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If you're looking for your first Fanatec steering wheel, a round wheel is the safe choice. But if you’re into circuit racing, you might want a butterfly shape, like the CSL Steering Wheel GT3 and the CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT. Despite appearing quite different, they have similar dimensions and both have many considerations for the beginner and enthusiast racer.
Although these wheels sit in a similar part of the Fanatec lineup, they were created with very different priorities.
The CSL Steering Wheel GT3 is inspired by modern GT race cars. Everything about it is familiar and functional. If you're into GT3 racing, you'll feel right at home.
The Porsche Vision GT wheel takes a different route. Based on the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo concept car steering wheel, this officially licensed product brings futuristic design, adapted into a surprisingly practical wheel.
On paper, the Porsche Vision GT wheel is slightly larger, at 310 mm width versus the CSL GT3’s 300 mm. In the hand, they feel very similar in width, but the Porsche wheel has a thicker rim and very different ergonomics.
The GT3 wheel feels conventional, with durable rubber grips and an intuitive GT3-style layout, and a rocker-style magnetic shifter system that allows up and down-shifting with one hand. The Porsche wheel has an unusual spoke design grip shape, with plenty of intelligently placed rotary switches and even two buttons integrated into the rim itself.
The CSL Steering Wheel GT3 looks clean and conventional, with a proven layout. The Porsche Vision GT wheel is far more distinctive.
Its unique spoke cutouts and concept car styling make it one of the most recognisable steering wheels in the Fanatec range. The design was heavily reworked for sim racing, so despite the dramatic appearance, the wheel is intuitive and easy to use.
If you enjoy owning hardware that stands out, the Porsche wheel offers something genuinely different.
The Porsche Vision GT wheel is a significantly more premium product, and that's immediately obvious the moment you pick it up.
Its cast aluminum internal structure gives it exceptional rigidity while transmitting detailed force feedback through the wheel. The grips are finished in Tactaris, a synthetic suede material chosen for its comfort and long-term durability.
The CSL Steering Wheel GT3 uses an all-plastic construction with overmolded rubber grips. It's not immediately as comfortable as the Vision GT wheel, but over long sessions, sometimes the rubber grip is the preferred choice.
Platform compatibility may also influence your decision.
The CSL Steering Wheel GT3 is Designed for XBOX, making it an excellent choice for players on XBOX Series X|S and XBOX One. It's also extremely popular with PC sim racers thanks to its authentic GT layout.
The included XBOX themed button caps are removable, allowing the wheel to take on a much more platform-neutral appearance.
The Porsche Vision GT naturally appeals to Gran Turismo players and PlayStation users thanks to its connection with Porsche Vision Gran Turismo. Even outside the Gran Turismo community, Porsche fans are likely to appreciate the authentic licensing and distinctive design.
Of course, both wheels are equally at home on PC.
The CSL Steering Wheel GT3 has earned its popularity because it delivers an authentic GT racing experience at an exceptionally accessible price. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone building their first sim racing setup.
The CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT offers something different. It feels more premium in every interaction, combines distinctive industrial design with genuine usability, and brings a sense of occasion every time you sit down to drive.
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