...First, the tow effect in most mods is just way too much, IMO...
My only experience with drafting at 100+ mph speeds is on a motorcycle (on racetracks, not public roads!!), but based on that I feel the draft in the mods is actually
less than what would would be there in real life (race bikes punch much smaller holes in the air than even the tires alone on an open-wheeled car). Even on shorter straights than we have on a lot of GPL tracks, and at lower speeds than in GPL (~130ish max vs. 160-200), gaining 10-15 mph on the guy ahead was pretty easy (_if_ your bike was geared appropriately), as was overshooting your "normal" brake marker due to it!
That being said, I think the original makers severely nerfed the draft in interest of playability. Realistic draft would see people unaccustomed to its effects ramming other drivers and not understanding what caused it. A little bit of a tow would be expected (and easily handled) by people whose experience is in cars at highway speed.
I like the increased draft in the mods, as it opens more passing opportunities. But, like all powerful tools, it needs to be handled with caution.