18" wheel vs 17" wheel ride quality
10-30-2002, 12:24 AM
#1
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18" wheel vs 17" wheel ride quality
what do you guys feel is the difference in ride quality between 17" wheels vs 18" wheels.
I'm trying to figure out what to get (17's I'll probably get stock s4 wheels, 18" rs4 copys) and whant to know what the differences are in the smoothness / etc. I want good handling but smooth ride as well. Oh yeah, some snow will be thrown in on the way to mammoth / etc.
also, any input with tires would be good. I'd like to just get one set for so cal winter / summer with occasional snow.
thanks!
I'm trying to figure out what to get (17's I'll probably get stock s4 wheels, 18" rs4 copys) and whant to know what the differences are in the smoothness / etc. I want good handling but smooth ride as well. Oh yeah, some snow will be thrown in on the way to mammoth / etc.
also, any input with tires would be good. I'd like to just get one set for so cal winter / summer with occasional snow.
thanks!
10-30-2002, 01:07 AM
#2
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I love my 18's! and Wouldnt have anything else.
<center><img src="http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/worx/dandenongs2.jpg"></center><p>Ride is at you would expect - firm.
You will really feel it on a bumpy road - but on a smooth road... wooahh... mumma... its magnificent!
You will really feel it on a bumpy road - but on a smooth road... wooahh... mumma... its magnificent!
10-30-2002, 02:31 AM
#4
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Hey i got a black 2.8, 19 Moda R6,Pirelli PZero Nero, what that tint%?
My car rides smooth i wanted it to be alot tighter but its still not tight with H&R sport springs and 235/35/19 ruber? maybe its just me but. Hey man whats the tint on your car it looks great.
10-30-2002, 03:32 AM
#5
I'm a firm believer in 17's..........
1. There is a substantial difference in ride quality. (I've driven an A4 with an identical suspension setup and 18's). Because of the rough city roads I encounter every day living in a city, I definitely prefer the 17's.
2. 18's are by definition more susceptible to damage than 17's.
3. 18's are more expensive.
4. 18's are heavier (although not a big deal for everyday driving).
5. 18's don't actually provide any performance advantage over 17's. If anything they're slightly worse due to the weight.
HOWEVER.....all this being said, I must admit that 18's tend to look nicer. Although they do require more drop to look right. In my humble opinion, the aesthetic advantage of 18's did not outweigh the functional disadvantages. For others, the look of 18's is worth it.
2. 18's are by definition more susceptible to damage than 17's.
3. 18's are more expensive.
4. 18's are heavier (although not a big deal for everyday driving).
5. 18's don't actually provide any performance advantage over 17's. If anything they're slightly worse due to the weight.
HOWEVER.....all this being said, I must admit that 18's tend to look nicer. Although they do require more drop to look right. In my humble opinion, the aesthetic advantage of 18's did not outweigh the functional disadvantages. For others, the look of 18's is worth it.
10-30-2002, 03:49 AM
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There is a slight difference, all things being the same. However, swtiching tire brands or models
can make a much bigger difference. Try to find a more comfy tire if you go up to 18s. SO3s are very forgiving.
10-30-2002, 03:51 AM
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I hope your local roads are good...
As i said in my post a bit higher up, i have 17s and i'm bending them like crazy. Of course the roads I usually drive on are one step up from dirt roads.
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10-30-2002, 03:55 AM
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My take...plus pics. (BWW)
If looks are most important to you, then the 18's with a lowered suspension is the way to go. If I can deal with awful Boston area roads on 18's So. Cal. will be nothing in comparison. I just upgraded shocks from OEM Sport to Neu Bilsteins and it is stiffer but I love it!
If track performance is important to you, then go with the 17's.
Lastly, if you are going for all-season tires, then 17's will have a better selection and of course lower prices. However, if you are going from no snow to heavy snow on steep mountain roads, I think you're better off with dedicated winter tires for those trips. Better safe than sorry!
Here are the shots of my car with diffent wheels and suspensions. I can't give you a direct comparison between 17 vs 18 because the switch included suspension mods.
17in Type-Ts with Eibach Prokit and Koni Sports
18in Radons with OEM Sport
18in Roadons with Neuspeed Bilsteins and OEM Sport Springs
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22/17ineibachkoni.jpg">
<br>
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22/18inoemsport.jpg">
<br>
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22/18inneubils.jpg">
If track performance is important to you, then go with the 17's.
Lastly, if you are going for all-season tires, then 17's will have a better selection and of course lower prices. However, if you are going from no snow to heavy snow on steep mountain roads, I think you're better off with dedicated winter tires for those trips. Better safe than sorry!
Here are the shots of my car with diffent wheels and suspensions. I can't give you a direct comparison between 17 vs 18 because the switch included suspension mods.
17in Type-Ts with Eibach Prokit and Koni Sports
18in Radons with OEM Sport
18in Roadons with Neuspeed Bilsteins and OEM Sport Springs
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22/17ineibachkoni.jpg">
<br>
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22/18inoemsport.jpg">
<br>
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22/18inneubils.jpg">