8 Best Car Simulators for PC

Car simulators for PC have gained popularity in recent years, offering gamers the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving different types of vehicles in a variety of realistic scenarios. These PC driving simulators provide a unique learning experience, improving skills such as coordination and reaction time.

In this article, we will explore the best car simulators for PC and other platforms (although most of them are for PC).

The main SimRacing games available on the market are: Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione, iRacing, Project CARS or F1 24.
We will also discuss the key features that make a good simulator and the equipment needed for an immersive gaming experience.

Ranking of Best Car Simulators for PC

1. iRacing

iRacing is one of the most realistic and competitive PC car simulators available on the market. It is number 1 par excellence, with its focus on online multiplayer, iRacing offers real-time racing against other players from all over the world. Its licensing system and active community make it ideal for those looking for a serious and structured racing experience.

The mythical iRacing is for me the best driving simulation game.

But what makes iRacing so special? Let’s start with the pros, iRacing offers an unparalleled multiplayer racing experience, where you can compete against drivers from all over the world in real time and in a variety of racing disciplines.

It is the ultimate racing simulator for both SimRacing users and real drivers who compete every day to be the best both in reality and on the virtual track.

Be careful! because there have been many cases of drivers who have jumped from the virtual races of Racing to the real track thanks to compete in the simulator, both real Nascar drivers and in F4.

Even f1’s own Max Verstapen practices daily in the simulator. It’s crazy plus the precision and realistic physics of the game immerse you in an authentic driving experience where every move counts and every decision can make the difference between victory and defeat.

And let’s not forget iRacing’ s ranking system which guarantees that you will always or at least almost always face opponents of your skill level which ensures exciting and challenging races throughout.

The main drawback of iRacing is its monthly subscription model and the additional costs for content that for many players is prohibitive. Since you have a monthly subscription and then you have to pay for every car you use and every track. It is the price to pay for having the best car simulator for PC.

2. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa is a great game and honestly is one of the best options when you start in SimRacing if not the best and since we talk about assetto corsa let’s talk about his little brother the Assetto Corsa Competizione. Although it is not as extensive and does not have as many options as the normal Assetto Corsa 2013, Assetto Corsa competizione is super focused and detailed in the competition with the GT3.

 Let’s start with positives and one of the biggest strengths of this game is its incredible visual fidelity from the meticulous details of the cars to the dynamic weather conditions and stunning lighting effects that Assetto Corsa Competizione has. It immerses you directly into a high-end racing world like no other with GT3.

But the beauty is not just skin deep, it offers an exceptionally realistic driving experience like its predecessor with detailed physics that capture every nuance of GT racing every corner every weight shift feels authentic and satisfying which challenges you to master the skills of a true racing driver.

However, it also has its challenges and negatives to consider, one of the cons being its limited focus on GT3 racing.

Read our article comparing Assetto Corsa VS Assetto Corsa Competizione if you want to know more.

Project CARS, developed by Slightly Mad Studios, is known for its stunning visuals and wide range of vehicles and tracks. This simulator offers an accessible yet realistic driving experience, ideal for gamers looking for a balance between realism and gameplay.

3. rFactor 2

After more than a decade immersed in simracing, I’ve tried practically every serious title on the market. From iRacing to Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista, Project CARS 2 and more. And, even today, whenever I’m looking for the rawest, most “real”, most direct experience between car and wheel… I always end up going back to rFactor 2.

It is not the prettiest, nor the most popular, nor the most user-friendly. But it is, without a doubt, one of the best physics simulators in existence. And it’s not just me: the international community agrees. Despite its flaws, rF2 is a hidden gem in the world of simracing that is still alive thanks to those of us who seek authentic sensations behind the wheel.

The answer is simple: force feedback and the physical behavior of the car. No artificial smoothing, no hidden aids, no concessions for the casual driver. When you enter the track, the car tells you everything through the steering wheel. Every bump, every loss of grip, every weight change is transmitted so organically that you end up feeling like you’re inside a real car.

And this is not a personal perception only. On forums like Reddit and in Steam reviews, thousands of drivers agree: rFactor 2 has one of the best tire and suspension models ever created in a commercial simulator. It has even been used in real Formula 1 and endurance team simulators.

One of the most advanced systems that rF2 has is its “Real Road“: the track evolves dynamically with the passage of the cars. You start with cold and dirty asphalt, and lap after lap it gets gummed up right on the lines that are used. This completely changes how you manage a long race, a qualifying or even a practice. If you also add its dynamic weather system (rain, drying, variable temperature), realism soars.

4. Assetto Corsa

Assetto Corsa is the game that has captivated simulation racing fans since its release in 2013 not to say that it is the most famous SimRacing simulator.

 One of its positive aspects and one of the biggest strengths of this game is its impressive selection of cars and tracks from iconic sports cars to racing classics.
Assetto’s driving physics are exceptionally realistic, providing an authentic feeling of speed and control every corner every braking and every acceleration feels precise and satisfying.

In addition, the racing game is quite complicated, both accelerations and braking, which completely immerses you in the experience of driving a real racing car.

Another positive point is the active assetto Corsa community that continues to add content, such as new cars and tracks.

Also at the end of 2024 will be released Assetto Corsa Evo which promises to be the best Simracing simulator. You can read in this article more information about Assetto Corsa 2.

4. F1 25

F1 25 is the best Formula 1 car simulator. It is available on PC, PlayStation or XBOX.

Although many people think that F1 is an arcade game, the reality is that if we remove all the aids (ABS brakes and traction control) the driving is quite demanding and similar to that of an F1 car.

It is one of the games that I have played the most and I have to say that the AI is very difficult to beat. It can be configured up to 110 and you have to be an advanced driver to win.

In fact, drivers like Lando Norris play F1 25.

5. Automobilista 2

This racing simulator from Reiza Studios has gained a huge following for its impressive variety of cars and tracks as well as its realistic physics and artificial intelligence, one of the biggest pros of Automobilista 2.

Automobilista 2 offers a realistic driving experience the accurate physics and authentic feeling of speed make every race an immersive experience whether you are fighting for first place or taking difficult corners you will feel the thrill of competition at every turn.

One of the advantages of this racing game is the passionate community that surrounds it, with a strong online player base there will always be someone to compete with.

Although mainly this driving simulator is more used for lovers of racing against AI and old cars. They have a great variety of old and new cars, although one of the big handicaps of this game is that you have to pay for the cars.

There are some negative aspects to consider as some players have reported technical issues including performance and graphics problems and while these may vary depending on your system hardware it is important to be prepared for possible technical challenges plus Automobilista 2 can be a bit challenging for newcomers to racing simulation games a steep learning curve and precise controls can take time to get used to the driving experience which we are sure has nothing to do with an arcade on the contrary it is pure simulation.

6. Forza Motorsport for XBOX and Windows

Now let’s talk about Forza motorsport. If you want competition and you only have Xbox the best option is motorsport Although the online is not very good.

Let’s start with the pros Forza Motor Sport offers a visually stunning experience with high quality graphics and amazing attention to detail in every car and track.

In addition, the wide selection of cars and tracks allows you to choose from an infinite variety of options to customize your driving experience.

In summary it is very very well it is a very simcade system like Gran Turismo is not focused on being real but neither in being an arcade.

So you have pretty much the best of both worlds and we can’t forget the exciting career mode that motorsport force offers where you can compete against drivers from it in a variety of events and challenges but like any experience there are also some cons to consider.

One of the main drawbacks is that some players have expressed a great deal of disappointment with the lack of more varied game modes and the absence of advanced simulation features.

But the worst of all is the high graphics requirement that this game needs. If you have a PC and it is not the latest generation, the game will run quite badly.

7. Gran Turismo 7

We all know Gran Turismo 7 so no introductions are needed. The pros of Gran Turismo 7 include its stunning graphics and a wide selection of cars. This car simulator is available for both PC and Playstation and offers an accessible racing experience for all types of gamers and skill levels.

It has a very fast learning curve making it an ideal game for beginners.

The best thing about GT7 is the large number of people who play online, both on Play and PC. In addition, if you are the best you will be able to compete in ESports.

The game is more or less realistic, we can consider it a bit of an arcade simulator, it is not at the level of iRacing or Assetto Corsa.

The worst thing from my point of view is the damage to the cars, which is far from reality.

Even so, Gran Turismo 7 is one of the best options if you have a console and want to enjoy driving.

Key Features of the best Car Simulators

Realism in Driving Physics

Driving physics is one of the most important aspects of any driving simulator. A good simulator must accurately replicate how vehicles behave in different driving conditions, including factors such as traction, suspension and aerodynamics.

Graphics and Visual Details

Detailed and realistic graphics are essential for an immersive experience. The best driving simulators offer high-quality graphics that faithfully replicate the vehicles, tracks and environment. Visual details, such as mirror reflections and dynamic weather conditions, also contribute to immersion.

Variety of Vehicles and Tracks

A good driving simulator should offer a wide variety of vehicles and tracks to keep the experience fresh and exciting. From classic racing cars to state-of-the-art vehicles, diversity in driving options is crucial.

Compatibility with Simulation Equipment

Compatibility with simulation equipment, such as steering wheels and pedals, is essential for a realistic experience. The best simulators allow players to use specialized hardware to enhance realism and immersion.

Equipment and Accessories for a Complete Driving Simulation Experience

Steering wheels and pedals

Steering wheels and pedals are essential for any driving simulation setup. These peripherals allow for greater precision and control over the vehicle, replicating the feel of driving a real car. Brands such as Logitech and Thrustmaster offer high-quality options that are popular with simracing enthusiasts.

Here you can see the best steering wheels for Driving Simulators.

Cockpits and Simulation Cabins

For a truly immersive simulation experience, simulation chairs and cockpits are a must. These configurations provide a comfortable and realistic driving position, and often include support for steering wheels and pedals. More advanced cockpits may also include motion systems to replicate the G-forces experienced during driving.

Tips to Improve in PC Car Simulator Games

1. Practice Regularly: As with any skill, constant practice is key to improvement. Spend time familiarizing yourself with different vehicles and tracks.
2. Adjust your settings: Make sure your simulation settings are optimized for your driving style. Adjust the sensitivity of the steering wheel and pedals to find the perfect balance.
3. Learn from the Pros: Watch simracing races and study the techniques used by the best drivers. Many online platforms offer tutorials and guides to improve your skills.
4. Use Telemetry: Analyze telemetry data to identify areas where you can improve. This includes reviewing lap times, braking points and trajectories.

Benefits of Driving Simulation Games

Driving simulation games offer numerous benefits that go beyond simple fun. One of the greatest benefits is the development of realistic driving skills.

Players can learn and practice driving techniques, become familiar with different types of vehicles and improve their ability to make quick decisions on the road. In addition, these games are an excellent training tool for professional and amateur drivers.

Another important benefit is improved hand-eye coordination. Driving simulators require players to operate multiple controls simultaneously, which helps improve coordination and reaction time.

They also provide a safe and controlled way to experience dangerous or challenging driving situations without the risk associated with real driving.

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