how much of a decrease in performance will 28 pound wheels really make?
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,086
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From: Colorado Springs
Not that much, but you will notice it, yeah.
Thats a 2" difference in size and i'm sure the 17's you're looking at will be wider...and the more surface touching the ground, the more friction is created. With 8lbs of unprung weight, you'll be slower...but nothing too significant, i guess...unless you're heavy into tracking your car in one form or another.
AudiWorld Uber User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 66,965
Likes: 1
Yes!
Especially on a 4 cylinder car, you'll feel it off the line (before the turbo kicks in to help you out). Once you get moving, it won't be such a big deal.
Also, as plug1 and WYSIWYG are pointing out, your stock wheel and tire combo currently are very light, and offer a very small contact patch. Going to a 28 lb rim means you're probably looking at 17's or more likely 18's. An 18" tire will also be heavier than a 15" tire. That weight is likely to be in the neighborhood of 5 lbs by itself...all on the outside of the wheel...the most significant place to add or save weight. The larger contact patch will change the feel of the steering completely, as will the stiffer sidewalls. All that is good, but realize, you'll feel the added unsprung weight, imho.
Initially, you'll say it's not so bad, and the performance increases outweigh the performance decreases. Over time, if you find yourself switching back to a lighter 17" wheel, you'll realize just how different those heavy wheels were! Ask Sameer. He switched from a 25 lb 18" wheel, to a 17 lb 17" wheel.
Also, as plug1 and WYSIWYG are pointing out, your stock wheel and tire combo currently are very light, and offer a very small contact patch. Going to a 28 lb rim means you're probably looking at 17's or more likely 18's. An 18" tire will also be heavier than a 15" tire. That weight is likely to be in the neighborhood of 5 lbs by itself...all on the outside of the wheel...the most significant place to add or save weight. The larger contact patch will change the feel of the steering completely, as will the stiffer sidewalls. All that is good, but realize, you'll feel the added unsprung weight, imho.
Initially, you'll say it's not so bad, and the performance increases outweigh the performance decreases. Over time, if you find yourself switching back to a lighter 17" wheel, you'll realize just how different those heavy wheels were! Ask Sameer. He switched from a 25 lb 18" wheel, to a 17 lb 17" wheel.
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