until you get them off DLC.
Mafia II got a lot of stuff right, good graphic, good dialog, good theme and feel that the title Mafia should gives. But unfortunately there are a lot of touch up 2k can do and most importantly, more gameplay value.
First of all the story is short and end with a hint that there will be DLC. Driving is required for almost all mission unless you wants to run, taxi doesn't carry people so you are force to drive a lot.
No point to earn money. Here is the spoiler I am talking about, you lose your money and your earning several times in the games. Which means saving up is pointless. Guns are drop by enemies and cars are never a shortage. All the money is use for if you cares, are paying fines and buying upgrades for cars. Which leads to my next point.
I found myself driving around a cop car more than any other car, they drive the car to me, and I gun them down and take their car for missions. I was always wanted so there is no point trying to do all those plate changing and clothing changing stuff to hide it. The police networks are poor, if you shoot a bunch of cops down you will have to wait for a while before another wave comes. Plus you can probably mow them down before they leave their cars.
Overall I found this game easy with no point of earning money for assets or upgrades. There are upgrades for cars which I don't use. And certainly there are no side missions so the phone booth are virtually useless. The game can have so much more to it but I feel it is still a solid piece.