How Realistic Is Fanatec Torque Compared to a Real Car?

In sim racing, force feedback (FFB) is key to immersion, with torque playing a crucial role in replicating real-world steering resistance. But how does the torque of a Fanatec direct drive wheel base compare to real cars?

Steering effort in real cars depends on power steering, suspension geometry, tire grip, and speed.

Most modern road cars use electronic power steering (EPS), significantly reducing the effort needed to turn the wheel. A standard sedan or compact car exerts 2-3 Nm, while performance-oriented models can reach 5-7 Nm. Older vehicles with hydraulic steering may also fall within this range.

High-performance sports cars with less steering assistance demand greater effort. They can require 10-12 Nm when stationary, though this drops to 2-8 Nm while driving, depending on speed and grip. Other performance-oriented cars with hydraulic steering typically generate 5-10 Nm under dynamic conditions.

Race cars operate at even higher torque levels. GT3 cars are typically capped at 6-8 Nm, but some drivers prefer settings closer to 10-12 Nm. An LMP2 car has a reported 11 Nm torque limit at all tracks. Peak forces in extreme conditions, such as aggressive cornering or curb strikes, can exceed these values, but average forces range between 8-15 Nm.

Fanatec’s direct drive wheel bases provide a range of torque levels that match or exceed real-world steering forces:

• CSL DD (5-8 Nm) – Comparable to standard road cars and sportier models.
• Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 Nm) – Similar to performance-oriented cars and lower-end GT cars.
• ClubSport DD (12 Nm) – Matches forces found in many GT3 and touring race cars.
• ClubSport DD+ (15 Nm) – Exceeds most GT cars, offering higher fidelity in force feedback.
• Podium DD2 (25 Nm) – Surpasses real-world steering torque, reaching levels used in professional sim training.

With this variety, Fanatec allows sim racers to tailor their setup to match anything from daily driving to professional motorsport.

While real cars don’t always require high steering torque, having a high-torque wheel base in sim racing enhances force feedback detail and precision, particularly in extreme situations.

If a wheel base operates near its torque limit during regular driving, it may struggle to accurately convey road texture, bumps, or sudden grip loss. More torque ensures consistent feedback even under high loads. Additionally, powerful wheel bases allow users to fine-tune FFB settings to match different types of cars, from light road vehicles to heavier GT racers.

Professional drivers often train with direct drive wheels set between 8-12 Nm, closely mimicking real-world forces. This helps develop steering precision and muscle memory in a controlled environment.

In terms of torque, high-end Fanatec wheel bases can match or even exceed real-world forces. However, the realism of sim racing isn’t just about Nm values—it’s about accurately replicating grip levels, road textures, and car behavior. Properly tuned force feedback can create an incredibly immersive experience, bringing sim racers closer than ever to real motorsport.

While most road cars don’t exceed 7 Nm, a sim racing setup can push beyond that, allowing drivers to feel every detail of the track—just like a real racer.