There are 3 modes to GTR. In "Arcade" and "Semi-Pro", the game is quite easy to drive. If you took second your first time playing, no offense, but I doubt it was in Simulator mode in GT cars. These cars are just too easy to spin, and you wouldn't know the track geometry well enough to get around the track at race speeds. In Arcade or Semi-Pro mode, I could see it, and I agree the game is much more like an arcade game then.

On the other hand, if you were with a bunch of other noobs, then just driving slowly would be enough to guarantee a top finish, because everyone else will spin and crash.

The physics in GTR are widely considered the most realistic engine in sim racing. Prior to this, Grand Prix Legends (1999!) held that honor. GTR also has all of the "setup" adjustments, but only in Simulator mode. I understand LFS is a simulator as well (as opposed to a "game"), but I haven't driven it.

I also agree about the netcode in GTR. It can be pretty dodgy.

Jim