Introduction
I’ve spent a good amount of time racing with both the Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT and the Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel GT3 across different sims like Assetto Corsa Competizione, Forza, and rFactor 2. Both are popular options in the mid-range wheel market, yet they give very different driving impressions.
This comparison comes from real usage — how they feel in hands, how natural they are during long races, how they influence driving performance, and which one I find myself reaching for depending on the car I’m driving.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT | CSL Steering Wheel GT3 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Shape | Flat / modern supercar-inspired | Classic round GT steering |
| Diameter | ~300 mm | ~300 mm |
| Material | Leather + rubber grips | Leather + suede optionally |
| Button Layout | Minimalist, Porsche-style | More buttons & switches |
| OLED Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Best Suited For | GT & modern racing | GT3, endurance, classic sports cars |
| Aesthetic | Sporty futuristic | Classic GT racing look |
First Impressions – Aesthetic and Feel
Porsche Vision GT
The moment I first held the Porsche Vision GT wheel, it felt modern and sleek. The flat-bottom design is visually striking — it reminds me of modern racing supercars rather than traditional GT cars. The rubber and leather mix feels good to touch, and the weight of the wheel rim feels balanced without feeling heavy.
CSL Wheel GT3
The CSL Steering Wheel GT3 has a more familiar vibe if you’ve spent time in GT racing sims. Its round shape and button layout immediately feel “race-ready”. The leather has a slightly richer texture, and the feel of controls under thumb and fingers is more intuitive — almost like sitting in a proper GT3 cockpit.
Driving Feel and In-Game Use
Porsche Vision GT – Precision and Modern Feel
When I race on this wheel, the first thing I notice is how responsive it feels with directional changes. The flat design doesn’t actually make it harder to drive with; instead, it gives a sense of precision, almost like a steering wheel from a modern prototype or hybrid racer.
I particularly enjoy this wheel in cars that don’t require huge steering angles — modern GT cars, lightweight racers, or even formula-style vehicles. It feels a touch more agile with quick hand movements.
CSL GT3 – Classic, Balanced Control
Using the GT3 wheel feels intuitive from the first moment. The round shape isn’t flashy, but it’s extremely functional. Long sweeps into corners feel natural, and transitioning from one direction to the other feels smooth and confidence-inspiring.
During endurance races, I found myself using this wheel more because I didn’t have to adjust my grip style — it just felt “right” for a wide variety of cars and racing situations.
Buttons, Layout & Interaction
Porsche Vision GT
The button layout is purposeful but minimal — fewer buttons, more focus on the essentials. The thumb switches are positioned neatly, but if you use a lot of commands on your wheel (DRS, pit limiter, fuel mix, differential, etc.), you might find yourself reaching for a button box more often.
The OLED display works smoothly and shows information clearly, but I still preferred the GT3 layout for interaction during races.
CSL Steering Wheel GT3
This wheel has more buttons in intuitive places, and I found myself using them naturally in the heat of a race. Whether adjusting traction control on the fly or changing brake bias mid-race, I never felt like I had to look away from the track to find a control.
For someone who tweaks settings mid-session, this layout feels less restrictive.
Comfort & Long Sessions
Both wheels are around the same diameter (~300 mm), but the CSL GT3 feels a bit more comfortable after an hour of racing. Its round shape distributes hand pressure evenly, and I noticed less grip fatigue compared to the flat-bottom Porsche wheel.
The Vision GT wheel doesn’t fatigue me quickly either, but for sessions over 90 minutes, I naturally prefer the GT3 wheel for sheer comfort.
Build Quality & Daily Use
Both wheels feel solid and well-finished. Neither feels cheap, and the materials hold up well after repeated sessions. The leather texture on the GT3 is slightly more premium, while the Porsche Vision GT wheel has that modern sporty feel.
Both OLED displays are crisp and useful, though I found the extra buttons on the GT3 make the display more functional in real racing scenarios.
Pros & Cons — From Actual Use
CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT
Pros
- Modern, sporty design
- Responsive and agile steering feel
- Great for cars with smaller steering angles
Cons
- Button layout feels minimalist
- Less comfortable for very long sessions
- Might require extra button box for advanced controls
CSL Steering Wheel GT3
Pros
- Intuitive, race-ready control layout
- Comfortable for long stints
- Great for GT and endurance racing
- More direct access to functions without extra buttons
Cons
- Classic design may feel “less modern”
- Slightly heavier physical aesthetic (not a drawback, just a style choice)
My Personal Preference
If I’m doing long endurance races or playing titles where I frequently adjust settings mid-race, I reach for the CSL Steering Wheel GT3. It just feels natural, familiar, and functionally effective.
If I’m racing something with quicker steering response or want a cooler modern-style wheel that feels more compact and sporty, the Porsche Vision GT wheel is fun and effective.
In everyday usage, the GT3 wheel has edged ahead because it simply works across more car types and feels comfortable the longer I race.
SEO-Friendly Conclusion
The Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT and CSL Steering Wheel GT3 offer distinct steering experiences. The Vision GT wheel feels modern and agile, ideal for cars that benefit from quicker steering response, while the GT3 wheel delivers intuitive controls and all-around comfort for long races and GT racing. Your choice should match your racing style and how you interact with wheel controls during sessions.
