whats the advantage of biger wheels, from 16 to 18 for example
12-09-2006, 12:36 AM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
From personal experience from 16" to 17" was a better feel for the road...
I am considering going 18" for summer 07'. My cons are its a bumpy-er ride and the pot holes will be my worst enemy.
16" to 18" would also improve the cars looks IMHO.
Try a <a href="http://search.audiworld.com/">AW Search</a> in the C5 A6 forum for "bigger rims".
16" to 18" would also improve the cars looks IMHO.
Try a <a href="http://search.audiworld.com/">AW Search</a> in the C5 A6 forum for "bigger rims".
12-09-2006, 04:13 AM
#3
For most folks, the answer is Bling. For most the wheels are actually a disadvantage.
True a larger wheel can sometimes give better road feel and enhance handling, but larger wheels are almost always heavier wheels. Heavier wheels add unsprung weight and unsprung weight degrades accelleration, braking and handling.
Like everything else, wheel size is compromise; you need to find a wheel that is large and wide enough to maximize handling, but light enough not to destroy handing. The other problem is that lighter and stronger are usually more expensive, so most larger diameter wheels tend to be heavier.
IMHO, a light, strong 17 x 8 is the optimal size for the C5. People go larger for a cool look and damage the drivability. Then they install there winter tires on stock wheels and "rediscover" their cars.
Like everything else, wheel size is compromise; you need to find a wheel that is large and wide enough to maximize handling, but light enough not to destroy handing. The other problem is that lighter and stronger are usually more expensive, so most larger diameter wheels tend to be heavier.
IMHO, a light, strong 17 x 8 is the optimal size for the C5. People go larger for a cool look and damage the drivability. Then they install there winter tires on stock wheels and "rediscover" their cars.
12-09-2006, 04:55 AM
#4
Not to mention, larger wheels, even lighter ones, slow you down..
Because the weight of the wheel is farther out from the hub. I noticed a difference going from my 17s to my 16 steelies. =)
12-09-2006, 05:09 AM
#5
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16's for comfort. 17's for best combination of looks and handling, 18+ personal style
The larger the wheel as 4Driver4 stated below the more you have to spend to get a lighter one. You will also pay more for tires and have much shorter tread life. You also have a much higher risk of bending them at 18+. I agree that a good 17 x 8 with 235/45/17's is the best all round setup.
12-09-2006, 05:24 AM
#6
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whatever you decide make sure you get a quality wheel....if you can afford to go oem that's the best
i have two sets of 17's and one set of 18's and they serve different purposes.....one set of 17's are snows, one set i use on the track, and my 18's are oem rs6 wheels that have summer only rubber on them....weight is important, but these car are heavy to begin with so a few extra pounds make little difference on the street....if you're going to track the car then that's a different story....8^)
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12-09-2006, 07:23 AM
#8
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More "road feel", larger contact patch, firmer ride, better looks, allows for larger brakes, sharper
turn in.
The cons are obvious....firmer ride, more $$$, and more prone to wheel damage.
Recently, the group mentallity on this board has convinced themselves that 17's are the way to go, keep in mind they are old farts....loveable, but old farts nonetheless. : )
The cons are obvious....firmer ride, more $$$, and more prone to wheel damage.
Recently, the group mentallity on this board has convinced themselves that 17's are the way to go, keep in mind they are old farts....loveable, but old farts nonetheless. : )
12-09-2006, 07:47 AM
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Actually, I think your set up is ideal. 18's for summer, 17's for snow, 17's for the track. If...
money were no object, 18's would be better for the track. However, if I end up buying track wheels, they too will be 17's. The cost factor and more readily available light weight wheels makes it a no-brainer.
