The 400 is a generation on from the 200. Better more stable handling, easier in the 2 engines out on one side case, higher performance from more powerful engines. Modern large jets have a very stable feel to them- there doesn't feel much difference between a 737-400 and a 747-400. I haven't taken the comparison with flight sims very far- the interface is totally different. An enhanced joystick is very far from a large heavy spectacle. Maybe the difference between an Airbus with a joystick and the flight sim is far less because the interface is more similar. Using rudder as a twist of the handle is not satisfactory, but most home simmers wouldn't go to the trouble of heavy pedals for the infrequent engine failure case.
I once had a pre-teen boy on the flight deck of a 737 who even knew what the Thrust button was, so from the observers seat, I let him control the autopilot right through to landing. He was a home simmer who specialised in the 737 and he did it perfectly. Descending, steering on Heading mode, coupling up to the ILS, slowing up taking flap. It was stunning.
Such things should be banned- it takes away all the mystique!