Are Plus 1 tire/wheel upgrades really an upgrade in perf?
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Are Plus 1 tire/wheel upgrades really an upgrade in perf?
Does anyone have any comments on the AUG European Car mag art "Where Has All the Steering Gone?" Essentially it says that while wider/lower profile tires assoc. with 17/18 inch wheels have advantages for racing at their limits, they are less responsive at street speeds. The longer vs wider footprint of the "skinny" tire is more effective at holding a straight line and therefor better for steering feel and directional stability.
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I really like my 17" - The response is much better and makes driving more enjoyable
I can't comment on 18" wheels as I have never driven a car with them.
I am not looking forward to putting my 16" with snow tires on. I should do like Criag did and buy some 17" rims and snow tires.
Reggie
98.5 2.8QMS 17"MAS-MGRs
I am not looking forward to putting my 16" with snow tires on. I should do like Criag did and buy some 17" rims and snow tires.
Reggie
98.5 2.8QMS 17"MAS-MGRs
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Put it this way...
They tested an IS300 vs. BMW 3 series in handling.
The IS (17's) could hang with the Bimmer (16's),
until they put some 16's on the IS and then it was all BMW. Motor trend threw some 17's with Dunlop 9000's on a Z28 and the skidpad went from .85 (16's) to .91. YMMV.
The IS (17's) could hang with the Bimmer (16's),
until they put some 16's on the IS and then it was all BMW. Motor trend threw some 17's with Dunlop 9000's on a Z28 and the skidpad went from .85 (16's) to .91. YMMV.
Audiworld Junior Member
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Re: Are Plus 1 tire/wheel upgrades really an upgrade in perf?
IMO you have to balance what you're really after - many people are primarily concerned about the appearance factor - If you want best of both worlds, and can afford the more expensive wheel, you might consider a light, strong wheel like the SSRs (about 16-17lb in 17") which are lighter than stock 16 inchers, with a good handling tire that still has decent ride characteristics.
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Jan 17, 2003 01:46 PM
