I think the autocross preference for 15" is more about getting low-profile tires on smaller diameter wheels so that the final drive ratio is changed. You have more usable gears for a particular speed since this effectively compresses the gear ratios. For a daily driver, you would not do that since it means more gear changes, lower top speed and less fuel economy.

For example, in my Viggen, passing is tricky since 3rd gear is already half used up at 55MPH. Yet 4th gear is just a little too low. So I find myself either with a little less power from 55+ with 4th gear, or having to change gears right in the middle of the pass when using 3rd gear. With a smaller diameter tire, I could use 4th exclusively for passing and it would be pretty much perfect.

For a daily driver that came with 16", if you switched to 15" and put correct tires on such that the total tire diameter would not change from stock, then cornering performance and freeway-speed handling will be reduced. So I would always go in the direction of a larger wheel but smaller profile such that the factory final drive ratio is kept the same. I think 17-18" for summer and 16" for winter is where I'd shoot for since you need to balance ride comfort.

Choice of tire is also important since some have softer sidewalls. I originally had Goodyear Eagle F1 (summer, not all-season) tires on my Viggen which were simply insanely awesome performers. I don't believe they are available in the correct size any more. They were over $200/tire. Now I have the Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 which were $85/tire. While the Hankooks are very highly rated, they are nothing compared to the Goodyears. Am I happy? Yes, I saved lots of money, but no, I won't buy them next time.

posted by 216.115.124...

• 17" wheels worth $400 in tires?, Philip Schall, Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:09:44
  • Re: 17" wheels worth $400 in tires?, Nicholas , Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:57:55
  • Re: 17" wheels worth $400 in tires?, Tom Hardesty, Sat, 30 Jul 2011 05:47:17
  • $400 for tires isn't much, Noel, Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:58:14
    • Re: $400 for tires isn't much, Philip Schall, Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:16:49
      • You may need 3 sets of tires, Noel, Sat, 30 Jul 2011 05:36:39
      • Re: $400 for tires isn't much, nwas, Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:02:41
        • Re: $400 for tires isn't much, AlaskanViggen, Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:20:57 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Naw, worth $600 or more in tires., nwas, Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:24:55
      • Get ready to pay more, JMJ in NC, Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:42:19

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