spdracer53

i have a '00 a4 i am going to be buying bbs rx II in about 3 months, and i still don't know if i should go with 17" or 18". could you tell me which one is better for performance, smooth ride, and which one will last longer. i live in hawaii, and the roads that i travel are pretty good. also can you explain what offset is......my understanding is something about weight? thanks in advance.

Andy Hedin

See the link I posted below for technical info on wheel offset (this is a link to the Tire Rack web site).

<i>could you tell me which one is better for performance, smooth ride, and which one will last longer.</i>

1) Performance -- a 17" because they would generally be lighter than an 18" rim.

2) Smooth Ride -- a 17" would win again....more sidewall height = more comfortable ride.

3) Last longer -- given the same exact wheel in 17" and 18" sizes, I'd think the 17" would have a better shot at surviving the "mean streets" longer than an 18" rim. Once again, this is due to the higher sidewall height of the tire which would provide a bit of "cushion" for potholes.<p><a href="mailto:andy_hedin@hotmail.com"><img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/A_Hedin_Sig3.gif" BORDER=0></a><ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm">Wheel Offset Explained</a></li></ul>