The auto accelerator in Batman and Mario Kart DX was useful for my 4-year-old as he couldn't reach the pedals. It's not for adults.
I doubt you could get far without steering in Batman though, unless it was on free play. You'd crash and destroy the car and there is no way I'd pay for a 2nd credit. A second game is unappealing even when free...
The difficulty level is just one problem with Batman IMO. It's just no fun at all. The controls are terrible. Trying to steer and aim a gun with the same controller is just awkward. The missions are all ridiculous too. Diffuse this weapon by typing this code into the keypad... If feels more like doing your tax return than playing a game...
Apparently, making a decent Batman arcade is beyond the wit of man. This one is Batman only in name. The game is more like a bad sequel to Lucky n Wild except without the gun controller to aim.