15 or 16"?
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15 or 16"?
Right now I have stock 15" rims on my 96 Lude (215/50/15). I want to get some Volks. I would like to go with 16" rims. If I go with a 215/40/16 tire, the overall diameter should be close to stock. Is there any truth that taller rims (going from 15 to 16) give you 'better handling'?
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Re: 15 or 16"? (hu)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hu »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Right now I have stock 15" rims on my 96 Lude (215/50/15). I want to get some Volks. I would like to go with 16" rims. If I go with a 215/40/16 tire, the overall diameter should be close to stock.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Your Prelude came with 205/55-15 tires stock. The outer diameter of a 215/40-16 tire is MUCH too small for your car (4.6 percent smaller than stock). The best 16" size to get is 205/50-16, which is 0.8 percent larger than stock. 215/45-16 may also work (1.1 percent smaller than stock) but tire availability in that size is extremely limited, whereas there is a wide selection in 205/50-16.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hu »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is there any truth that taller rims (going from 15 to 16) give you 'better handling'?</TD></TR></TABLE>
There are a lot of theories and opinions on this. Many people claim that "wider is better" and get larger rims so that they can mount a wider tire on it. However, you have to be careful not to get a tire that is wider AND whose outer diameter is larger, or it is likely to rub on the fender wells and suspension components. Another factor is that taller rims give you a shorter sidewall, which may quicken your handling response (but can also leave your wheels more susceptible to damage from potholes - not likely with 16" wheels, but more possible if you go larger than that).
One of the downsides with 16" wheels is that tire availability tends to be somewhat less than with 15" or 17". However, a lot of very good tires are available in 205/50-16, so as long as you're sticking with that size, you should be fine.
The much bigger factor, if you're looking for great handling, is which tires you use. A better handling tire on 15" wheels will handle better than a worse handling tire on 16" wheels. So if you really care about handling, make sure you get a tire that offers the performance you're looking for. For example, the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 costs $119 per tire in 205/50-16, and their $75 gas card offer (valid through October 8) lowers that to $100 per tire. That tire will give you much better handling than less expensive tires that also come in that size.
Another big reason for getting bigger wheels is looks. If you like the look of 16" wheels, go for it!
Your Prelude came with 205/55-15 tires stock. The outer diameter of a 215/40-16 tire is MUCH too small for your car (4.6 percent smaller than stock). The best 16" size to get is 205/50-16, which is 0.8 percent larger than stock. 215/45-16 may also work (1.1 percent smaller than stock) but tire availability in that size is extremely limited, whereas there is a wide selection in 205/50-16.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hu »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is there any truth that taller rims (going from 15 to 16) give you 'better handling'?</TD></TR></TABLE>
There are a lot of theories and opinions on this. Many people claim that "wider is better" and get larger rims so that they can mount a wider tire on it. However, you have to be careful not to get a tire that is wider AND whose outer diameter is larger, or it is likely to rub on the fender wells and suspension components. Another factor is that taller rims give you a shorter sidewall, which may quicken your handling response (but can also leave your wheels more susceptible to damage from potholes - not likely with 16" wheels, but more possible if you go larger than that).
One of the downsides with 16" wheels is that tire availability tends to be somewhat less than with 15" or 17". However, a lot of very good tires are available in 205/50-16, so as long as you're sticking with that size, you should be fine.
The much bigger factor, if you're looking for great handling, is which tires you use. A better handling tire on 15" wheels will handle better than a worse handling tire on 16" wheels. So if you really care about handling, make sure you get a tire that offers the performance you're looking for. For example, the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 costs $119 per tire in 205/50-16, and their $75 gas card offer (valid through October 8) lowers that to $100 per tire. That tire will give you much better handling than less expensive tires that also come in that size.
Another big reason for getting bigger wheels is looks. If you like the look of 16" wheels, go for it!
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