With mods, the graphics can be better, but IL2 focuses more on the simulation of flying WW2 aircraft, while the PS3 version focuses more on the "eye candy."
You'll find IL2:1946 to be a much tougher game than the IL2:BOP.
If you're just intending to play offline, I'd suggest starting out with just the stock game to start. Even with a relatively solid mod-pack like HSFX, there are still more things to go wrong.
Also, the computer AI on IL2: 1946 4.11 is outstanding; that alone made me go from mostly mod to mostly stock.
I'd suggest that regardless of which way you go, you start with "Realistic Gunnery." If you get into the sim, you'll need to learn deflection shooting, so there's no reason to teach yourself bad habits.
Maybe fly in "Invulnerable" mode until you get the hang of taking off and landing.
A good plane of a newbie (especially in invulnerable mode) is the A6M2 Zero. It's relatively easy to take off and land, it's got decent speed, excellent armament and outstanding maneuverability. Other fun planes to fly are the Brewster B239, the Hurricane and the Spitfire. The Fw190 and Bf-109 are a bit more challenging.
A joystick is a good investment for any flight sim. While you might be very good with a 360 controller, a joystick allows you to smoothly and simultaneously coordinate pitch and roll - allowing you to tilt the plane's nose up and down or rotate along the plane's long axis as you fly. If you have a "twist stick" (or even better, rudder pedals) you can also to control yaw - the ability to slew your plane around along its horizontal axis.
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