Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 05:55:30 GMT From: johannes <johsnospamnospam-efitter.com> Subject: Re: Classic 900 - aluminum or steel/best tires for sport driving
robanzellottinospamlemail.com wrote: > > I just bought a late '91 900i(s) with 220,000km. It is in great > condition, but only has winter tires on steel rims. > > Background: I am in Germany. Aluminum rims are considered a luxury, > and fetch a premium price even used. Also, my driving habits are > divided between very high speeds on the Autobahn, and very tight turns > in the Hartz mountains (but that involves some dirt, so I can't go too > low). > > I've got an extra set of steel rims from my last car. The question is: > How much do aluminum rims affect the performance of this car? I've > driven Saab 900s with both types, but not in a way to objectively > compare. > > I'm looking at either buying new mid-level summer tires and sticking > them on the steel rims, or shopping used, where for similar money I > could get aluminum rims already mounted with slightly used P6's and > the like. Whatever I do, it is only for summer, so I want to go on the > wide side, like 205/60. I have noticed a huge performance difference > from aluminum wheels on other cars, like VW's, but my last (poor > persecuted...blast the bloody a§$holes at the inspection...) Saab ('92 > 390kKm) did really well on humble steel. Everything from Stuttgart to > Munich at 180km/h to muddy cow paths in Latvia. There never was or > will be be another car like this. > Opinions? > Robobass I can't see why there should be any difference in performance. But changing the wheel diameter for e.g. low profile might change the gearing and the perceived performance on the speedo. It will of course also improve the handling. Performance drivers usually like a lower gearing. (though I prefer relaxed long gearing) With your fast driving style, you're more likely to hit a stone or a kerb, or even a pothole in the road. That usually puts a big dent in alloy wheels. Steel wheels are much more durable.
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