For me iRacing is still the best handling racing sim out there but pCars is an exciting project that I joined the first week they opened up membership. From then to now the game has taken huge leaps forward in terms of the handling and UI and its still only at alpha stage. I have rFactor 2 also but thats a big disappointment, it doesn't look like a 2012 game, it looks more like rFactor with hi-res textures but its still beta so there is time for improvement though I don't see it even touching pCars graphically or iRacing for that matter. Assetto Corsa loook interesting, its the follow up to netKar Pro so I'm very cautiouis as support was non-existent when that was released and it never lived up to its potential but Assetto Corsa is going to be moddable like rFactor and its based on a DX11 engine so hopefully they can support their product this time. Beyond that there's Simbin's GTR3 to look forward to also.

Did a small comparison of Project CARS and iRacing right now, doing a crappy lap at Watkins Glen. It feels like there are quite many years between them graphics wise, and the behavior of that Lotus in CARS does not disappoint me at least... And the feeling of speed and motion is so much better in CARS (in my opinion!), and CARS is just an alpha, while iRacing is version 2...

First in the Lotus 68 in pCars (Bloody ugly first corner, and many other missed corners. That old Lotus is a joy to drive but as I've only played the game for a day I can't handle it ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz9H6YY4GK8&hd=1

Then in the Star Mazda in iRacing (a bit cleaner lap but lots of misses too ;)):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jgLmIOx-Lk&hd=1

And bear with my driving, have only played both games for a day, even though i played iRacing way back ;)

Ok, now I spent euros to check CARS too :)
The handling in iRacing is superb, mostly because the tracks are all laserscanned, so you can feel every bump from the real track, if you have force feedback. Thrustmaster T500RS is really worth every penny.
I admit CARS looks better, but it stops there, at least for now, maybe a later update will bring it closer :-|
btw Lotus 49 is coming soon to iRacing, so it will get more fun there too .
But CARS is quite interesting compared to other racing sims out there, if iRacing costs too much for you.

WOW the graphics in CARS looks amazing. Will the final payment method be subscription or one time?

What do you guys think of the Simbin sims in terms of realism, i'm a long time fan of GT Legends and always thought that Simbin were the leaders in the field but I see iracing recieves alot of praise.

He he, this discussion has pulled cash in both directions then ;) I really don't have financial problems for amounts like this. It's just that I'm not that great a fan of the micro payment model in general. I always get sucked in a buys it all and then the final game costs like $300 which comparatively is a lot for a game ;) I fully agree that force feedback is a must, both in flight simulators and racing simulators. I have a Logitech G27 that I'm quite content with (and an old Logitech Momo in reserve). I have to agree that the Thrustmaster T500RS looks awesome though!

I will be great when the Lotus 49 comes to iRacing as that is such a iconic car. And then we can do a real comparison! Do you know when?

I think that they are going for the "shrink wrapped $49" approach for Project CARS - but they where thinking about "free game" and micro payments at first. They did a poll in the forum and said they where taking the resounding "no thanks" seriously... But maybe some "online racing license" for 10-15 a year like rForce 2 are talking about? Don't know...

By the way, regarding laser scanning - pCars recently announced (december 2011) in the pCars forums that they had secured a deal with Motorsport Vision:

"We have just signed an agreement with Motorsport Vision (some of you in the UK should recognise the name), which signifies our first licensed tracks for C.A.R.S. That means we have now licensed Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton. As some of the best tracks in the UK, this represents a very exciting first step for us. The plan for these tracks is that we will get them laser scanned so that we have absolute accuracy - this will capture every detail of the track down to the very last mm, so you can be assured that driving the tracks will be exactly like it is in real life.

More licensing news to come soon, so stay tuned!

Tracks
Brands Hatch
Cadwell Park
Oulton Park
Snetterton

Vehicles
GUMPERT apollo S
Ariel Atom
Ariel Atom Mugen
Ariel Atom V8
Palmer Jagar JP-LM
Caterham Classic
Caterham R500 Superlight
Caterham SP/300.R
BAC Mono"

Sounds very promising :)

Only know the 49 was scanned in December, hope it's out before summer, but they only said 2012.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-conten...ort_1967_3.jpg

Oh my god. Those sims are fantastic.

Absolutely, this is totally relevant to my interest! European race cars!!!

Thanks for letting me know!