So whats better 17" or 18" rims?

LightngSVT · 05-07-05, 03:57

OK thats a pretty broad question to ask. Let me narrow it down a little bit, Im looking for new rims/tires for my daily driver 98.5 Ford SVT Contour. The car is transportation, not a race car but I would like to track it once or twice. I like the looks of the 18" but think the 17's might be a better combination of performace, cost, braking, and MPG. Any opinions out there?

splattj · 05-07-05, 04:02

I would go with the 17's. You'll be able to get a slightly larger sidewall which will protect the rim from potholes and improve the ride by better absorbing bumps.

tdekany · 05-07-05, 04:09

Quote:

Originally posted by splattj
I would go with the 17's. You'll be able to get a slightly larger sidewall which will protect the rim from potholes and improve the ride by better absorbing bumps.

I agree with the above, but I"d never use anything smaller then 18s

LouisanaJeeper · 05-07-05, 04:10

17's would be better for drag racing

there is also a noticable increase in tire pricing for 18's

btw they are wheels not "rimz"

Mitchubishievo · 05-07-05, 04:13

17's are usually lighter and will especially help on the track; less rotantional inertia=more speed.

RuffRyder · 05-07-05, 04:27

'nother vote on the 17"s.

lbls1 · 05-07-05, 04:43

You will have to compare both sizes and see for yourself. I personally feel that after a certain size, it gets to be too much wheel and not enough car. However, depending on the right balance, some cars look great with bigger rims. I tend to hate anything bigger than 18, but its all in the imagination and the balance of car and wheel...

LightngSVT · 05-07-05, 04:44

Thanks everyone, thats what I was thinking. I was also thinking 18"s may hurt braking a bit since there is more rotational / unsprung weight.

Quote:

Originally posted by LouisanaJeeper
17's would be better for drag racing

there is also a noticable increase in tire pricing for 18's

btw they are wheels not "rimz"

What the heck are you talking about? I cant find anywhere in my post where I said "rimz"? The title does rimS though. What is wrong with that?

And why would i want to drag race a FWD, 200hp sedan when I have an 02 Lightning and a 93 Lightning with a built 396 CID motor in it?

LouisanaJeeper · 05-07-05, 05:18

well you said "but I would like to track it once or twice."
i did not know if you were referring to a autocross type track or a race/drag strip. so i specified for drag the smaller wheels would be better. for autocross the bigger wheels would probably be better for stiffer sidewalls but would also decrease braking performance as stated above

i realize you did not type rimZ, you posted rimS. people often call them rims because that term is popular in rap etc so i posted rimz for fun

the rim refers to the outer portion of the wheel, the round part. back when the wheels were composed of several pieces, the rim was used to name the outer part of the assembly. wheel is the correct termonology

LightngSVT · 05-07-05, 05:25

So your going to get me on symantics? OK, its all good. I wasnt neccessarily using the term rim as a slang term, just kind of an interchangable term, like Kleenex in "normal" slang.

Yah a Contour is not a drag car, although Ive heard of a few Focus' in the 11's and one in the 10's! I was thinking road course or autocross, but if I get lucky enough to score an M3, Im sure that would be the track that car instead and save the trucks for the drag strip.

DetailGirl · 05-07-05, 05:50

Quote:

Originally posted by RuffRyder
'nother vote on the 17"s.

White95Max · 05-07-05, 06:41

Go with the 17s.