Drivetrain Handling difference: 16" vs. 17" wheels?
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 19
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Trying to decide whether or not to order my S w/ the 17" wheels and performance tires or the 16" w/ all season. I *really* wish they would offer the 16" wheel with a performance tire as that is what I would likely choose. Need to ask Dreyer & Reinbold MINI if they would work with me on a tire swap if I order w/ 16" all season's if they'll swap them out and put on a set of 16" performance tires.
Someone said the S handles better w/ 16" wheels than with 17", given that the same tire is on the wheels?
Someone said the S handles better w/ 16" wheels than with 17", given that the same tire is on the wheels?
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 229
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From: Arlington, Texas
If you are addressing purely road handling with no regard to ride quality, then I have always supported the premise that the lower the tire profile, the less sidewall distortion under heavy cornering loads. Less sidewall distortion means the tire contact patch remains in more optimum alignment with the road surface, creating the maximum grip.
The trade off, (there always is one or two) is that the lower and stiffer sidewall of a 35 series tire creates a harsher ride, and offers less protection to the wheel from potholes. One must also consider unsprung weight in each cormer, particularly in a low hp car like the mini. If you install larger diameter wheels and low profile tires, idealy the combined weight should be less than the stock set you are replacing. This shouldn't be hard if you are replacing runflats with non runflat high performance tires, and a good set of lightweight aftermarket alloys.
To answer your question, you need to decide how much do you want to improve handling, and how much are you willing to give up. I am going with very light 18" wheels and 35 series non runflat tires for improved track performance. You may want 17" factory wheels with performance tires as a compromise between ride and performance. I believe 16" wheels and tires offer reduced performance compared to a lower profile 17" combination.
The trade off, (there always is one or two) is that the lower and stiffer sidewall of a 35 series tire creates a harsher ride, and offers less protection to the wheel from potholes. One must also consider unsprung weight in each cormer, particularly in a low hp car like the mini. If you install larger diameter wheels and low profile tires, idealy the combined weight should be less than the stock set you are replacing. This shouldn't be hard if you are replacing runflats with non runflat high performance tires, and a good set of lightweight aftermarket alloys.
To answer your question, you need to decide how much do you want to improve handling, and how much are you willing to give up. I am going with very light 18" wheels and 35 series non runflat tires for improved track performance. You may want 17" factory wheels with performance tires as a compromise between ride and performance. I believe 16" wheels and tires offer reduced performance compared to a lower profile 17" combination.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan
Folks I've talked to in the chassis business at Bosch-NA agree too. I'll be switching from 17" R90s with performance run flats to stock 16" all-weathers for the winter, so I'll have a direct comparison. I'll get back with ya on it.
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