Assetto Corsa vs. iRacing: Which is Better?

Assetto Corsa vs. iRacing: Which is better?

Overview

These days, racing simulations are all the rage. Many people, including myself, can experience the thrill of real-life motorsport from the comfort of their desks. Assetto Corsa and iRacing are the two sim racing games that are the closest in relation to each other. If you have played any one of these games before then it will be extremely easy for you to adapt and play the other one. It is because their gameplay is considerably similar.

Although the two games are very similar to each other, if you compare them side by side you will see that both of them have plenty of differences. In this article, we will discuss how both these games differ from each other and will help you decide which one is better.

What’s the Difference?

Based on the gameplay and other game dynamics, there are plenty of differences between both titles.

1. Physics

Both these games have quite similar physics. We are not going to dive deep into this area. It is the physics of both games that makes them closely related to each other.

2. Graphics

Both games offer dynamic and attractive graphics. But, if you compare them side by side, you will find that Assetto Corsa performs much better in this section. The cars feel heavier and look more realistic in Assetto Corsa. Although iRacing also offers good graphics they are slightly behind the Assetto Corsa.

3. Cars Handling

In this section, again Assetto Corsa takes the lead. The cars seem to perform better at low speeds because they are a little heavier and have better handling. At high speeds, iRacing feels fantastic, but at slow speeds and at rookie speeds, it's like driving on ice, in that it's easier to crash going slow than going fast. The tire models obviously work best at race speeds, which is fine when the cars are pushed to their limits.

4. Beginner Friendliness

You should start with Assetto Corsa if you're just getting started in the world of Sim Racing.

It is possible to obtain the Content Manager, a popular utility that allows users to scroll through servers and hop into local sessions. Sim content can also be easily added with this program. Also, all the control settings are exactly where you'd expect them. Beginners will have no trouble at all.

As for iRacing, it's a whole other story. Despite its realistic nature, it's also incredibly complex. Every time you get on the track, you need to remember things like iRatings and Safety Ratings as well as leagues and divisions.

5. Content and Variety

iRacing is clearly the winner, no question about it.

This game allows you to race pretty much anything. More than a hundred tracks are available in 350+ configurations. The tracks in iRacing are laser scanned and include some of the most legendary ones, such as the Laguna Seca and LeMans.

It is closely followed by Assetto Corsa. It does not offer anything that makes the game stand out, but it has an amazing modding community.

Which is Better?

Can’t clearly say here which one is the winner. It is because both games have their own strengths and weaknesses. It all comes down to user preferences.

Assetto Corsa has great for mods, superior force feedback (FFB), and hot lapping. It's widely considered the most realistic racing sim around. While iRacing is good for leaderboards and good competition! If you want slightly more serious competitive stuff then iRacing can't be beaten at present.

In the end, you can give a shot to both of them and then decide which one suits you the best.