I've had ETS2 for many years...

[Razamanaz]

but could never get into it with controller. Bought a Fanatec wheel and pedals for racing a couple years ago and my son gifted me ATS. I now have all the states for the U.S. map and I'm having a blast. I may have to go back and give this one a shot again.

Other than the obvious things like terrain, architecture, vehicles, etc., are there any real differences between the two? Is one better than the other?

[RickC]

The roads in ETS2 are far more complex, wheres ATS the roads are to be fair pretty boring. European roads take more skill to navigate as do the towns and cities, as everything is narrower than the U.S.
However, it is each to their own preference. The two games are chalk and cheese in most respects.
Give ETS2 a try now you have the wheel and see how it goes.If you still don't get on with it, then stick to ATS and continue having a blast.
In any case Happy New Year to you.

[maxcry]

ATS and ETS2 are basically the same games.
As you have already stated, scenery, trucks, traffic rules, road network, etc. are different of course and you have ferries in ETS2.
But that's it. The game mechanics are exactly the same.

ETS2 might still look a bit older in some areas, as it IS a bit older.
But many older areas are already re-worked in both games or will get a re-work sooner or later.

If you like one you should like the other as well.
It's a matter of personal preferences.

For someone not from Europe, ETS2 might be more interesting and "exotic".
For me it's the other way around.
But I like both. If one get's a bit boring I switch to the other.... or play something else... :)

Give it a try, you wont regret it.

[Buggy Boy]

I would add that the ETS2 base game is the oldest of all, some areas in Germany and France have been reworked but much of the rest is still ancient. If you buy some of the ETS2 map DLCs you'll see the difference in quality, they are worth it if you decide to get into ETS2 driving more.