If you primarily want something for driving sims, you definitely want
to get a wheel and pedal setup. It may seem impractical at first,
compared to a joystick that can "do it all," but you just can't put a
pricetag on how much more fun a driving game is with a wheel and
pedals.
For a look at how the Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro wheel and the Thomas
Enterprises TSW2 compare, check out the following link:
http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/tsw2rev.htm
No matter what you decide, I think you'll be better off if you do get
a wheel-and-pedal combo for driving games. If price is a concern and
you do need a joystick for other games, then make it a budget-priced
wheel for racing, and a decent mid-range analog joystick for
everything else, and you should be in business.
-- John Bodin
Publisher, The IRL Insider Magazine On-Line
http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/irl.htm