As a data point, I enjoy driving cars on the racetrack. I'm not a professional - just an enthusiast. Simulations are getting better and better but IMHO still not as good as "the real thing".
The highest-level sims (with motion controls) are pretty good. I think this is the best comparison today (~$50K simrig vs $25k car): https://youtu.be/hzAIVzAMNg0
There's the added benefit of not worrying about crashing a $500K race car. :-D
[Edit] The simulation upgrade cycle is its own hedonic treadmill though - gamepad > wheel > full wheel/pedal/seat setup > 3 monitors > VR > motion rig > ???
That's a great example. But what's missing ? just the feeling you're at real risk(you say it's a benefit, but it might be an appeal of real driving) ? or something more ?
And with regards to remembering the experience, reliving it in your imagination later , do you feel any difference between real/sim ?
Can't answer for racing sims, but can for airplane/airline sims. I've done some simulator training (many things are too dangerous to practice in actual airplanes) and I believe I can recall the circumstances of every single crash during sim rides. Every single one, even ones from 15 years ago.
I can't recall the details of every single successful sim ride, but neither can I recall the details from every single "real" flight either. Fortunately, my fourth box (crashes of real airplanes) is empty.
I think the "missing element" probably is risk - even though I never personally feel like I'm in danger. The real, tractable elements that are difficult to simulate are G-forces, the "inertia" of the car throwing you around, the "wind in hair", and sounds/smells. Surprisingly - car simulators really "phone it in" with the sounds.
In terms of remembering the experience - I have much fonder memories of my slow laptimes and small improvements on a trackday than "relatively quick" laptimes on a simulated track.
I've thought about it a LOT (as I've recently had to sell my fun car) and I can't say there's one element that I can put my finger on.
The highest-level sims (with motion controls) are pretty good. I think this is the best comparison today (~$50K simrig vs $25k car): https://youtu.be/hzAIVzAMNg0
There's the added benefit of not worrying about crashing a $500K race car. :-D
[Edit] The simulation upgrade cycle is its own hedonic treadmill though - gamepad > wheel > full wheel/pedal/seat setup > 3 monitors > VR > motion rig > ???