This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:10:49
The video explores the practicalities and realism of a budget-friendly driving simulator setup demonstrated by a viewer in Hertfordshire. The setup includes a Logitech G29 steering wheel, H-pattern gear shifter, three pedals, and the game “City Car Driving.” The presenter evaluates various aspects of the simulator, such as clutch control, gear shifting, and braking, noting the strengths and limitations. The simulator, while affordable and effective for learning car positioning and driving a manual car, falls short on the tactile feel of the controls. The presenter illustrates realistic scenarios like starting the engine, adjusting traffic settings, and managing aggressive gear changes. Despite some minor drawbacks such as limited visual cues and lack of real-feel in the clutch, the simulator is praised for its realistic aspects, especially in lane positioning. The video concludes with a nod towards the setup’s educational benefits for new drivers and its compatibility with other games like Forza Horizon for entertainment.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter visits a viewer in Hertfordshire to test out a budget-friendly driving simulator setup. The setup includes a Logitech G29 steering wheel with an H-pattern gear shifter and three pedals, which costs between £250-£330. The stand for the wheel is sturdy and priced at £100. The game used is called “City Car Driving,” available for around £20 on Steam, and can be played on a regular laptop or a large screen for better visuals. Virtual reality goggles and specialized chairs can enhance the experience, though the viewer uses a kitchen chair.
The presenter tests the simulator, noting the realistic aspects such as clutch control and gear shifting. However, some elements, like the feel of the gear shift and clutch behavior, are less realistic compared to actual cars. The presenter describes the process of starting the simulator, using the pedals, and adjusting the view with buttons on the steering wheel. Despite a few shortcomings, the setup overall provides a close-to-real driving experience at a more affordable price.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter experiments with starting the car in various ways and observes its responses. They note that starting the engine with the car in gear causes it to lurch forward unless the clutch is pressed. By gradually releasing the clutch without gas, the car moves away smoothly, similar to many modern cars. The presenter changes gears at different RPMs and comments on how the car behaves, particularly noting the quick drop in revs and the need to carefully adjust the clutch. They also mention the lack of feel in the brake pedal, requiring visual cues to gauge braking.
Additionally, the presenter adjusts traffic settings and pedestrian presence and comments on the driving experience, such as the necessity of signaling and how aggressive gear shifts affect the car’s movement. They demonstrate aggressive gear changes and the resultant head movement, simulating a jerky ride. While navigating a bend, the presenter finds the steering less sensitive than expected. They then test moving away with excessive gas and quickly lifting the clutch, resulting in wheel spin.
00:06:00
In this segment, the speaker experiments with gear shifting in a driving simulation. They test downshifting from third to second gear, noting that the simulation doesn’t automatically rev match; thus, a smooth downshift requires the driver to slowly release the clutch. The speaker also demonstrates how to look for traffic using arrow keys and observes signaling, which doesn’t self-cancel in the simulation.
Next, they test deliberately shifting into a first gear from a high speed, causing the engine to become very loud without extreme engine braking. The speaker compliments the simulation’s accuracy in lane positioning, mentioning that the steering wheel alignment and visual representation mirror real-life driving closely, aiding new drivers in understanding lane placement. Overall, they express being impressed with the city car driving simulation for its realistic features, especially in lane positioning.
00:09:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the practical benefits and limitations of using a driving simulator, particularly for new drivers. They highlight how the simulator effectively helps with car positioning and learning to drive a manual car, including gear changes and clutch usage. However, they also mention the downsides, such as the difficulty of viewing around the virtual car and the unrealistic feel of the clutch. The speaker suggests the video is beneficial for those learning to drive and directs viewers to check out insurance options from Collingwood and Confused.com, mentioning potential discounts and incentives. They conclude by noting the simulator’s compatibility with Forza Horizon for entertainment purposes.