If you have a propper wheel like a G27 or an equivalent, the game is fun to race in. I agree with that
I don't pick a favorite or "best" of anything but I'll put one of my favorite's. The driving for its time was on beamng.drives level (probably just nostalgia talking) and really good hard-body damage.
Some of my favorites are forza 3/4, Dirt Rally, Mario Kart 64 and Diddy Kong racing. Heh OH and project Gotham 3 iirc.
Nr2003 Once you get the late model exe it becomes a great game for short track racing, which is what I love
I love Diddy Kong Racing! (I have the DS version though) Otherwise, my favourite ones would be Mariokart Double Dash!, Midtown Madness 2, DiRT Rally, and Assetto Corsa.