in the game you're playing, but unless you buy a top notch, high priced
non-FF wheel like ECCI or TSW, the FF version is always better.
The FF in GPL is outstanding good and alone for that I'd strongly recommend
going for the FF version. It increases the immersion and (at least in GPL)
gives you a very good feedback of what the car is doing.
Beside the Microsoft wheel, I'd also check out:
Logitech Wingman Formula Force, very good wheel, low CPU usage, but the
pedals may be a problem (I own it and have the pedals replaced with my
Thrustmaster F1 pedals), but there are many people who are happy with them.
ACTLabs ForceRS (I think it's called). I've heard it's a very good wheel
with strong forces and good pedals and you can attach a H-shifter to it (if
the game supports it - which unfortunately neither GPL nor GP3 do...)
Guillemot Ferrari, well can't say much about this one, but it has got good
critics here on RAS.
These wheels are in the same price range as the Microsoft FF.
If you're not really short on money, go for FF, you won't regret it!
Peter