The only reason you think DiRT sucks is because the handling is "realistic". So I am going to tell you that DiRT is a amazing racing game.. simply because it is.
The nfs series is fun for a arcade style racing series.
If you really want to get into racing simulators look into GTR2. Amazing handling compared to the real thing, I will tell you now that a double joystick type game pad will not work. either a joystick or steering wheel.