jeremy

Would someone so able be able to help decode all the hype surrounding the difference between 16 inch 17/18 inch wheels as well as the need to go for wider and wider tyres? I always remember reading articles by people like Jeff Daniels extoling the virtues of small wheels and skinny tires- less aquaplaning, more progressive limits, better steering feel etc. But lately one reads alot about how much better larger wheels and tyres are? Even Mike Wood from Prodrive recently wrote about how much better the P1 is with 18's?

Could it be that if the suspension/geometry is set in a certain way that the use of larger wheels is all gravy and no loss? I personally would think that there is no substitute for physics and as such smaller wheels with higher profile tryes probably are better for most public road driving. After all, if 215/50 tyres already provide so much of an abundance of grip then why go to 225 40's?

Does anyone have a perspective on this- maybe some hands on experience?

Thanks, JL

RON

My car started on 16's, I've now got 17's, the 17's are better overall, but if I were doing a lot of 'lane' stuff, I'd go for the 16's, I've heard that 18's are practically unbearable, so I guess you pays yer money and takes yer choice.
Ron.

jeremy

Ron,
Thats what I just don't get. Why do so many say that 18's are so great? On so many makes of car whether Subaru's, BMW's, or Porsches's. Witness the M3 runs on 18 and 19's, all Porsches too? It would be nice, though I know not very sexy looking, to compare some of these cars on their 18/19 vs 16's.

Big Goon

Its not so much the size, but the profile, when you go up in size you generally go down a profile.

The lower the profile, the less flex in the tyre sidewall.

I found no difference going from 17" to 18" on my STi7, but would probably have noticed if I had jumped from 17" to 19".

RON

I should maybe add that my car is a my00, therefore that shape of car started on 15's, so going upi to 18's, and some have done 19's, is a big leap form the 15's they were designed on.
Ron.

ChrisB

MY00 std fit were 16s, as were MY99...

RON

Yes chris, but that'shape' car started with 15's, or am I completely stupid?

HKSubaru

come on lads..

Type_RA

There were 15's for earlier MYs but as from 1998 UK turbo came on 205x50x16 as standard as did all UK and Japanese imports upto and including MY00. Only exceptions were 22B, P1 and RB5

[Edited by Type_RA - 8/27/2002 12:17:42 AM]

[Edited by Type_RA - 8/27/2002 12:20:37 AM]

Squizz

As with RON ( ), my MY99 had standard 16" wheels and I've now got 17" MY01 wheels fitted.

I have the Prodrive handling pack, too (Bilstein/Eibach).

The wheels were a good deal, and came with tyres which I needed at the time anyway - But quite frankly I think I prefered my 16" wheels... Just a feeling

7 Foot

I am also thinking about buying some 18" (Diablos) so would appreciate some more opinions. A friend has fitted some 18" SuperLs and is very happy, says they can be a little harsh over pot holes but thats the only down side he has found.

BTTT

Flat 4x4

Had my MY99 16 inch wheels refurbed and painted in anthracite rather than get 17 inch wheels - a lot cheaper and looks good
(sorry no digi cam)

P20SPD

iTrader: (1)

UK MY00 Wagon, went from standard 16's to 18s with 215/35 tyres. Transformed the car in terms of handling, yes you get a bit more tram lining but nothing you cant handle. Will not be going back to 16's.