Sim racing · head‑to‑head
The MOZA R9 V3 and MOZA R5 represent two different tiers of entry into direct drive sim racing, separating those who want a taste of direct drive from those who need enough torque to actually feel the limit of grip. While both share the same ecosystem, their real-world thermal performance and mounting quirks set them miles apart.
Both wheelbases run incredibly hot under load, with the MOZA R5 occasionally emitting a burning smell and suffering from severe thermal throttling during long sessions. Additionally, the R5 uses a non-standard 78.7mm x 40mm bottom mounting pattern that will not align with most standard cockpit plates without an adapter.
To combat the aggressive thermal throttling on the MOZA R9 V3, set the temperature control strategy to "Radical" in the MOZA Pit House software. If you still experience force feedback fade during endurance races, mounting a small USB-powered PC fan to blow across the aluminum housing is a cheap and highly effective community fix.
If your budget allows, the MOZA R9 V3 is the superior investment because 5.5 Nm on the R5 quickly leaves you wanting more headroom. While both bases suffer from heat buildup, the R9 V3 handles sustained loads better and avoids the frustrating mounting limitations of its smaller sibling.
| MOZA R9 V3 Direct Drive Wheel Base | R5 Wheel Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | MOZA | MOZA |
| Ecosystem | MOZA | MOZA |
| Starting Price | $299.00 | EUR 349.00 |
| Peak Torque | 9 Nm | 5.5 Nm |
| Drive Type | direct | direct |
| Max Rotation | 2700 ° | 2700 ° |
| Connectivity | USB | USB Type-B |
| Software | MOZA Pit House | MOZA Pit House |
| Quick Release | D1-Spec | D1-Spec |
| Weight | 5 kg (11 lb) | 3.5 kg (7.6 lb) |
| Mounting | bottom | bottom |