Performance pros and cons of different wheel sizes?

[Rice Over Wheat]

Assuming that tire sizes are constant...say 225/40, what are the pros and cons of having 16" 17" 18" and 19" wheels? Regardless of how they look...we all know larger is better for filling the fendors, but I'm talking performance. I'd like some arguments for different sizes regarding weight, traction, and how acceleration is affected.

The car in question is a 96 GST with 279 hp at the wheels and 290 torque. This will be pushed over 300 soon when it is tuned with SAFC II and possible injectors upgrade.

What is the best compromise on cost vs performance? Thanks for any input.

ROW

 

[Rice Over Wheat]

For example:

I like how these 17s are a mere 16 lbs:

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But I really like these 18s as well, at 30 lbs:

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ROW

 

[Raph]

just dont let ur rubber get too wide,yes u get more traction,but also more roll resistance..

go 215/45 17 or 225/40 18...

try getting lighter 18s...or 17s(yes ´theyre ok,)that look a little bit better

 

[STECARS]

18's at 30 lbs , is to much weight . they have lots of 18's around 20 lbs and a few that weight less than 20 lbs.

 

[RipperXX]

Not to hijack your thread here, I would just like one educated poster to answer my question here and we can move on.

I am planing to go with some Volk Raceing TE 37 Bronze 18" rims, what size of width should I go with?

I was told with 18's-19's it makes it much easier to do axis's spins and such. Which is half the reasion for the upgread, the other of corse being they would just look wicked on my red/black 90 TSI


P.S. Yea I was thinking 30lb on a 18 vs 16lb on the 17's I mean come on almost doubleing weight for 1" more???

 

[Anon]

I have 18s on 225/40. Of course they are a little heavier but I'm willing to sacrifice a little speed for looks.

 

[Rice Over Wheat]

At what point do you sacrifice speed for looks? I would imagine that 16s at 300 hp would likely end up with traction issues...wheel spin. I'm beginning to lean towards 17s to go wider than 16s yet retain some acceleration that would seem to be lost with 18s or 19s.

ROW