Project CARS 2

Much better than the first one by a mile. Sadly, they don't sell this one anymore and the third one plays closer to a simcade (plus it never goes on sale...). RIP Project Cars series!
Edit: The true successor to Project Cars 2 is actually Automobilista 2. Give that game a try if you want some more. Project Cars 3 is more of a successor to the NFS Shift series.

Note - check out the true successor, Automobilista 2. Partnership with Slightly Mad Studios allowed Reiza to use the Madness engine from Project Cars, which has been improved upon.
Back when Project Cars 2 was released, it was hailed by many as a significant leap forward in the world of sim racing. The game showcased a remarkable level of attention to detail, ensuring a realistic and immersive experience for both casual gamers and hardcore sim racers.
Graphically, Project Cars 2 was nothing short of stunning. The dynamic weather system, which changed in real-time, wasn't just for show—it had a tangible effect on driving dynamics. Puddles would form, offering both visual splendor and a treacherous obstacle to drivers. Combined with a day-to-night transition, the tracks felt alive and unpredictable, demanding adaptability and strategy from players.
The vehicle selection was vast and diverse, offering cars from multiple eras and disciplines. From classic road cars to modern hypercars, GT racers to open-wheel wonders, there was a car for every enthusiast. Each vehicle felt distinct, capturing the nuances of their real-world counterparts, and the game mechanics ensured that driving them was both challenging and rewarding.
The track list was equally impressive. With many world-famous circuits meticulously recreated and lesser-known tracks offering new challenges, there was plenty for racers to explore. And thanks to the LiveTrack 3.0 system, track conditions evolved, which brought an added layer of depth to races.
However, the game wasn't without its criticisms. Some players reported technical issues, ranging from minor bugs to more problematic performance hiccups. The physics, though advanced, had a learning curve that could feel steep for newcomers, making the game occasionally feel inaccessible to the casual crowd. The AI was competent, but at times it lacked the unpredictability and dynamism of human opponents.
Multiplayer was a mixed bag. When it worked well, it was an exhilarating experience, pitting drivers against one another in intense races. But connectivity issues and inconsistent player behavior sometimes marred the online experience.
In conclusion, Project Cars 2 was an ambitious and largely successful effort to push the boundaries of what a racing simulator could be. Its blend of realism, variety, and beauty made it a must-play for racing enthusiasts. While it had its flaws, they were overshadowed by its strengths, ensuring its place as one of the standout racing titles of its time.

The race engineer has been more supportive of me than any of my real friends or family ever have been

2024 and still my favorite car game to date. Best tracks, best cars, best graphics and still viable multiplayer fun with almost no issues. Bonus points for also working great in triple screen and VR.

Gamepad IS compatible, hear me out
You will need to tweak gamepad settings a lot. Default setup is not responsive at all. Lower dead zones, increase steering sensivity, Lower Controller Damping SIGNIFICANTLY (0-10 is fine, it gives you full freedom of changing the direction of the car quicky).

Absolutely one of the best sim titles of all time.

People complain about the physics being slightly worse than others, which is valid, but in my opinion the game more than makes up for it in immersion. Manual pitlane, 4k textures and bump maps, flawless VR that works right out of the box, great optimisation, rain that travels across the track with the wind, evolving puddles and racing lines, grip levels, marbles, night cycles, laser scanned tracks. This game is amazing. I consistently open Project Cars 2 instead of Assetto Corsa and AMS2 because nothing rivals it in terms of enjoyment, and sheer quality.

Shame SMS got bought out by the cluster-fuck that is Codies and EA, but this game continues to age well with the clear passion and dedication from the previous dev team.

The best VR racing experience on PC I have found thus far.... Sadly you cannot purchase this gem due to licensing expiration, but it's worth it to say this is better than 1 & 3. Brilliant racer....