Michael-- agreed. After watching my roommate play Need for Speed and then playing Midnight Club myself, Forza is more of a simulator.
Both Need for Speed and Midnight Club make you seem like you are moving faster. So far, it seems like you are paying for the graphics and details in Forza... and a more open map/story oriented feel in NfS and MC. Does anyone have these two? I don't want to get tired of playing it after a week or so.
Right now, I think I'm leaning towards Midnight Club (Los Angeles). It seems like it is the best balance of the graphics/quality and interest (story/open map)