How Much Torque Do You Need? A Direct-Drive Wheelbase Guide for Sim Racers

Torque is the first number on every direct-drive wheelbase, and it's the one people overthink most. More isn't automatically better. What matters is how much force you'll actually use, how cleanly the base delivers detail at that level, and whether your rig can hold it still. This guide walks through all three using the real specs of the direct-drive bases we carry from Moza and Conspit.

What torque actually does

Torque, measured in newton-metres (Nm), is the maximum turning force the motor can put through your steering wheel. It sets the ceiling for how heavy the steering can feel and how hard kerbs, slides, and impacts kick back through the rim.

You rarely need to run a base at 100%. The value of extra torque is headroom: a stronger motor can render big peaks without clipping (flattening the force feedback signal at its limit), so small details like tire slip stay present even when the car is loaded up in a fast corner.

Peak vs. sustained torque

Not every manufacturer quotes the same kind of number. Moza lists the R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra by sustained torque, the force the motor can hold over time. Conspit lists the ARES line by peak torque, the most it can hit in a moment. A peak figure and a sustained figure aren't directly comparable, so when you're shopping across brands, check which one you're reading.

The direct-drive lineup at Full Push, by torque

Which torque range fits you

8 to 9Nm: your first step into direct drive

If you're moving up from a gear- or belt-driven wheel, this range is already a big jump in detail and responsiveness. The Conspit Ares APEX is the entry point to Conspit's ecosystem, and it's the base inside the Conspit APEX Bundle, which pairs it with the 310 APEX wheel and CPP APEX hydraulic pedals so you're ready to drive out of the box. The Moza R9 V3 is the other option here, and it can run from a desk with the Moza Table Mounting Bracket, a steel clamp mount that also supports the R5 and R12.

12Nm: the middle ground

Twelve newton-metres gives you noticeably more headroom for heavier cars and stronger effects while staying manageable on a lighter cockpit. The Moza R12 V2 adds front mounting holes for an optional bracket, and the Conspit ARES 12 CDR uses the same CDR architecture and wheel compatibility as Conspit's flagship.

20Nm and up: maximum headroom

The Conspit ARES 20 Platinum CDR, Moza R21 Ultra, and Moza R25 Ultra are for drivers who want the most force on tap and the cleanest detail at high load. You don't have to drive them at full strength, but you do need a rig built for it (more on that below). It's also worth adding a kill switch: the Conspit CES Emergency Stop cuts the ARES motor instantly, and the Moza E-Stop Switch does the same job for Moza bases.

Torque isn't the only spec that matters

Encoder resolution. The encoder tracks the wheel's position. A 21-bit encoder reads about 2.1 million positions per revolution, and the 23-bit optical encoder in the ARES 20 Platinum reads about 8.4 million. Higher resolution means finer, smoother force feedback, especially in small steering movements.

Software. Moza bases are tuned in the Moza Pit House app. Conspit's ARES bases use Conspit Link 2.0 for full force feedback tuning.

Wheel compatibility. Conspit ARES bases work with Conspit CDR steering wheels and universal 70mm PCD wheels. On Moza bases, the Moza 70mm Quick Release Adapter lets you fit third-party wheels, with steering function only.

Sim support. Conspit lists iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Le Mans Ultimate, and other major PC sims for the ARES line. The Moza R12 V2 lists iRacing 360Hz support.

Your rig has to keep up

A direct-drive base pushes back against whatever it's bolted to. If the mount flexes, you lose detail and the wheel feels vague, and that gets worse as torque goes up. For stronger bases, look for a stiff cockpit and a proper mount:

• The Conspit GT-Lite uses a modular 3 to 4mm carbon steel frame with a listed 0 to 2mm deformation range, and it's compatible with Conspit ARES and all Moza series bases.
• The Next Level Racing F-GT Elite 160 Scuderia Ferrari Edition is built on a 160mm x 40mm aluminum profile base, and the Next Level Racing Elite Premium DD Side and Front Mount Adapter lets Elite Series cockpits front- or side-mount all major direct-drive bases.
• The Advanced Sim Racing ASR 4 has a 4.5" aluminum base and a reinforced steering column, designed for the most powerful sim racing peripherals.
• For ARES bases on aluminum profile rigs, the Conspit ARES Rig Mount Bracket and Conspit ARES Front Mount Bracket keep the base locked in place.

Browse every option in our Racing Chassis collection.

Quick answers

Is 8Nm enough for direct drive?
For most drivers moving up from a gear or belt wheel, yes. It's a real direct-drive motor with a 21-bit encoder on the Ares APEX, and you can step up later.

Is peak torque the same as sustained torque?
No. Peak is the momentary maximum, and sustained is what the motor can hold over time. Conspit lists peak torque for the ARES line, while Moza lists sustained torque for the R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra.

Will a 20Nm+ base make the steering feel heavy all the time?
No. You set the overall strength in software (Pit House for Moza, Conspit Link 2.0 for Conspit), so you can run it lighter and keep the headroom for peaks.

Do I need a cockpit for a direct-drive base?
Lower-torque bases like the Moza R9 V3 can run on a desk with a clamp mount. As torque goes up, a rigid cockpit becomes much more important to keep the base from flexing.

Find your base

See the full lineup in our Wheel Bases collection. If you're not sure which torque range fits your rig and the cars you drive, get in touch and we'll help you match a base to your setup.