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On paper, both wheels have impressive specs. Fanatec's Podium DD1 and Moza R21 are direct drive monsters with 20Nm and 21Nm of torque respectively. They're compatible with PC, Xbox, and PS5, but the Moza R21 is only PC-compatible. The quick release mechanism is standard on both. It's a close call in terms of specs, but let's see how they perform in real life.
I've seen some users have issues with the Fanatec Podium DD1's PSU, which can be frustrating to deal with. The RMA process has been a pain point for some, but it seems that Fanatec has improved their support in recent times. Firmware problems have also been reported, but these seem to be relatively rare and often resolved by driver updates. Users are reporting issues like randomly freezing mid-game or turning by themselves full lock on one side with the Moza R21. These problems can be a real pain to deal with, especially when you're in the middle of a heated sim racing session. The big problem here is that both manufacturers seem to have design flaws that can cause these issues.
After considering all the "ugly truths", I'd say the Fanatec Podium DD1 is the better choice for serious sim racers who want a hassle-free experience. While it's not perfect, its performance and reliability seem to be superior to the Moza R21. If you're on a tighter budget, the more affordable option might still be worth considering, but I'd recommend saving up for the Podium DD1 if you can. For casual sim racers who just want a good experience without breaking the bank, the cheaper wheel might suffice. But let's be real – why settle for a lesser product when you can get a better one?