I haven't been playing very many racing games for quite a while but I am going to give it another shake with Forza 3.

Now, because Forza 3 looks like serious business, I would like to worm up with something before hand. 2 obvious choices are Dirt 2 and NFS Shift.

Which should I rent this weekend?

Mind you I like stuff like Ridge Racer, Grid and PGR...

If you liked Ridge Racer, Grid and PGR, the obvious choice is NFS: Shift.

DiRT 2 for sure.

I mean Shift is a good game, but still far away from being realistic. If you liked GRID (which you did) then you'll love DiRT 2.
The game features the best racing graphics (at least until Forza 3), Also the singleplayer mode is much longer than in Shift (according to IGN).

Well if you want something thats like Grid, and somewhat like F3 then get NFS: Shift.  But if you like off road racing, get Dirt 2.

I rented Dirt 2 and I can easily say its one of the best racing games I have ever played.  Graphics are sick, the game has tons of content, and online is a blast.  I'd give it a 9.5.

Forza 3 doesn't have a rally mode, from what I understand, so NFS:S would be the logical choice. Dirt is probably the better game, but it won't really get you prepared for Forza.

Also, awesome Dirt 2 promo:

NfS is the more serious game here, DiRT 2 is a primarily arcadey game

People.... have you seen the NFS TV spot, the car hits the wall at 200+, slows down to 140, and 2 seconds later is going 200+ again, how is that real?

Ok so this is what I gather form comments...

- NFSS is more like the type of game I like but Dirt 2 is a better racing game
- Dirt 2 is arcadey
- NFSS is not realistic
- Grid Fans will like Dirt 2

I am so confused!

loooool ???????

Shift is much more arcadey. The car drifts soooo unrealistic.

I don't think the focus of either game was to be a simulation, IMO they are both arcade racers, but DiRT 2 is closer to the real thing than NFS: Shift. Again, just my opinion.