Here I have spliced some real world shots with home cockpit shots.Its not perfect but gives an idea of the differences between the simulator and real world. Once you already have your licence the sim can be a good way to keep skills and procedures sharp without having to hire a plane every time. This cant be entered into your log book but you know you have done the extra time which can only make you a safer pilot ( I keep a separate log book for hours spent in the sim). Also i use Ortho4xp photo real scenery to practice real VFR nav's using real world charts,flight plan, fuel log and EFB.
You be the judge