Driveclub probably would have scored better if it released before Forza Horizon 2.

[Qwark]

Driveclub would have recieved better reviews if it followed the recipe.
Open world racer arcade or sim racer track not something in between
Making the clubs an actual addition
Hundreds of cars (which don't have a really unique feel the only specs that matter are 4WD/FWD or RWD and class)
Dynamic weather at launch
And most important don't create a massive fucking hype, see the meta of Watch Dogs and Destiny, which should both be around 85.

I don't care much for the points I listed so for me it is an instabuy, but I can see why it Critically fails to deliver.
And no most critics don't care much for the fact that each car counts 250.000 polygons and feels and sounds unique.