Which Sim Does GT3 Racing Best? A Head-to-Head Comparison

GT3 racing has become the cornerstone of modern sim racing, with its popularity reflected across nearly every sim racing platform. Whether it’s the dedicated focus of Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) or the broad offerings of titles like iRacing and Raceroom, there’s no shortage of ways to race GT3 cars virtually. But which sim truly offers the best GT3 experience?

In this blog, we break down a detailed head-to-head comparison of five leading sims: Assetto Corsa, ACC, iRacing, Raceroom, and Automobilista 2 (AMS2). Using a standardised scoring system, we’ve evaluated each sim across key categories: driveability, graphics, sound, force feedback, and value for money.

The Test Parameters

To keep the playing field level, we chose the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO (2020) and raced at Laguna Seca, a track available in all five sims. Conditions were set to clear skies in the early afternoon, and only default setups were used—no tweaking, no excuses. Scores for each category were given out of 10, and I limited myself to three laps per sim, focusing on the overall experience rather than chasing lap times.

The Contenders

iRacing

• Driveability: 7 – The car felt competent but struggled with corner rotation, and I lacked a sense of speed.
• Graphics: 6 – Good in some areas but dated overall.
• Sound: 7 – Decent, though missing the growl of the AMG’s V8 on board.
• Force Feedback: 7 – Solid tyre feedback but inconsistent in places.
• Value for Money: 5 – The subscription model combined with high content costs makes iRacing a costly option.

Total Score: 32/50

Raceroom

• Driveability: 7 – Engaging but let down by unnatural low-speed understeer.
• Graphics: 7 – Recent updates improved lighting and details, but it still shows its age.
• Sound: 8 – Exceptional, immersing you with every engine note.
• Force Feedback: 5 – Lacking tyre detail, making it harder to predict the car’s behaviour.
• Value for Money: 8 – Free-to-play base game and affordable content earn it high marks.

Total Score: 35/50

Automobilista 2

• Driveability: 5 – Fun to drive but lacks realism, with tyres that feel disconnected from the track.
• Graphics: 8 – Stunning visuals, particularly in dynamic weather conditions.
• Sound: 7 – Good but not exceptional.
• Force Feedback: 8 – Strong feedback with the Default+ setting.
• Value for Money: 6 – Reasonable pricing for base game and DLC packs, but bundling content slightly lowers flexibility.

Total Score: 34/50

Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC)

• Driveability: 8 – Still the benchmark for GT3 realism, though tricky brakes can be a challenge.
• Graphics: 9 – Detailed tracks and cars make for an immersive experience.
• Sound: 7 – Solid but not as visceral as some competitors.
• Force Feedback: 8 – Excellent tyre feedback with room for minor improvements.
• Value for Money: 6 – DLC packs offer good content but add up in cost.

Total Score: 38/50

Assetto Corsa (AC)

• Driveability: 9 – Incredibly engaging and rewarding to drive, thanks to well-crafted mods.
• Graphics: 7 – Mods like CSP and Sol bring it close to modern standards.
• Sound: 7 – High-quality, but lacks the raw grit of Raceroom.
• Force Feedback: 8 – Dialled-in feedback enhanced by mods.
• Value for Money: 9 – Affordable base game and high-quality mods make it unbeatable in value.

Total Score: 40/50

And the Winner Is…

Assetto Corsa takes the crown with its unbeatable combination of driveability, value, and modding potential. While it may be an older title, the community has elevated it to modern standards, offering an unmatched GT3 experience for those willing to invest in mods.

ACC came in as a close second, excelling in realism and graphics but falling slightly behind on value. Raceroom impressed with its sound and affordability, while AMS2 dazzled with its visuals but needs further refinements to its driving physics. Meanwhile, iRacing remains a solid choice but struggles with its steep pricing model.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a casual sim racer or a competitive enthusiast, each sim offers something unique for GT3 fans. Your choice will ultimately depend on your priorities—whether it’s realism, value, or sheer enjoyment.

So, do you agree with the results? Let us know your favourite GT3 sim in the comments, and don’t forget to check out the full video on our YouTube channel!

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