Honestly, when you mix a good combo and good tires (by good i don't mean best, but the ones that feel most realistic), it's really not that far from the PC sims, at all. Talking about GT5 mind you..
But that whole 'game' mentality around it, is offputting. Online system is on the 1998 level, and only thing left that is fun, is hotlaping on couple of good combos.
Scrap all that if you really enjoy unlocking cars, swapping engines, and doing casual racing with kids who don't know how to race..