I have both... I've had a few different helis and got to the point where i could do some mild 3d but got bored of spending so much time on the Sim trying to learn stuff.
When I fly them irl the concentration level and tenseness (is that a word ) is crazy because I know if I put it into the ground-the amount of time and money I have to outlay is so much.

I feel the cost and time you put in vs the enjoyment you get out of it is a lot greater with a nitro buggy.
I guess for me it's the competitive side of racing too!

So I have a very expensive 550 size heli sitting on the shelf looking pretty while I prep my cars for the next race meet haha