In my opinion, the physics in FC are somewhat less detailed & complex than in GT5P. This is reflected also in the fact that there are no real tuning options, tire choices etc. I actually think it's easier to drive fast & at the limit in FC than it is in GT5P. For one thing, all the cars basically drive like race cars on race tires - none of your N3 or S2 nonsense in FC.
However, this is not to say that the physics are arcadey. They are very challenging & it requires real focus & concentration to drive fast. For me, the big difference between FC & GT5P, is that GT5P offers a rather clinical & sterile driving experience: from the (very realistic, but "cold") graphics, to the sound, to the feel of the driving. In contrast, FC has a more dramatic, raw quality - in particular, the feel of the FFB is quite different from the somewhat insipid FFB of GT5P. Hurtling down the downhill, off-camber turns of Spa you can feel the traction starting to go & the tires start to slip as, the weight shifts to the outside. In a word, the driving is much more... physical.
FC is far from perfect - unfortunately, I do experience some lag (a kind of stuttering frame rate) whenever I'm close to another car online - it's not a game-killer, but it does detract from the online racing experience. In spite of this, right now, IMO, FC offers the best online sim racing experience on the PS3, with a great selection of tracks & the ability to organize the races you want, with the cars you want, at the times you want, with the opponents you want. 👍
