Ok, here is the problem with ordering cars: too many choices and too much time...

Anyone have ideas (more importantly-facts) about the relative wheel weights: bridge spoke vs crown spoke vs web spoke? The tire specs of 16 (195x55x16) vs 17 (205x45x17) seem to be relatively equal: 20-22 lbs (runflats as well-I thought they were heavier?) I originally planned on changing out the tires/wheels after arrival of the MINI. However, I just figured out that I don't have to take the bonnet stripes with the sport package. That means I could get the DSC and 17" for $850 more than my current config (28K). Seems to make sense. For the average spirted (sometimes) driver (no racing, autoX, etc) is the argument more academic or real for 16 vs 17" wheels/tires? I understand about the physics of rotational mass a tad greater for 17" (anyone done the calculations??), but the unsprung weight seems to be the same (pending infor on wheel weights). There there is the esthetics of the 17" wheel...Come and weight in with opinion (and hopefully some facts) to help guide me while I am still in the modifiable stage. Thanks for your help.

 

The factory wheels all seem to be heavy.

I got the Sports Package. At the time, the somewhat wider tread (205 vs. 195) steered me to the 17" wheels. I replaced the Crown Spokes (22.5 lbs. each) with CenterLine RPM 17x7 (15-16 lbs) and had Michelin Pilot Exhalto PE2 tires installed. There is a big difference in ride and handling between the two sets, but I can't tell you how much is due to the tires or how much the wheels.

The rumor is that there isn't much difference in handling between 16" and 17" if you match the tires. It seems people are mounting 205 and 215 tires on 16" wheels.

If I had to do it over, I'd probably get 16" third party wheels and mount 205 or 215s on them.

 

The best way to improve the cars handeling characteristics are tires. Of course going with a smaller wheel will decrease the angular momentum of the wheel and there by improve the handling, but then the tires will have to be taller with more flex in the side wall. In the end going with either 16 or 17 wheels (asumming they are the same brand and model) and corresponding tires will net you the about the same handling characteristics. So just pick the best tires(speed rating/stickiness) for the type of driving you want to do for whatever wheel size.

 

With the 16" having a more comfortable ride, and the 17" having a more radical look.