The only cars in rFactor that I come back to are the VW Lupo mod and the stock 2006 Rhez which was included in the 1150 update. Most of the others leave me cold.
It is better in every single way that matters. I can say that confidently for myself because I know what the alternatives are and none of them are even in the same galaxy as LFS. It isn't that they don't offer some great elements, many modern titles (and some older ones too) offer some amazing innovations and features, it's just that no sim has ever really finished the job when it comes to realistic mechanical systems like suspension, tyre movement, diff simulations, braking systems etc and the way they relate to the physics of the game environment. These things for many sim racers (especially those of us that have been waiting for over a decade for the egg to crack) set LFS apart from every other title. It's why some of us appear to be fanboys, a misconception, albeit an understandable one.
LFS has always followed a few basic and noble philosophies that we just don't see in action often enough in game development these days. That also sets it apart from potential rivals and again makes some look like fanboys. It matters little how many real cars or tracks you have, how many shaders and effects, how good the AI performs or whether or not the software includes a story mode for engaging single-player entertainment. The main things that set this sim apart are not how it is better or worse than other racing/driving software but rather how it is different than they are.
Sim XXX VS LFS, to me, is a moot discussion. There is no "VS" when it comes to LFS. And that isn't because it outshines every other sim in every area, and it isn't because it is everything it could possibly be, we know it isn't that, yet. How I wish every developer of racing sims would be brave enough to embark on the type of journey that Scavier have. But they haven't, and catching up won't happen overnight.
Apart from the physics and steering wheel feedback, which is undeniably unrivalled in the sim racing world, the way the devs have stuck to their vision and not caved in to commercial interests has produced a very honest race sim which doesn't try to be anything else than a great online race simulator. LFS takes itself seriously as a simulator, not satisfied with mere simulation.
Immersion is exciting, visual elements do help too, but without that real car behaviour and feedback other sims aren't even aiming for the same space, in my opinion. It is easy to look like a fanboy because this is something new and different and very very solid, I have no doubts that LFS will change a lot of sim racer's outlooks and opinions towards racing software in the future and other sim developers have no choice but to roll up their sleeves and work smarter to win your approval for their work.
So, LFS is different and the way in which it is different makes it better on a whole different level, so much that I can't honestly stand another title next to it for comparison.
I've enjoyed the journey so far and I know there's more to come, it just keeps improving in appearance, functionality, features and usability, all the while standing solidly on that unique and comprehensive physics and mechanical simulation. I almost take it for granted that it works so well online.
The choice is simple for me, and for many others I'm sure. I don't begrudge people their choices, but I'd like more people to know that LFS is truly on a different path than its rivals, and that is why it has enjoyed somewhat of a cult following since pre-S1 days up to the present. Once racers realise how LFS is different they become intrigued by the potential for online racing in the future, and look forward to what's to come. I can stand LFS apart from other sims without a wisp of malice or contempt to the other sims, because we aren't comparing apples with apples.