15" vs. 17"
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,938
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From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Now that I have put the 17" wheels on my car. I can say that I don't really notice any difference in ride quality. But I notice a huge difference in appearance. The 17" wheel looks so much better
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 173
From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I think it would have been a cool thing to do 20 years ago on a car that originally came with 14" wheels. but for the price and selection of 17" wheel and tires, you might as well just go bigger.
I paid $560 for my ultra high performance summer tires, that's less than a set of 15" BFgoodrich traction T/As which are all season tires
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
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From: Southern Indiana
I think it would have been a cool thing to do 20 years ago on a car that originally came with 14" wheels. but for the price and selection of 17" wheel and tires, you might as well just go bigger.
I paid $560 for my ultra high performance summer tires, that's less than a set of 15" BFgoodrich traction T/As which are all season tires
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
They have a monopoly on the 15" tire pretty much, unless you want a house brand from VIP or Pep Boys, and even those are only about $15-$20 less then the BGFs
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
The 15's will give you a better (softer) ride, which for me is what its all about. Peronally I think the larger wheel sizes look strange, the proportions remind me of a wagon wheel from an old stage coach. Newer styling doesn't necessarily mean better styling.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Jacksonville Fl
What is your thought on 16" rim? I like them because it the best of both worlds.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
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From: Southern NH
I noticed no difference is ride comfort going to 17s. I did notice a better feel while cornering though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
There's a certain amount of subjectivity involved and depending on other factors its possible there isn't a noticeable difference going from 15's to 17's, but if you had an accurate measuring device I think its a virtual certainty the 15" wheel with a 70 series sidewall would be a softer ride than a 17" with a shorter sidewall whether or not you'd personally notice it. A lot of what you felt may have been due to expectations as well and another person would notice a harsher ride and no difference in handling. My husband always tells me about how these ricers put a spoiler on their car and then try to tell him they feel a big difference in handling at 60 mph when in reality they'd need to be going 90mph for it to have an effect. Try going from a 15" with a 70 series sidewall to a 20" with a 35 series sidewall and I think you'll be noticing a difference.
Last edited by Priya; Apr 30, 2013 at 02:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
And you can definitely tell a difference between soft grippy ultra high performance tires and all seasons, and they don't make UHP tires in 15".
No ricer butt dyno here
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
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From: Calgary Alberta
I can't decide what looks better. 15 or 17 wheels. 15 would be cheaper for me since I have the tires already and I have been told the car ride is better. But the 17 look a little more update. I really like the torque thrust wheels , but they , in my opinion , look better in a 17" . What do you guys prefer? Maybe some more pics would help. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
And most of those who think they can tell the difference can't either, they're just thinking they feel what they expected to. Only a tiny handful of people who habitually push their cars to the limit are going to be able to notice the difference and most of the people who think they are such a person, aren't.