Direct Drive Torque: The 20-Year Sim Racing Hardware Arms Race

Sim racing direct drive wheel torque specifications have increased roughly twentyfold over the past twelve years, far outpacing any corresponding evolution in real motorsport machinery. This escalation has created an ongoing competitive dynamic within the hardware sector, as manufacturers pursue ever-higher force feedback figures to differentiate their products.

The divergence between simulated and actual racing hardware raises questions about whether peak torque output remains the primary metric that matters for immersive and competitive sim racing. As the technology matures, the focus on raw numbers may obscure other factors that contribute to driver feel and performance at the virtual wheel.