17" or 18" .. which are better

[Obewon]

I'm thinking about new rims and tires for my SVX ?

From anyone's experience, what are the similarities, differences and issues with respect to ride, handling, stopping, etc. between 17" and 18" wheels (yes, I know we adjust tire size and that tire composition makes a difference) ?

Any recommendations based on experience ?

[wawazat??]

To begin, I've never had 18" wheels/tires on the SVX but I've had a number of sets of 17" on the car. I think that 18" (and larger) wheels look out of proportion on the SVX. Just personal preference.

Tires and wheels get more expensive as daimeter increases by quick review of TireRack ads. Performance tires are already more expensive than basic tires. Why make them even more expensive going to 18"?

My vote is for 17" but it is your choice.

[SVXyGirl]

Originally Posted by Obewon

I'm thinking about new rims and tires for my SVX ?

From anyone's experience, what are the similarities, differences and issues with respect to ride, handling, stopping, etc. between 17" and 18" wheels (yes, I know we adjust tire size and that tire composition makes a difference) ?

Any recommendations based on experience ?

17" wheels. I hate how my car rides with the 18" wheels.

[processengr]

Originally Posted by SVXyGirl

17" wheels. I hate how my car rides with the 18" wheels.

+1 I agree, some must be due to the increased weight of the wheel and reduced profile.

[processengr]

I think the best of all worlds is the lightweight forged BBS 17" wheels from the 06+ Sti with 225/45/17 tires

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by wawazat??

To begin, I've never had 18" wheels/tires on the SVX but I've had a number of sets of 17" on the car. I think that 18" (and larger) wheels look out of proportion on the SVX. Just personal preference.

Tires and wheels get more expensive as daimeter increases by quick review of TireRack ads. Performance tires are already more expensive than basic tires. Why make them even more expensive going to 18"?

My vote is for 17" but it is your choice.

Agree 100% with this.

[LetItSnow]

16" = comfy
17" = enthusiast
18" = bling

[XT6Wagon]

For me, 16" is the real answer. However cheap and good rims don't exist off the shelf that I've seen.

This allows you to tune the "suspension" at the tire, leaving you the ability to tune the mechanical bits far stiffer. This is how most racing cars that generate real downforce do it as they can't allow meaningful suspension movement. Why I like it is that you can "retune" with a simple wheel swap. Some tall squishy allseasons give back a more sane and quiet car than you would expect. Track time throw on some stiff slicks and the hardware is already there to support it. Some things like pillowball strut mounts are far more livable when you have alot of tire sidewall and allseason tread pattern.

So 17" is it is given thats as small as we get in inexpensive sizes.

[Conn SVX]

I got 18" because I wanted to show off the powdered coated calipers and crossed drilled disks . And i think it is WAY KOOL. HEY wait I only drive it 1,500 miles a year . Suspension , I don't need no S@$t#$i%n#$k suspension

[92 SVX]

I have had 17's


and I have had 18's


And I have to say I like the looks and the way it rides on 18's better.

[SVXyGirl]

They look nice, but ride terribly. As soon as I can get my hands on some decent 17" rims...these things are GONE..

Plus I hit a pot hole while driving through Baltimore a week ago...so I need new rims any way.

[fun173]

Originally Posted by processengr

I think the best of all worlds is the lightweight forged BBS 17" wheels from the 06+ Sti with 225/45/17 tires

That is exactly what I'm running. I agree!

[processengr]

Running these with Nitto Nexgen on our Black over Liquid Silver...

[processengr]

Running 18" B9 Tribecca wheels with 255/35/18 Falken FK452 summer threads on the 97...

[Conn SVX]

Wow that really fills the wheel well. I did see someone running 18" with 45 series tires looked great but the size will effect the speedometer.