Racing wheels vs controllers

[12,000 RPM]

I am a huge huge huge racing game fan. Been hooked since GT1. Well, before that. Been hooked really since Outrun and Stunts, and that Nascar PC game that came out in 94. Never had a wheel though but on a whim I ordered a Fanatec CSR for my Xbox 360/Forza combo. The learning curve is so steep!!!! I have been pretty decent in lobbies but with the controller you can be pretty ham fisted and still do decently. With the wheel I have more control and a little more feedback for where the edge of traction is, but my lap times are like 5-10 seconds slower ATM. Need more time with it but I should be able to improve. What are you guys using

[MrH]

Logitech G25 with Gran Turismo for me.  I'm 10+ seconds faster with a wheel, easily.  IMO, it's impossible to modulate throttle or get any sort of steering accuracy on a controller.

[Cookie Monster]

Had a G27, but didn't have a good mounting place. Ended up selling it and went back to the controller.

[hotrodalex]

I'm usually better on a controller. I don't have a ton of experience with the more expensive wheels, however, so that might be the difference. Xbox controllers are good for throttle and brake modulation, but steering is still twitchy (constant adjustment vs. Holding the line)

[68_427]

Wheels is so much better and increases the replay value of games dramatically.  But also remember you get what you pay for regarding wheels, so don't cheap out.

G25 + Gran Turismo for me as well.  However my G25 is broken.

[12,000 RPM]

I'm usually better on a controller. I don't have a ton of experience with the more expensive wheels, however, so that might be the difference. Xbox controllers are good for throttle and brake modulation, but steering is still twitchy (constant adjustment vs. Holding the line)

Yea the vibration on the controller is much better as well. It would be really nice if for example the brake pedal could vibrate to give feedback for where that adhesion limit is. And with the wheel you do get a feel for when the front tires go, but it's very subtle. I am finding that I have to learn how to drive from scratch, in part because of the higher precision, but also because of the change/lack of feedback.

[Raza]

Controller. I'm playing a game, not entering a competition in a stadium in South Korea. I want to sit back on my sofa and relax.

[2o6]

When I started driving, racing simulators lost interest for me.

[Secret Chimp]

I'm going to pick up a good used wheel again at some point. Doing laps in Forza 4 with everything turned off and the steering on simulation mode is waaaaay more rewarding, challenging, and fun than using a controller.