Most liked posts in thread: 16s vs. 17s...thoughts/opinions?

I think if it was me I'd go with the X Lites & 205-50-16 tires. For me the 17 tires produce too hard of a ride. Not sure you would see any noticeable difference in mileage between 16 or 17's.

 

Given the lowering and coilovers I'm gonna guess the ride isn't exactly soft. The wheel size will depend on what you want to do. Going for looks, performance, or a bit of both? Look at what tires you want to have. Sometimes it easier/cheaper to get 16s vs. 17s.

As far as mileage: The less unsprung weight you have and the smaller the rolling mass is along with less rolling resistance you will get better mileage. I.e. If the 16s with a 195 tire weigh less than 17s with a 205 tire you will get better gas mileage. How much better? I have no clue. I'm guessing it's not gonna be major. Maybe a mile per gallon or two.

 

In my opinion, a 16" is just a little bit smaller than a 17".....

 

:lol::lol::lol:

 

:cornut:The Pros and Cons for me were:
1. My 08 R56 MCS/JCW came with 205 45 R17 Run Flats
2. These heavy,loud, unresponsive run flats have to go
3. These light weight Mini wheels(24lbs is light weight?The engineers were on dope that day)have got to go
4. Okay I want 14lb OZ Allegerettes wheels and much lighter nonrun flat tires in 215 45 R17s. This will drop ball park 18lbs/wheel or 72lbs total unsprung weight.
5. I want a spare in the boot so.........
6. I'll get 17in wheels and keep 1 of the run flats on a factory wheel in the boot
7. Now Margi ,who already had the heavier 'Sport Suspension', is incredibly responsive and nimble.(and has a real spare!!!) She'll circle a dime, stop on a nickle, and still give you 4cts change.She handles/stops/accelerates like a $1500 suspension upgrade was done.
8. 16in vs 17in uuuhhhhhh...........I don't know.:frown2: But I got to brag on MINI Margi and tell you about unsprung weight and having a spare in the boot.

Jason

 

I will disagree with this. Rolling resistance isn't a big enough component of total drag for minor weights to make any significant difference. What really matters, particularly for highway mileage, is aero drag and that is related mainly to tyre width - wheel diameter is not that important.

My rule of thumb from my experience is that each tyre width step (eg, 175 to 185, etc) costs about 1mpg - though that's British gallons so make that 0.8 mpgUS.

 

I went to 18"ers cause I'm a wheel slut, that and a set of 225/45/18's and Augie is cutting a pretty sharp look IMHO