Fanatec Podium DD1 vs. DD2 - What are the Differences?

When Fanatec launched the Podium-line wheel bases, it was a gamechanger – not just for the company, but also the sim racing community.

The Podium Wheel Base DD1 and DD2 were engineered from the ground-up especially for sim racing. While other manufacturers often use off-the-shelf industrial motors, the DD1 and DD2’s custom motors are specifically tailored to the needs and requirements of sim racers.

With outstanding acceleration, ultra-low cogging, and exceptional holding torque, Podium wheel bases deliver top-of-the-line performance for racing enthusiasts and professionals without compromise.

Generally, the Podium DD1 and DD2 share the same core technology, with designs and certain features being present in both wheel bases.

Similarities include:

• High-quality, all-aluminium housing
• Integrated electronics within housing (no external box required)
• Motorsport grade QR2 quick release system
• 2.7-inch OLED display
• Torque key to unlock / limit the maximum torque output
• Fanatec 3-hole mounting pattern (bottom mounting) and side mounting
• Fast 1000 Hz USB update rate
• Mount for ClubSport Static Shifter Paddles and other optional accessories
• Connection ports: USB, Power, Pedals, Shifter 1, Shifter 2, Handbrake
• Full Fanatec SDK support
• Compatible with PC and Xbox (when used with an Xbox-licensed steering wheel)

Differences:

The biggest difference between Podium DD1 and DD2 is the maximum torque output of the wheel base. While DD1 can deliver up to 20 Newton-meters (Nm) of peak torque, DD2 achieves up to 25 Nm. At these levels, both wheel bases can already match the torque output in most real race cars using power steering, and will give you a driving experience as close as possible to the real thing.

For comparison: Average forces in modern race cars usually range between 8-15 Nm. For many sim racers, 12-15 Nm of torque is kind of a sweet spot – both for having excellent feeling for the road and getting a realistic representation of the real forces.

The DD2 also comes with carbon fiber instead of brushed aluminum cover plates and the Podium Kill Switch (also compatible with DD1). Driving with high torque levels can quickly become quite dangerous. With the Kill Switch, you can simply hit the Emergency Stop button to immediately cut all power to the wheel base. Additionally, the Kill Switch also has a dedicated power button to comfortably turn on and shut down the base.

With either wheel base, you will get a top-of-the line sim racing experience that is as close to real life as possible, and which can perfectly be suited to whatever car or series you want to drive.

DD1 is optimized for performance, giving you almost all the features of its counterpart. However, if you want take your racing exprience to the next level, opting for the most powerful Fanatec wheel base currently available, the Podium Wheel Base DD2 is the perfect choice for your setup.