17" vs. 18" wheels
Guest
Posts: n/a
17" vs. 18" wheels
I've got a 04 wagon and going through the decision matrix...
Apparently the wagon rear wheel well has less room than the sedan so some hesitation there...
17's are closer to rally heritage? And more rubber means less pot hole regrets.
Also cheaper on the wallet when buying new tires...
But 18's just look so damn tight!- and less sidewall means less flex? thus better steering and cornering response?
At least this is how I understand it...
Comments and suggestions welcome..
Apparently the wagon rear wheel well has less room than the sedan so some hesitation there...
17's are closer to rally heritage? And more rubber means less pot hole regrets.
Also cheaper on the wallet when buying new tires...
But 18's just look so damn tight!- and less sidewall means less flex? thus better steering and cornering response?
At least this is how I understand it...
Comments and suggestions welcome..
VIP Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 846
From: Orange County, CA
Car Info: 08 WRX - 401whp/408wtq
Originally Posted by doughboy
i see that it's your 1st post...welcome!
not to be an ****, but do a search. this topic has been beaten to death on this club as well as the other one!
db
not to be an ****, but do a search. this topic has been beaten to death on this club as well as the other one!
db
To put it simply
If you're a spirited driver ----> 17s (Rotas, or other lightwieght wheel)
But if you want to spend more on wheels AND tires, and more frequently and for some reason NEED bigger wheels ------> 18s (Rotas can be applied here as well...)
Just dont hit any potholes with the 18s
Thanks!!
VIP Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 846
From: Orange County, CA
Car Info: 08 WRX - 401whp/408wtq
Originally Posted by motaloco
Appreciate the welcome Doughboy.. I'll review the posts better..
And thanks for your concise summary Boostaddict!!
And thanks for your concise summary Boostaddict!!
Welcome and Decide Wisely!
Vimik
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 48
Car Info: 2002 Subaru TS
17" rota tarmac II seems a nice set of wheels. if you have a wagon, you mostly cant fit a 18" there since theres difference in the sedan and wagon interms of what wheel size you can throw into it
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 686
From: SoCal
Car Info: PSM 2K2 WRX Wagon
Originally Posted by Jesse00
17" rota tarmac II seems a nice set of wheels. if you have a wagon, you mostly cant fit a 18" there since theres difference in the sedan and wagon interms of what wheel size you can throw into it
THIS IS UNTRUE
But I think everyone already knows this...except maybe Jesse00.
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,016
From: Oakland, CA
Car Info: 2009 wrx & 2000 4runner
regarding different clearance issues between the wagon and sedan, 17" and 18" makes no difference.
Where the issue is is how wide of a wheel you get and how wide and tall your tires are that you put around them.
yes 17" allows for more rubber so more protection from potholes and stuff. As for 18" having better handling characteristics, its all a combination of things. wheel weight, tire weight, what tires you use etc.
its possible to get a nicer tire in 17" that will grip more and have less sidewall flex than an 18" tire that costs the same since the 18" is generally more expensive.
My suggestion is to look at what you really want out of your wheels/tires and then make your decisions off of that. Just remember that the only thing holding you to the road is your tires. Most important thing imo so don't go cheap.
Where the issue is is how wide of a wheel you get and how wide and tall your tires are that you put around them.
yes 17" allows for more rubber so more protection from potholes and stuff. As for 18" having better handling characteristics, its all a combination of things. wheel weight, tire weight, what tires you use etc.
its possible to get a nicer tire in 17" that will grip more and have less sidewall flex than an 18" tire that costs the same since the 18" is generally more expensive.
My suggestion is to look at what you really want out of your wheels/tires and then make your decisions off of that. Just remember that the only thing holding you to the road is your tires. Most important thing imo so don't go cheap.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 436
From: cali
Car Info: sti wrb
i love my stockers still. but for some reason i want 18's too. maybe ill keep my stock gold sti bbs and get a really nice and pricey 18's for fun driving and switch once in a while.
hope that helps you out.
hope that helps you out.
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