Why rF2?

Why we prefer rFactor 2 to other simulations

In order to compare rFactor2 with iRacing and Assetto Corsa, we have compared the most important key points of the individual simulations.

Valuation scheme

Points 1-6 were evaluated using known objective characteristics from various data sheets of the different simulations. Among others, Wikipedia, PC Games and Gamestar were used.

A maximum of 2 points were awarded for each of the individual evaluation criteria 1-6 and color-coded as follows:

2 points

1 point

0 points

As a subjective assessment, various driver opinions were obtained and broken down in point 7. The rating is made up of the percentage of positive ratings.

To be honest, we ourselves are amazed at the result. Assetto Corsa wasn’t our favorite from the start, but we were surprised that rFactor 2 achieved such a high score and dominance in the comparison. We don’t want to give too much away – see for yourself.

rFactor2

iRacing

Assetto Corsa

1. costs

Basic 29,99€/one-time

Basis approx. 110€/ annual subscription

Base 19,99€
Ultimate 39,88€ (all DLC)

Vehicle DLC 4,99€/ cheaper in a package

per vehicle 11$

only in DLCs 4,99€

Route 6,99€ – 11,99€

Distance 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 further development

Continuous further development

Development discontinued at the end of 2017

3. expansion/ modding

Modding allowed

Modding not allowed

Modding allowed

Route advertising possible

No route advertising possible

Route advertising possible

Vehicle paintwork freely customizable

Vehicle painting only predefined or via external software

Vehicle paintwork freely customizable

Paint finishes and routes are shared via server

Paint jobs must be shared manually or via external software

Routes and paint jobs 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 collision

Pit lane without collision

Pit lane without collision

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

Increasing grip on the track – not visible

More and more laser-scanned routes

Almost all routes laser scanned and large selection

Good route guidance, hardly any laser scanning, few routes

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 perception

Following a small survey, we were able to obtain the following subjective and objective opinions from users of iRacing, rFactor 2 and Assetto Corsa.

Best ForceFeedback

real weather/ rain

Best price/performance ratio

Day/night change

No monthly subscription costs

best tire model

Textures in need of improvement in places

Vehicles that you do NOT drive but that your opponents drive must also be purchased

Large number of good mods

Driving physics and engine is also used by racing teams – rFactor Pro

Good image display and VR require high computing performance

Damage model not very detailed with official content – looks better with modded content

Comprehensible driving behavior

largest community

many online races

Very good rating system

ForceFeedback feedback is ok

Cockpit view only

“only useful if money is not an issue or you really want to use it”

Greatest fun factor

laborious start

cost-intensive

Vehicles that you do NOT drive do not have 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. expansion/ modding

8/8

1/8

7/8

4. realism/ driving physics

8/12

7/12

3/12

5. league and event functions

7/8

6/8

3/8

6. graphic

We have tried to evaluate the graphic display objectively. To this end, in-house tests were carried out and aspects such as attention to detail, texture quality, reflections and shadows as well as realism were evaluated.

1/2

rF2 has good graphics with a high level of detail. Textures are clear and easily recognizable. Smoke, water and other effects are available. The visible damage model is only mediocre. Shadows and reflections are good. High contrast ratio. On the negative side, the graphic processing is very computationally intensive. In general, a “blue cast” can be recognized.

1/2

iRacing has mediocre overall graphics. The density of detail appears to be the lowest. Smoke and particle effects are present. On the other hand, there is a very good damage model for some vehicles. Shadows, reflections and textures are mid-range and rather standard. The low system load and the natural color display are good. In general, a partially exaggerated “yellow tint” can be seen.

1/2

AC has good graphics. The level of detail is average. Textures and reflections are good. Smoke and other effects are present. The visible damage model is consistent and better than in rF2. The color scheme is generally realistic. You can recognize a “yellow tint”.

Total points – category 1-6

32/40

18/40

19/40

7. driver perception/subjective assessment

78% positive impressions

63% positive impressions

44% positive impressions

In conclusion, it can be said that rFactor 2 receives the best overall rating as a simulation among sim racers as well as in an objective comparison.

iRacing has its advantages above all in the driver rating and open online mode and is very popular with users. However, he considers the cost factor to be a major point deduction.

Assetto Corsa is on a par with iRacing in the overall rating. In general, it can be said that the title Simulation may not have been chosen quite correctly here, which also reflects the driver’s perceptions. There is probably a separate software class here that could be called Sim-Cade.

No liability is assumed for the correctness of the information!

M.W. d.s. t.b.