Legacy_GT_Pilot Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I've decided to move to dedicated summer tires on new rims. I've already chosen lightweight rims (Kosei's) and the tire. I'm still on the fence as to whether to go with 17" or 18" rims though and wanted some feedback. What's the difference performance wise all other things being equal? I assume the ride is a little harsher due to the shorter sidewall, but is handling otherwise unchanged? I realize acceleration will be hampered a little with the 18 due to the higher weight. I will either go with a 225/45-17 or 225/40-18 tire so I won't be gaining any additional tire width with the 18. Any thoughts are appreciated. Dave ________ Wendie 99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specinvstr Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I'm looking for rims too, curious to see what others say on this issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Do you drive in areas with crappy roads? I commute in to NYC everyday so my summer rim/tire combo will be 17" so i dont bend anything. If all you got is smooth roads in front of you, go 18". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godwhomismike Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Do you drive in areas with crappy roads? I commute in to NYC everyday so my summer rim/tire combo will be 17" so i dont bend anything. If all you got is smooth roads in front of you, go 18". +10000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC GT Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I think 18s look nicer. That is the only reason why I have 18s over 17s. Performance wise, I'd choose 17s, mainly because of weight. I realize I'm taking a slight performance hit due to the weight of my rims/tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godwhomismike Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I'd go 17's for comfort and pothole reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamble Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 18" rims are great for your driving. You'll never pay as much attention to the road as you will after you hit your first big pothole wearing a set of expensive light-weight rims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottybuckeye Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 So 18" wheels are destroyed a good bit easier by potholes? I'm thinking of going to 18" as well. And for you that have 18", was the ride that much harsher? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NutBucket Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 18" rims are great for your driving. You'll never pay as much attention to the road as you will after you hit your first big pothole wearing a set of expensive light-weight rims. Agreed....hence my wheels are in boxes in the garage:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edkwon Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 18s = better looks, handling(cornering), heavier, slower, worse for comfort, durability and fuel economy 17 = looks less slick, need better tires to compensate on corners, lighter, faster acceleration, better fuel economy, thicker tires means more comfortable ride. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy_GT_Pilot Posted January 18, 2007 Author Share Posted January 18, 2007 So the better handling in corners is due to the lower profile? Is it significantly better? I wouldn't buy the 18's for looks, so I'd only consider moving up in size if the handling or performance benefits were much better. Dave ________ Rehab forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vimy101 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 18s = better looks, handling(cornering), heavier, slower, worse for comfort, durability and fuel economy 17 = looks less slick, need better tires to compensate on corners, lighter, faster acceleration, better fuel economy, thicker tires means more comfortable ride. Ed And yet strangely enough, the 06 Spec.B is the fastest LGT to date. I get amongst the best mileage according to the gas milage poll (though I am currently running my winter set up 17"s but with 50 aspec to match OEM circumference). The larger wheels mean I'm turning 3000 rpm @ 75 mph which makes for better fuel economy than a LGT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanger Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 does thick tires means softer side wall? ○ ○ ○ Instagram: itshangertime :spin: ○ ○ ○ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vimy101 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 ^ Not necessarily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rougeben83 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 18"s are more looks. 17"s offer just as much in terms of performance (width of the rim, and tire selection are MUCH more critical in this area), and cost less to buy, and less to get tires for. Aesthetics is a personal thing so it's up to you. I don't rock 18's specifically for the reasons stated above though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godwhomismike Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 And yet strangely enough, the 06 Spec.B is the fastest LGT to date. I get amongst the best mileage according to the gas milage poll (though I am currently running my winter set up 17"s but with 50 aspec to match OEM circumference). The larger wheels mean I'm turning 3000 rpm @ 75 mph which makes for better fuel economy than a LGT. question - comfort-wise - how does the 50 series compare to the stock size on your Spec B? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red beast Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 yum...18's http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/car%20show%208-18-06%20web%2002.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vimy101 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 question - comfort-wise - how does the 50 series compare to the stock size on your Spec B? Squishier. Not as nimble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fweasel Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 And yet strangely enough, the 06 Spec.B is the fastest LGT to date. False. ignore him, he'll go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rougeben83 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 Fuel economy, handling, etc. are more in the realm of what tire you run and what size you run it at. The reduction of sidewall flex isn't as dramatic as when you go from a 16" wheel to a 17" wheel. SpecB's come with a bigger tires to compensate the +1 to 18"s rims. Like I said before, if you want to compare the handling prowess of 18"s vs. 17"s, put some 17" RE070's from an STI up against whatever tire is on the SpecB 18" and you'll see which is clearly better in performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xenonk Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 ask me later. Keefe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vimy101 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 False. The OEM 06 Spec.B variant has the fastest 0-60 and 1/4 times of OEM LGTs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vimy101 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 Like I said before, if you want to compare the handling prowess of 18"s vs. 17"s, put some 17" RE070's from an STI up against whatever tire is on the SpecB 18" and you'll see which is clearly better in performance. The STi is an Imprezza not a Legacy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottybuckeye Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 18s = better looks, handling(cornering), heavier, slower, worse for comfort, durability and fuel economy 17 = looks less slick, need better tires to compensate on corners, lighter, faster acceleration, better fuel economy, thicker tires means more comfortable ride. Ed I've always heard a larger tire gets better mpg. What's the deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vimy101 Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 I've always heard a larger tire gets better mpg. What's the deal? Larger wheel circumference means lower rpm at cruising speed. In effect, it is like having taller gears. However, that can be negated by having wider tires which increase rolling resistance. This is why some OEMs put taller rather than wider tires on their vehicles to decrease overall body size thereby keeping weight down and increasing grip by having a longer instead of a wider contact patch which decreases rolling resistance. Overall, it helps the car to be lighter and grippier at the same time. Win win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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