Sincethe release of the GT7 game in March 2022, there has been a raging argument among drivers regarding the better game between iRacing and Gran Turismo 7.
Although there are both positive and negative sides for each of them, it is really hard to pick up which one is the one for you to play.
In this article, we’ll look at how different the two games are in the sim racing genre.
These two racing games will be evaluated on several aspects namely:
- Driving realism
- Variety of cars and tracks
- Graphics quality
- Car handling
- Compatibility
- Laser scanned tracks
- Prices and Download
So let’s now get started with our in depth comparison guide.
Table of Contents
How realistic is it to drive?
People who live in im racing technology are put through an intensive exercise. Sim racing software which is usually utilized by real world racers for training is iRacing.
Therefore, it follows that individuals who use iRacing will most likely have an unrivaled experience when it comes to driving.
After several years of experience in trying different sim racing programs, we can confidently state that iRacing is probably the best and succeeds in merging all the features of real life racing including how cars are handled, sounds, periphery, feedback from the force, and car and tyre grip etc.
Variety of cars and tracks
Touching on the game which is Gran Turismo 7, even though it is more of a game than a racing simulator, the game developers still understand the objectives of their clients and aim at doing all it takes to achieve the simulation as close to what really happens on the race tracks.
Actually, the ADV did incorporate NASCAR simulation into the program.
Assortment of automobiles and race courses.
In iRacing, they may not have the most number of raced cars and race venue option, but they are famous for having an amazing range of raced car classes including nascar, indycars, road racers and prototypes, rally cars including rallycross and dirt cars.
There are at least 100 different kinds of cars and you can use them to race in more than 100 tracks that have around 350 different layouts and designs.
On the other hand in Gran Turismo 7 which is a racing game features and boasts of much more than 520 cars from different manufacturers around the world.
To conclude, certainly the car details and specs in Gran Turismo 7 are good, however to make the game even better, even more realistic cannot hurt especially when it comes to the dynamics andthe car operation.
In terms of the tracks, there are 35 venues with 25 different layouts for you to race on.
Graphics quality
iRacing has a next generation graphic quality that we are hard pressed to finding faults in. Not only the car exterior, but the interior is also beautifully designed and even the racing set up seems well thought out with respect to the dynamics of every little aspect.
If you are planning to use a PC with good GPU and processor, get ready for the peak graphic experience!
Gran Turismo 7 on its part is also noted with regards to their outstanding graphic quality.
Such had been one of their strong points since first unit offering and the playstation version itself was categorized as a technology that was ot pose as the most appealing aspect of a playstation in regards to graphic quality.
Car handling
The car handling in iRacing has consistently had a reputation of being quite difficult to learn. For us, we would say its absolutely realistic and not absolutely difficult.
Indeed, there is one aspect only, which makes it comparatively tough to manage a car in iRacing as its quite real in comparison to being behind a wheel of a formula one car.
Once you get accustomed to this, it will actually give you a better legal level of realism that race fans has always looked forward to.
However, it should be noted that the car physics in Gran Turismo 7 is more forgiving than that of iRacing, in fact you will not be able to engage in simulator’s any performance as if you even will not comprehend where the tyres are now and if the car is already bent.
So, it gets much better to this and you will be advised using Gran Turismo 7 for the very first time with no intention of enhancing racing skills but simply enjoying racing simulation.
Compatibility (PC, Xbox, Playstation)
iRacing and Gran Turismo 7 belong to the categories of specialized sim racing software with tight system requirements and will work only on 1 device.
As you might know already, iRacing is for personal computer only where best racing simulations can be presented.
In the same way, this cannot be done with racing consoles, especially as how come one can make a simulation racing title enjoying a racetrack like Gran Turismo 7, and only despite that whether on a Racers Play Station no more platform.
More so for the Playstation users, Standing Over the other racing software available on Playstation, Gran Turismo 7 is worth to be pompously recommended to any gamer.
FOV (Field of view)
FOV is one of the basic terms one should understand and appreciate as it will affect how one’s immersion in the racing experience is made. Just as applies with most of the high quality racing softwares, then you know that you can always bring FOV adjustments inward through the settings menu in most racing games.
With regard to iRacing and Gran Turismo 7, – we are of the opinion that FOV for both racing software is great even if used out of the box.
Do not forget to have a look at our recently published free FOV calculator!
Are tracks laser scanned?
Laser scanning is one of those things that would not really make a difference on your racing performance, however, it is very much appreciated by sim racers as one of the key elements to get spot on to sim racing games.
Like most racing games, iRacing takes its track usage out from real racing locations.
Therefore, one can say that with the comprehensive use of lasers most of the tracks are fully laser scanned. The same applies to Gran Turismo 7, it has real-life tracks but only a handful of them and some of these (but not all) are laser scanned for a more realistic experience for the users.
Almost all the tracks which are not fixed in such a manner in gran Turismo 7 are particularly racetracks with certain characters in a fictitious and quasi-historical.
Online multiplayer
iRacing is an online racing software which is specifically designed for online racing. Simulator is among the top rated software in which the best sim drivers around the globe come to compete against each other.
iRacing is backed up with an elaborate licensing system wherein you can engage in racing on practice servers with other individuals of your own caliber.
It would thus mean that the contests are often easy to win but somehow, the contests are still tough On the opposite, for several other competitors in league specific services, it might be difficult to locate an appropriate server.
In an effort to enhance the league’s competitiveness, multiple factors relating to your gameplay including safety records will be taken into consideration before placing you on the most suitable matchmaking server.
Similar provisions have been created in this game’s online racing, although not as much as any seasoned rug racer will find in iRacing.
Force Feedback (FFB)
Even though the conditions under which iRacing and Gran Turismo operate are different devices wise, it is fair to assume that both developers have carried out quite a good work in ensuring that a contemplative and realistic force feedback system.
There are some drivers who in fact would be perfectly ok racing with the default settings. On the other hand, it is possible to tweak the in-game force feedback to your liking from the settings screen.
Prices and Downloads
Here are the prices and download links for iRacing:
Period |
Price |
1 Month |
$9.99 |
6 Months |
$39.99 |
1 Year |
$74.99 |
Gran Turismo 7 prices
Device |
Price |
Link |
Playstation |
$69.99 |
Playstation Download |
So which one is better for you?
When it comes to sim racing games, we have seen that both iRacing and Gran Turismo 7 are great because it depends on what you seek for in the game.
To be fair for the hardcore simulation player, if you want the most realistic dress with stunning FOV as well as laser scanned tracks then iRacing is the choice for you.
In my opinion, if you want a quick GT3 online competitive game where each skill level can have fun, I think Gran Turismo 7 is the way to go.
Give both a shot at least so that you can experience both and figure out which of the two fit you the most.
As usual, have fun racing.