Sparky, I have my G5 on a time switch to reduce power consumption. It only folds when it's on (obviously), so that's about 6-7 hours a day. So, now is your chance to come close to me! Overtaking me is a whole different story!!
Also, does increase come in a dual proc setup and does it/folding start automatically at startup?
How much faster the console version is Vs. the GUI client is hard to say. It really depends on how fast your Mac is. If you have an older Mac (say G3) then it's a significant difference. You have a bit of overhead on your proc of the images, which aren't completely for the Graphics card. Your proc also has to process it, giving a bit of overhead. My G3 400 Mhz B&W had a lot of this overhead with the GUI client. Increase will also give a bit, but less, overhead.