I am badly in need of wheels, and wonder what people think about 16" wheels as opposed to 17s. All I know is that I want WIDER (but not necessarily larger diameter) wheels w/ different rubber than what came w/ my 05 wrx. I just kinda feel that if I get 17s, I'll end up getting the same kind of wheels lots of wrxs have.

Is there any real commonly known badass 16" wheels out there? What's the optimum width on a 16 versus 17?

-Thanks for the input.

 

I have stock 16x7 wheels from a 99-2000 RS. Stock wrx wheels are 16x16.5, Rota makes Slipstreams that are 16x8, I think SSR makes 16x7. Probably more options out there too.

I like 16's for lots of reasons: they are generally lighter and cheaper, tires are cheaper, ride quality is better and handling is almost as good if you have high performance tires. If you are on a budget, and dont need big brakes or bling factor, 16's are the way to go IMO.

 

You can do a "plus zero" setup with 16's using 225/50-16's. The diameter/rolling circumference of this size are essentially identical to the OEM 205/55-16.
I have 225/50-16's on 16x7 Slipstreams (the original Slipstreams were 7", not 8"). It's a nice setup for driving in an urban environment where the roads are less than perfect, you get the benefit of the wider tire while keeping the same amount of sidewall.

 

I have stock 205/60HR15 's on my 1999 Impreza Outback Sport. I was thinking about picking up a used set of 16" wheels, maybe wrx oem wheels for my car. I was told by the Guru I bought the from that 16" wheels would be more brittle and the 205/60HR15 were ideal. Anyone have experience with 16's on this car, or an opinion as to if it would be a good setup or not?

 

Ride quality is much better on 16's. You'll be limited on tire widths though. Most places don't make tires or wheels very wide for 16's. I use my RS wheels for winter tires. That way I can get Suby 4pots.

 

I got 17's because I think they look better. OZ Superleggera's, so they're still light.

I don't think there's anything wrong with getting 16X7s or wider, tho. My biggest problem with the 16X6.5s was how bowed out the sidewalls got, even with 205 series tires.

 

thanks. I'm not used to NOT getting flamed like on that "other" forum. WHere can I pick up some 16x7 slipstreams?

 

The subydude. He's got his own forum on this site:

https://www.i-club.com/forums/a-109/

and his own website:

http://www.subydude.com/

The "other" site has a lot of morons who's sole goal in life is to make themselves feel better by flaming others.

 

Yea I hate people like that. I want ot get on a forum, ask questoins and hopefully get answers REAL ANSWERS. I stopped going to the 'other' forum almong time ago because of that.... and more than half of them have no clue.

Oh for my two cents on the 16" topic. I am sticking with my 16x7 setup from the factory until I can find a different set of 16 or 17 that are close to the 16.5 lbs as the stockers with out breaking the bank. Slipstreams are cool, had them on my old civic (95) which were about 13.5 lbs. I sort of like the 05 bronze WRX stock wheels, the Lagacys and some of the Outbacks look good to.

 

I think the stock 16s are 16X6.5?

 

Yes you are right I stand corrected.

16" Wheels Style Size Weight (lbs)
Subaru MY02 Impreza WRX 5-spoke 16x6.5 +55 16.5
( http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/wheels.html )

 

With all the newer brake kits available that fit under the 16" wheels that include two piece rotors, it seems like there could be a renewed market for 16" aftermarket wheels.

I know Rota makes the slipstreams and I had them on my track prepped miata but I just never really like the wheel that much other than for it's lightness. If Rota put out a 16x7.5 or 16x8 in a couple other styles I bet they would sell well.

I would love a 16x7.5 Rota G force that weighs in around 16-17.

 

I've stuck w/ 16" wheels both on my sedan and now wagon- they're light and they clear my brakes. 16X7 Volk TE's previously and now 16X7.5" TE's. I also run 16X7 RS rims for winter (clear my four pots). I'll probably go w/ a 16X8 next season.

Gram Lights, Wed Sport, SSR, BBS all make 16" wheel fitment for the WRX

 

The 16" slipstreams are hot. I like the design but i would hate gettin made fun of by the honda guys for havin spoon reps on a subaru

 

The slipstreams are definitely nice. You can choose between 16x7 and 16x8 now, too. The difference is about 3 pounds, I think?

The only downside to 16's is summer tire selection. Seems like many of the hot new performance tires aren't coming out in 225/50-16 anymore, whereas 225/45-17 is a pretty common size.