The problem is, graphics do not equal interesting gameplay. In Driveclub's case, it doesn't touch Forza 5's simulation and it fails as an arcade racer because it so so touchy and lifeless beyond the pretty pixels. FH2 buries it, not in graphics, but in game modes and interesting stuff to do, as well as actually being more fun to just drive.
No one playing FH2 talks about shaving seconds off times or just how beautiful it is. It's about all of the stuff you can do and how fun it is to drive. Forza 5 is the game designed to shave seconds off and to delve into the depth of tuning and upgrading your cars (which can't be done in DC), as well as in-depth [painting of cars (also, something DC skips).
Basically, Driveclub is a fun game, but it falls so short of what Microsoft did with both Forza games that it really shouldn't be in the same discussion. And it wouldn't if Sony hadn't dropped the ball in getting GT6 ready for the PS4 and Driveclub had not been delayed until it released a week within FH2. When that happened, a core of gamers felt like they had to justify Driveclub as being bigger and better than it was ever meant to be.