MAroadsTTer

I am trading in my 2001 TTQ for a 2004 TTQ. The car comes with either 17" wheels or for $800+ they will put on 18" wheels. Aside from the curve appeal if any, which tire size is the best for wear, ride and traction.

To my knowledge Audi has not modified the car to accept the bigger tire size.

JohnLZ7W

wear, ride and traction would all depend on what tires are on the wheels.

armoredsainTT

what? $800, dude your getting ripped off and '04 does have an 18" wheel option and there is no modification needed, it's OEM, I have it!

CWK_Marin

17" has a higher profile and the ride will not be as harsh. Audi does not have to modify. The 18" wheels use a lower profile tire, so the circumference remains the same and revolutions per mile remain the same.

Tire wear depends upon the tire itself. Most performance tires have a UTOG rating between 180 and 220. The mileage expectation depends upon driving style.

Michelin Pilot Sports with a UTOG of 220 last between 15K and 20K, maybe a little more if you baby them.

bldn10

"curve appeal" - was that a Freudian slip?

bubba j

since you are swapping rubber for metal.

Acceleration will be negatively affected because of higher wheel/tire combined weight/inertia. Cornering should be improved because of stiffer combo.

Personally I'd stick with 17", especially for $800. Then again, you might really like the design of the 18".

JohnLZ7W

My 18s with S03s ride better than my 17s with Kumhos, it depends on the tire. Weights also depend on the wheel/tire combo. I've got a friend with 19" wheels that weigh 14lbs each. This is not typical but it is possible.

You can not make general statements when dealing with wheels and tires, it all depends on the specific wheel and tire packages you are comparing.