I had the same problem Ryan. I have been using an analog pad since Gran Turismo 3 came out for the PS2.
Few months ago I picked up a Logitech Momo (the black one not the red one) and the first thing I noticed is that I could no longer make lightning fast corrections. I was slower in every track and car. I messed with the force feedback and I practiced with it for about 3 weeks and eventually I began to run lap times pretty close to what I ran with the pad, but never faster. I went back to my pad because I am more consistent. And I missed the fast, effortless corrections.
I know I am not taking the most realistic route to sim racing, maybe I will change my mind if I ever try a G25 or G27.
I hope your experience is different from mine and you end up benefiting from the upgrade.