What's the difference in driving experience between 17", 18" and 19" alloys?

tightropetom · 30-03-2011 12:00am #1

Just bought a used Freelander 2 with 17" alloys on it.

I'm just wondering, what difference do the different sized alloys make to your driving experience, both on and off road?

101sean · 30-03-2011 12:52am

For smooth roads that don't exist here, none. Otherwise, changing from 17" is a fashion statement and will wreck the ride on poor Irish roads. Also the skinnier profile tyres on bigger rims are more prone to sidewall damage and are generally only available in more road biased treads. A 4x4 needs more rubber between the road and rim, not less. Don't get me started on pimp mobiles with 20-22" rims and rubber bands!

Don't do it!

tightropetom · 30-03-2011 8:37am

Haha I suspected as much. The bigger ones are fashion statements, eh? I'll be keeping the 17" ones so - just didn't know the difference! ;-)

101sean · 30-03-2011 4:03pm

I'm glad my reply came across ok, I'd only just staggered in from a neighbours house after going over for a chat 6 hours earlier

Eric Cartman · 30-03-2011 4:11pm

If your going up in alloy sizes dont try and match the overall wheel size the same , your speedo will be a little out but once your aware , if you currently have 17s and are going to 18s see will your wheel well allow you to put bigger tyres on , for a 4x4 id say avoid anything over 18" , I had 18s with 255/55 tyres on my sorento and found it alright but bigger tyres would have been nicer

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html heres a nice calculator, even tells you the speed difference with the change

tightropetom · 30-03-2011 11:06pm

Not really planning to change - was mainly curious as to what difference it would make. :-) Will prob stick with the 17"

What's the difference in driving experience between 17", 18" and 19" alloys?

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