Why we prefer rFactor 2 to other simulations
To compare rFactor2 with iRacing and Assetto Corsa, we took the most important key points of the individual simulations.
Valuation scheme
Points 1-6 were evaluated on known objective features from different data sheets of the simulations. Among others, Wikipedia, PC games and Gamestar were used.
For the individual evaluation criteria 1-6, a maximum of 2 points were awarded and colour coded as follows:
2 points
1 point
0 points
As a subjective assessment, different driver opinions were obtained and broken down into point 7. The rating is made up of the percentage of positve ratings.
Honestly, we ourselves are amazed at the result. Assetto Corsa was not our favorite from the start but that rFactor 2 achieved such a high score and dominance in comparison surprises us. We don’t want to anticipate too much – make yourself a picture.
rFactor2
iRacing
Assetto Corsa
1. Costs
Base 29.99€/one-time payment
Basis approx. 110€/ yearly subscription
Base 19.99€
Ultimate 39.88€ (all DLC incl.)
Vehicle-DLC 4.99€/ in package cheaper
per vehicle 11$
only in DLCs 4.99€
per Track 6.99€ – 11.99€
per Track approx. 14.99$
Tracks only included in DLCs
2. Development
for PC: 2013 (ISI)
for PC: 2016 (Studio397)
for PC: 2008
for PC: 2014
continuous development
continuous development
Development discontinued at the end of 2017
3. Extension/ Modding
Modding allowed
Modding not allowed
Modding allowed
Track-advertising possible
No track-advertising possible
Track-advertising possible
Vehicle painting can be freely designed
Vehicle painting only predetermined or via external software
Vehicle painting can be freely designed
Paints and tracks are shared via raceservers
Paints must be shared manually or via external software
Tracks and liveries must be shared via external software or manually
4. Realism and driving physics
most extensive tire physics
Extensive tire physics
good tire physics
good physical damage model
good physical damage model
good physical damage model
Pit lane with collission
Pit lane without collission
Pit lane without collission
Pitstop not animated
Pitstop animated
Pitstop animated
dynamic rubber abrasion – also weather dependent – always visible
increasing grip on the track – visible depending on the track
rising grip on the track – not dynamic visible
More and more laser-scanned tracks
almost all tracks laser scanned and wide selection
good tracks, less laser scanned, few choices
5. League and event functions in online mode
Replay Local and Server
Replay Local and time-limited server, no automatic storage
Replay only locally or via external software, very memory intensive
Driver rating under construction
very good driver rating system
Driver rating only offline or via external software
open server management
Server management only via iRacing.com
Server management relatively open
Driver change possible
Driver change possible
No driver change
6. Graphic comparison
7. Driver’s perception
After a small survey, we were able to ask users of iRacing, rFactor 2 and Assetto Corsa for the following subjective and objective opinions.
best ForceFeedback
real weather/ rain
best price/performance ratio
Day/Night Change
No monthly subscription costs
best tire model
textures that can be improved in places
Even vehicles that you do NOT drive but the opponents must be bought
large number of good mods
Driving physics and engine is also used by racing stables – rFactor Pro
Good image display and VR require high computing performance
Damage model not very detailed with official content – with modded content it looks better
traceable driving behaviour
largest community
many online races
very good rating system
ForceFeedback feedback is ok
cockpit view only
“only useful if money doesn’t matter or you really want to use it”
biggest fun factor
tedious start
Expensive
Vehicles you do NOT drive do not need to be purchased
better graphics
fair racing
no rain/poor weather effects
large community
no day/night change
ForceFeedback is useful
Vehicles generally understeer unusually strongly
no dynamic weather
Singleplayer ok – Multiplayer
lots of mod content
“Arcarde Game” – Character
Summary Points 1-6
1. Costs
5/6
0/6
3/6
2. Development
3/4
3/4
2/4
3. Extension/ Modding
8/8
1/8
7/8
4. Realism/Driving Physics
8/12
7/12
3/12
5. League and Event Features
7/8
6/8
3/8
6. Graphics
We tried to evaluate the graphic representation objectively. For this purpose, own tests were carried out and aspects such as detail, texture quality, reflections and shadows as well as closeness to reality were evaluated.
1/2
rF2 has a good graphics with a high density of detail. Textures are clear and recognizable. Smoke, water and other effects are present. The visible damage model is only mediocre. Shadows and reflections are good. High contrast ratio. Negatively, the graphic processing is very computational intensive. In general, a “blue stitch” can be seen.
1/2
iRacing has a mediocre overall graphics. The detail density appears the lowest. Smoke and particle effects are present. For this, there is a very good damage model here, for some vehicles. Shadows, reflections and textures are arranged in the midfield and are rather standard. The low system utilization and natural color display are good. In general, a partially exaggerated “yellow stitch” can be seen.
1/2
AC has a good graphics. The detail density is mediocre. Textures and reflexes are good. Smoke and other effects are present. The visible damage model is uniform and better than rF2. The colour scheme is generally realistic. You can see a “yellow stitch”.
Total Points – Category 1-6
32/40
18/40
19/40
7. Driver’s perception/subjective evaluation
78% positive impressions
63% positive impressions
44% positive impressions
Finally, rFactor 2 receives the best overall rating as a simulation in Simracing as well as in an objective comparison.
iRacing has its advantages especially in driver rating and open online mode and is very popular with users. However, he keeps it big point deduction in the cost factor.
Assetto Corsa is equal in the overall rating with iRacing. In general, it can be said that the title simulation may not be chosen quite correctly here, which also reflects the driver’s sensations. There is probably a software class of its own, which could be called Sim-Cade.
No liability is assumed for the correctness of the information!
M.W. d.s. t.b.
