Fanatec GT DD Pro vs Thrustmaster T598 – The Smartest Direct Drive Choice for 2025

Which Direct Drive wheel base is the smartest choice for sim racers in 2025?

Switching to Direct Drive is the moment many sim racers truly bring their virtual races to life. The powerful, instant feedback in your hands makes every apex and kerb come alive, as if you're sitting in the cockpit yourself.

Two popular options for those looking to experience this realism without jumping straight into the high end market are the Fanatec GT DD Pro / CSL DD 8 Nm and the Thrustmaster T598. On paper they may look similar, but in practice the differences are clear.

In this comparison we highlight the key points and explain why more and more racers are choosing the T598 Direct Drive Bundle as the best price performance pick of 2025.

⚡ Power and feedback: consistent torque vs peak performance

The quality of force feedback can make or break a wheel base.

• Fanatec GT DD Pro / CSL DD 8 Nm
  • Peak torque: 8 Nm
  • Lower peak than the T598
  • Uses older direct drive technology
  • Known for a slightly nervous feel at low speeds
• Thrustmaster T598
  • 5 Nm constant torque
  • 10 Nm peak torque thanks to controlled overshoot
  • Axial Direct Drive motor with zero cogging for ultra smooth steering
  • Latest generation motor designed for maximum realism and detail

While Fanatec focuses on constant torque, the T598’s modern Axial Flux motor delivers a far more natural and detailed feel. The higher 10 Nm peak provides realistic impacts over kerbs and during crashes, while the absence of cogging results in an exceptionally smooth steering experience. Fanatec’s older motor technology simply can’t match this refinement.

For advanced sim racers who appreciate finesse, the T598 often feels more alive and less mechanical.

🧰 Ecosystem and compatibility

• Thrustmaster T598
  • Compatible with the entire Thrustmaster ecosystem
  • Expandable with pedals, shifters, handbrakes and different wheel rims
  • Quick Release adapter available for older add-on wheels
  • Works on PS5, PS4 and PC
• Fanatec GT DD Pro / CSL DD
  • Works within the Fanatec ecosystem
  • Compatible with recent Fanatec accessories
  • Less flexible for wheel upgrades due to QR1 and QR2 systems

Thrustmaster designed the T598 as a modular system that can grow with you. Start with the standard bundle and later upgrade to an F1 wheel or load cell brake without replacing the motor base.

Check out the full T598 bundle in our shop »

💸 Price and value: high performance under €500

For less money, the T598 offers a modern motor, smoother feedback and a sturdier pedal set. Fanatec charges more for older tech and lower quality pedals — a difference you feel as soon as you hit the track.

🏎️ Real driving feel

Sim racers who’ve tried both systems describe the T598 as strikingly smooth and responsive. The lack of cogging means that even in the pit lane or during precise cornering, feedback remains fluid and tight.

The Fanatec DD Pro, by contrast, can feel a bit twitchy at low inputs, something technically minded drivers will quickly notice.

The integrated Race Dash display on the T598 base is also a standout feature. You can view your speed, flags and settings directly on the base without additional software or extra screens, a major boost for immersion and convenience.

🏁 Conclusion: why the T598 is the smarter choice in 2025

On paper Fanatec may look stronger in constant torque, but sim racing is not just about numbers. It’s about feel, precision and long term flexibility.

The Thrustmaster T598 combines modern motor technology, smooth force feedback and a complete ecosystem at a sharp price point. For less than €500 you get a Direct Drive experience that convinces both newcomers and seasoned racers.

Discover the T598 Direct Drive Bundle in our shop and experience the difference yourself.