Today, we’d like to start a duel : Mclaren GT3 vs Formula v2.5 ! We’d like to answer a question we’ve been asked quite frequently: which Fanatec steering wheel should I choose in the McLaren GT3 VS Formula V2. 5 duel? And I can already see the cynics saying “they’re not from the same range, that’s crazy!
Everybody calm down ^^. Of course, we’re well aware that these two wheels aren’t in the same product or price range. Yet many players hesitate between the two, and after seeing the question come up again and again, Flo and I decided to take matters into our own hands and bring you this duel!
To give a little context, the McLaren GT3 V2 is part of the Fanatec CSL range, so it’s an entry-level product for the brand. The Formula V2.5 is part of the Clubsport range, Fanatec’s mid-range product.
McLaren GT3 VS Formula V2.5: Specifications
| Caractéristique | McLaren GT3 V2 | Formula V2.5 et V2.5x |
|---|---|---|
| Prix | à partir de 199,95€ | à partir de 389,95€ |
| Compatibilité | PC - Playstation - XBox | PC - Playstation - XBox (uniquement pour le V2.5x) |
| Diamètre | 30cm | 27cm |
| Matériaux | Plastique - Aluminium - Grip en caoutchouc | Carbone - Aluminium - Plastique - Grip en cuir perforé |
| Fonctions paramétrables | 9 boutons, 2 encodeurs rotatifs 12 positions, 2 switches 2 positions, 1 switch 4 positions cliquable et rotatif. | 11 boutons, 2 encodeurs 12 positions, 2 sélecteurs rotatifs, 2 switchs 2 positions, 1 joystick cliquable, 1 sélecteur 4 positions cliquable et rotatif |
| Palettes | 2 palettes magnétiques push/pull pour les rapports - 2 palettes analogiques pour le dual clutch ou tout autre paramétrage souhaité | 2 palettes magnétiques pour les rapports |
| Affichage | Ecran OLED 1 pouce | Ecran OLED 1 pouce - 9 LED pour affichage du compte tour - 2x3 LED pour l'affichage des drapeaux ou indicateur de glisse par exemple |
| Quick Release de série | QR1 Lite en plastique | QR1 en aluminium |
| Poids | 1.1Kg (QR inclus) | 1.25Kg (QR inclus) |
| Vibrations | Non | 2 moteurs de vibration dans les grips |
On compatibility, the point goes to the CSL McLaren GT3 V2, which is compatible on PC, Playstation and X Box at no extra charge. Unlike the V2.5, which is not X Box compatible unless you pay 10€ more for the V2.5X model. We agree that 10€ isn’t the end of the world, but it does give the McLaren the edge.
In terms of configurable functions, the Formula is the clear winner, with a dozen additional functions. Its numerous buttons and rotary encoders make it a highly versatile ally on the track. If you like to switch from single-seaters to prototypes and end the day in GT, you can set up everything and switch from one vehicle to another without having to remap your entire steering wheel.
On the other hand, while we’re on the subject of versatility, it has to be said that the McLaren’s 30cm diameter makes it much more pleasant and versatile in terms of track feel. Driving a GT on a 27cm wheel is far from ideal.
But size is also a question of morphology (we’re still talking about simracing, aren’t we?)
Even if I think we’ll all agree that the McLaren has a more versatile diameter than the Formula, there’s still the question of the player’s morphology.
For example, at five foot three, Flo much prefers the Formula on all types of vehicle. With the McLaren, her little hands find it hard to operate the paddles, and the grip is just a hair too wide to win her over 100%. For me too, who’s 1.74cm tall and doesn’t have very large hands, it’s more fun on the track with the Formula than with the McLaren.
On the other hand, we also rub shoulders with a whole host of players with much larger palms than us, who find the Formula unbearable! And why is that? Well, because their thumbs can inadvertently touch and activate the rotary selectors on hairpin bends.
So keep in mind that, depending on your body type, you could end up with a great or frustrating riding experience..
Materials
Well, let’s not beat about the bush. On the one hand, you’ve got plastic, plastic, plastic, rubber and a bit of aluminum. And on the other, a 5mm-thick carbon plate, some plastic, aluminum and leather. Unsurprisingly, Formula is the winner here.
And while we’re on the subject of materials: you’d think that the plastic McLaren would be lighter than the Formula, but in fact, if you disregard the weight of the Quick Release system, they’re virtually identical.
The Quick Release
Now we’re talking. On Fanatec’s CSL range today, steering wheels are delivered as standard with the QR1 Lite model. You know, the plastic quick release… If you’ve read or seen our test of the McLaren, you’ll know that we’ve had problems with this QR.
After noticing this problem, we also received messages and comments from quite a few other players who had exactly the same problem. So I wouldn’t advise you to keep the QR1 Lite. It’s much better to take the aluminum QR1 option.
The price!
At first glance, one might be tempted to say that at under €200, the McLaren easily wins the price battle. But that’s without counting the Quick Release.
As I said a few lines ago, I strongly urge you to take the QR1 Aluminium option to avoid the problems we’ve had with the plastic version. The problem is that it adds almost €100 to the bill. So we end up with a McLaren for 300 and a Formula for 390. Not much of a difference, is it?
So, at these prices, if we look only at materials and features, there’s no debate: the Formula wins the game. BUT… If you take into account the versatility of the McLaren’s diameter, the debate can go on for days.
Our feedback (personal and subjective)
Flo and I enjoyed both Fanatec steering wheels. Yet in the end, we both tend to use the Formula much more often than the McLaren. Why is that? Because it suits our body shape very well, it has tons more features than the McLaren, its grip is very pleasant under the fingers, and the ergonomics of the buttons are the best we’ve ever had.
Of course, in terms of finish, the McLaren steering wheel is very well made for an entry-level product. The imitation-carbon plastic is attractive, and the ergonomics are good. And let’s not forget that it’s the only one to offer 4 paddles in this price range! But unsurprisingly, the Clubsport Formula’s finish is 10 notches higher. That’s normal, you might say, since it’s not the same product range.
But despite all that, I wouldn’t blindly recommend the Formula! Because if your hands are bigger than ours, or if you can’t stand driving a GT on a 27cm wheel, you’ll just be frustrated with the V2.5…
McLaren GT3 VS Formula V2.5: The Verdict
As you get to know us (unless you’re new to the site, in which case welcome!!), you know that we’ll never tell you to “take THIS product rather than the other”. You know just as well as we do that the experience you’re going to have with your steering wheel depends on a ton of parameters, ranging from very objective things like the number of buttons… To completely subjective things like your taste in grip. And in the case of this duel, there’s even the “morphology” variable to consider.
These two shuttlecocks both have very strong assets that make them both very interesting. With the various points we’ve covered in the video and in the article, you should now have a good idea of which model you need.
If you need more info, here are the links to the full tests we carried out:
And if you need specific information, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments! We have both models on hand on a daily basis, and we’ll be happy to answer them for you 🙂
