Difference Between Euro Truck Simulator and American Truck Simulator

Introduction

Truck simulation games have transformed from niche PC titles into global sensations enjoyed by millions of players. Among the most popular and immersive truck simulators are Euro Truck Simulator (ETS) and American Truck Simulator (ATS), both developed by SCS Software. At first glance, these two titles might seem similar—they both involve transporting cargo across large maps, managing logistics, and enjoying a realistic driving experience. However, they differ significantly in terms of map design, truck models, driving physics, cultural environments, economy, and even the feel of the roads.

This article provides an in-depth 5000-word comparison between ETS and ATS, breaking down every detail from game mechanics to realism, and helping you decide which title best suits your preferences.

1. Overview of the Two Games

Euro Truck Simulator (ETS)

First Release: Euro Truck Simulator (2008), followed by Euro Truck Simulator 2 (2012).
Setting: Various countries across Europe, with expansions covering the UK, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and more.
Goal: Deliver cargo between cities across the European road network while managing your trucking business.
Main Attraction: Wide variety of European trucks, detailed cities, and dense highway systems.

American Truck Simulator (ATS)

First Release: 2016.
Setting: United States, starting with California, Nevada, and Arizona, with many more states added via DLC.
Goal: Similar to ETS—deliver goods, expand your business, and explore—but within a distinctly American trucking environment.
Main Attraction: Iconic American semi-trucks, long interstate highways, and a focus on U.S. culture and landscapes.

2. Map Size and Design

ETS Map

Geography: Dense road network with shorter distances between cities.
Road Variety: Mix of highways, rural roads, and city streets.
Driving Style: Frequent turns, junctions, and smaller roads.
Expansion DLCs: Include “Scandinavia,” “Iberia,” “Road to the Black Sea,” and “West Balkans.”
Realism Factor: Captures the charm of European towns and varied architecture.

ATS Map

Geography: Vast open spaces and long-distance routes.
Road Variety: Mostly highways and interstates with occasional rural roads.
Driving Style: Long stretches without turns, allowing for cruise control.
Expansion DLCs: Include states like “Texas,” “Wyoming,” “Montana,” and “Oklahoma.”
Realism Factor: Emphasis on U.S. landscapes—deserts, forests, mountains.

Key Difference: ETS feels more compact and requires more frequent maneuvering, while ATS delivers the “open road” experience with longer, uninterrupted drives.

3. Truck Models

ETS Trucks

Brands Featured: Volvo, Scania, MAN, DAF, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Iveco.
Design: Cab-over-engine design dominates, as is common in Europe.
Handling: Generally smaller turning radius, good for navigating tight city streets.

ATS Trucks

Brands Featured: Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, Freightliner, Western Star, International.
Design: Long-nose trucks with extended hoods (conventional cab style).
Handling: Longer wheelbase means wider turns and a heavier steering feel.

Key Difference: ETS trucks prioritize maneuverability in dense areas; ATS trucks emphasize highway comfort and power for long hauls.

4. Driving Physics

ETS Physics

More focus on handling curves and tight turns.
Braking distances are generally shorter.
Gear ratios designed for varied terrain but not extreme mountain climbs.

ATS Physics

Trucks feel heavier due to longer chassis.
Braking requires more planning.
Gear ratios optimized for long-distance cruising and hauling heavier loads.

5. Cargo Variety

ETS Cargo

Includes manufactured goods, food, machinery, chemicals, and agricultural products.
More frequent short-distance deliveries.

ATS Cargo

Includes farm equipment, oil rigs, oversized loads, and construction materials.
More long-haul contracts and heavy cargo opportunities.

6. Scenery and Visual Style

ETS

Detailed European architecture.
Lush green countryside.
Frequent small towns and industrial areas.

ATS

Grand landscapes—mountains, deserts, forests.
Iconic U.S. landmarks.
Greater emphasis on natural beauty rather than dense urban areas.

7. Road Rules and Signage

ETS: Kilometers per hour, European traffic laws, roundabouts, toll booths.
ATS: Miles per hour, American traffic laws, fewer roundabouts, more freeway exits.

8. Fuel Economy and Truck Maintenance

ETS

Generally more fuel-efficient trucks.
Maintenance costs balanced for smaller trucks.

ATS

Larger fuel tanks but more fuel consumption.
Heavier wear and tear on brakes and tires due to truck size.

9. Game Economy

ETS

Easier to earn steady income early on due to shorter jobs.
Smaller fuel expenses.

ATS

Jobs pay more but require longer commitment.
More lucrative heavy cargo opportunities.

10. Mods and Community Support

Both ETS and ATS enjoy massive modding communities:

ETS Mods: Focus on map expansions, realistic traffic, and European-style truck customization.
ATS Mods: Emphasize truck skins, custom parts, and state realism improvements.

11. Multiplayer Experience

Both games have multiplayer via TruckersMP, but:

ETS Multiplayer: More players online, larger European community.
ATS Multiplayer: Smaller but very dedicated group, longer convoys possible.

12. DLC Pricing and Value

ETS DLCs cover entire countries or regions for reasonable prices.
ATS DLCs cover one U.S. state per release, so full map completion takes longer and costs more.

13. Learning Curve

ETS is easier for beginners due to shorter drives and smaller trucks.
ATS requires more patience for longer routes.

14. Cultural Atmosphere

ETS delivers the feeling of driving in historical cities with diverse architecture.
ATS offers the romanticized “American trucker” lifestyle with diners, motels, and iconic highways.

15. Performance and Optimization

Both games run well on most PCs, but:

ETS is slightly less demanding due to smaller map scale.
ATS’s newer textures and longer view distances can be more GPU-intensive.

Conclusion

While both Euro Truck Simulator and American Truck Simulator are products of the same developer, they offer distinct experiences. ETS shines in dense, diverse driving environments with quick deliveries and European charm. ATS excels in long-haul realism, American trucking culture, and grand landscapes.

If you prefer short, frequent deliveries and European settings, go for ETS. If you enjoy endless highways, big rigs, and iconic U.S. scenery, ATS is the better choice.

In the end, the “better” simulator depends entirely on your driving style and what kind of trucking adventure you want to experience.