Question for flight simulator junkies!

[merlingt1]

Hey guys,

I am trying to get into flight sims again after being out for a very long time. I have been looking into what is out there right now and I am struggling between what to get..... Microsoft FSX versus X-plane 9.0. I have owned X-plane 7 and although it had very realistic flight models, I was a little turned off by the graphics and the overall immersion. For those of you who have tried both sims which of the two would you considered buying again?

I am most interested in:
1) Realistic flight models
2) Realistic terrains (how does FSX compare to X-plane global scenery? it is difficult to judge from screenshots alone)
3) Immersion (feeling part of a large flight operation)
4) Large aircraft collection (X-plane has this covered)
5) Real time weather (does FSX have this feature?)

Thanks in advanced!

P.S. will my rig (in sig) be able to handle either one of these in max detail? I only run 1440x900 resolution.

 

[greyt_Autumn]

Depends on how you define realism.

Xplane is supposed to be a calculated fluid dynamics model, however for a sim, it flies like crap. I hate the 172, and I have almost 300 hours in them.

FSX can look gorgeous. Plus there is mores support for systems modelling- regardless of th hooks that are in XP I pertsonally love the Boeings form LDS and PMDG. More then enough to be dangerous.

 

[tel0004]

You should be able to run it in full resolution.

Although I've never played X-plane, I can tell you that flight simulator is a very good game.

Download the free demo, and find out if you like it for yourself.
http://www.download.com/Flight-Simulator-X-demo/3000-7545_4-10570927.html

 

[m0unds]

I totally agree-- xplane flies/feels like crap. FSX, while still in need of some patching by ACES/MS is still very good. The precision manuals (PMDG) aircraft are really awesome (can't wait for the MD-11!) and there are a fair amount of add-ons available for FSX now to enhance the experience.