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Both the Moza R21 and Fanatec Podium DD2 are Direct Drive wheelbases with a slight edge to Fanatec in terms of torque, 25Nm vs 21Nm. The only difference in compatibility is that the Podium DD2 supports Xbox, while the R21 is PC-only. A draw.
I've seen users complain about notchiness with both wheels, but it seems like a non-issue once powered up and in use. The real problem here is reliability - specifically with the Moza R21. Users are reporting freezing mid-game, random locking of the wheel, and issues that require replacing the PCB. Dealing with these problems can be a nightmare, especially when trying to get support from the manufacturer. I've heard stories of being sent back and forth for repairs, only to have it happen again. The big problem here is not just the product itself, but the pain of dealing with its creators.
On the other hand, Fanatec's Podium DD2 has some issues as well - users are complaining about hardware problems that require RMA requests and days of waiting for a resolution. It's clear that both companies have their own set of problems, but at least Fanatec seems to be making an effort to address them.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it - the Moza R21 is a budget-friendly option with some serious reliability concerns. If you're on a tight budget and don't care about potential headaches down the line, then go for it. But if you want something that's more future-proof and less prone to breaking, I'd say save up for the Fanatec Podium DD2 - it may be at a premium price point, but it's good value for money considering its reliability record.