If you’re a racing fan, you’ve probably had the idea of setting up a sim-racing setup with a steering wheel, base and pedals. Each driver has his or her own set-up for blistering lap times on legendary circuits like Monza, or vertigo-inducing jumps on rally stages.

However, sim-racing is a discipline that has evolved considerably over the years, especially in terms of force feedback technologies. It’s no longer uncommon to see a sim-racing wheel and base, of quality of course, selling for something like €2,000 or even €3,000. Except that at these prices, only the elite or hardcore gamers can afford such configurations.

Of course, sim-racing device manufacturers such as Thrustmaster and Logitech don’t leave beginners out in the cold. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the T80 a Thrustmaster entry-level steering wheel with a bundled pedalboard for Playstation and PC.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Compatible with PS4, PS5 and PC
• 28 cm diameter wheel
• Maximum rotation angle 270°.
• Bundle with pedals
• Paddles attached to the steering wheel
• Force feedback with Bungee Cord mechanism

Thrustmaster T80 design

Thrustmaster has been in the simus peripherals game for over 20 years, and the brand knows a thing or two in the design department. The Thrustmaster T80 is a steering wheel replica of a wheel from the brand with the prancing horse, namely Ferrari. And Ferrari knows a thing or two about design.

The T80 is a steering wheel with a clean, minimalist design, because what’s important is what the car can do for you. The frame is made entirely of plastic, which is to be expected given the device’s price. On the sides, there’s a perforated, leather-like rubber coating. It looks good and helps with grip, without giving it a premium feel.

As for the base, it’s quite basic, made of plastic, as is the crankset. In fact, the T80 is identical to the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider( to be discovered here) except for the colors used on the wheel. The former is entirely in black, while the latter has parts in red. All in all, the Thrustmaster T80 is a handsome steering wheel that will go perfectly with any setup.

Customized assembly

The Thrustmaster T80 is mounted using a clamp that comes underneath the base so that it can be fixed to a table or desk. This clamp system is reputed to offer a solid hold and be easy to use, and I can confirm this. Once in place, the Thrustmaster T80 won’t budge from its position at all.

As for the crankset, it’s quite heavy and will therefore offer a certain amount of grip. However, I advise you to place it against a wall or piece of furniture to prevent it from moving too much, especially if you have a heavy foot on the gas pedal.

As for cockpits, not all are compatible with the Thrustmaster T80, for the simple reason that it’s an entry-level wheel, and sim racers looking for chassis won’t necessarily turn to it for their setup. But some cockpit models do support the T80.

Manufacturing and finishing

Over the years, Thrustmaster has mastered the manufacturing of sim-racing peripherals, and the T80 is a very well finished steering wheel. Basic, yes, but very well finished. Having inspected it closely, I couldn’t find any glaring manufacturing or design flaws.

Even though the steering wheel uses plastic for virtually everything, the material used is of good quality and assembled correctly. All parts fit together, avoiding protruding or sharp edges, with rubber on the sides. Now, this rubber isn’t the best on the market, but it still offers a good level of grip and isn’t sticky, unlike what you’ll find on more expensive steering wheels than the Thrustmaster T80.

As for the crankset, it’s the same story: plastic and a good finish. You can change the direction of the pedals to accommodate your feet, but it’s still basic. I’ve noticed that it tends to make noise, like the base, if you press on it a little hard. I think this is to be expected, given that the whole structure is made of plastic.

Handling the steering wheel

Even though the Thrustmaster T80 is a steering wheel aimed primarily at beginner sim racers, its grip is pretty good. The wheel is 28 cm in diameter, which is a bit small as far as I’m concerned, and that’s bound to put a few people off. However, those who are going to buy this wheel are certainly not looking to race GT3 or F1.

The Playstation buttons are well placed for a steering wheel in this range. You can easily reach them without your hands leaving the wheel. Given that it’s a Ferrari wheel, the overall ergonomics are very well thought-out, and you’ll only need a few minutes to find your way around the wheel.

As for the paddles, they’re made of aluminum and well positioned in relation to the steering wheel. What’s more, their size is large, making them easy to use whatever sim-racing discipline you’re playing. However, not everything is beautiful on this steering wheel, given that it’s part of Thrustmaster‘s entry-level range.

The T80 has a maximum rotation angle of 270°, which is quite limiting in most cases. For example, you won’t be able to steer fully when driving at low speed, and that’s true of any track.

Sensations during play

Even though the Thrustmaster T80 doesn’t have a motorized force feedback mechanism, I have to admit that the in-game feel is pretty good for a steering wheel aimed primarily at a neophyte audience. Admittedly, the Bungee Cord force feedback isn’t extraordinary, but I think it does the trick.

The steering wheel returns to the center on its own when you let go, but it does so abruptly and very quickly, given that the angle of rotation is only 270°. Another negative point is the absence of vibration on the steering wheel, which makes it behave like a Playstation 1 controller. Thrustmaster, it’s 2025, not 1994!

Another point I didn’t really like was the crankset. Even though the thing weighs almost 2 kg on the scales, it didn’t feel too solid, nor enormously stable either. If you have a floor with parquet or flagstone, the crankset shouldn’t slip too much. Feel-wise, it’s pretty basic, even if the throttle was rather linear during my sim-racing sessions. So if you’re not convinced, I invite you to read my article to discover the 4 Best Pedalboards for Sim Racing at 2025.

Thrustmaster T80 compatibility

The Thrustmaster T80 is a steering wheel compatible with Playstation and PC platforms. Even though this bundle is rather old, it will work well on PS4 and PS5, provided you have a title compatible with it. And if you’re looking for an Xbox-compatible steering wheel, then I suggest you read this article instead: The 6 Best Steering Wheels for Xbox Series X in 2025

As far as chassis are concerned, well, it’s rather limited in the sense that few cockpits provide mounting points for this steering wheel. The reason is that this steering wheel is very entry-level, and sim-racers looking for a cockpit will prefer higher-quality peripherals.

Value for money

Priced at €129.99, this steering wheel offers good value for money and makes an excellent replacement for a PS4 or PS5 controller.

As far as I’m concerned, I’d take the Thrustmaster T80 for a spare or additional steering wheel to enjoy sim-racing games with two or more people. And for sim-racers who want to get started, it’s still a decent choice for very little money.

My verdict on the Thrustmaster T80

Thrustmaster has once again offered us a product that’s pretty good for the price, especially on special offer. Even if there’s no comeback on the T80, it’s still an entry-level bundle that’s sure to please novice racers, especially those on a budget.

In my opinion, the Thrustmaster T80 will please parents who want to introduce their children to sim-racing, without any danger to the little ones from the force feedback, even if it is a little abrupt. For €130, I’d say yes, but it’s really up to you at that price. And if you’re not convinced, I invite you to read my review of the the 6 Best Steering Wheels for Sim Racing at 2025.