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Both wheels are direct drive, with Moza's R21 boasting 21Nm of torque and Fanatec's Podium DD1 offering a slightly lower 20Nm. However, both have the same drive type, making it a wash in terms of raw power.
I've seen users struggle with Moza R21s having issues out of the box - freezing mid-game and turning randomly full lock on one side. And don't even get me started on the customer support, which is apparently as frustrating as it sounds. Users are reporting having to deal with lengthy RMA processes, including replacing PCBs and waiting for weeks (or longer) to receive a replacement.
The pain of dealing with Moza's customer service is palpable - users are complaining about being stuck with the same brand that sold them "crap" in the first place. And if you're one of the unlucky ones who got a defective R12, good luck trying to get it replaced; apparently, it's a bureaucratic nightmare.
On the other hand, Fanatec users seem to have fewer issues with their DD1s - mostly related to firmware problems that were resolved in later driver updates. And when they did encounter problems, like the occasional PSU failure, Fanatec allegedly sent replacement units quickly and efficiently.
For those who can stomach it, I'd recommend saving up for the premium price point of the Moza R21 - but only if you're a die-hard fan of direct drive or have no other choice. Otherwise, go with the Fanatec Podium DD1. It's not perfect, but at least its user experience is less painful.
Scenario-wise, if you're on PC and want to save some cash, the Moza R21 might be a good option - it's a bit more affordable than the Fanatec. However, if you're on Xbox or PS5, the Fanatec Podium DD1 is a no-brainer; its cross-platform compatibility makes up for any minor shortcomings.
But let's be real: both wheels are direct drive, and that's what matters most to hardcore sim racers like us. So if you can afford it, splurge on the Fanatec - your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you later.