hi everyone, should i get a set of 16" sportmax wheels or a set of 17" ?
if i go for 16" ,i will have to save more money ...because i will need a new set of tires....if 17" i can just replace the stock tires first ,then i upgrade it later on .....
the main point is .....should i get 16 or 17 "? which got better handling ?
and corning?

 

"It depends"...

Check also the "Tires and Wheels" section for LOTs of info.

17": More go-kart "feel", but more "skippy" in bumpy corners, and more tramlining. Tires are slightly more costly to replace, and rims aren't as well protected (sidewalls are 1/2" shorter). Arguably tje best size for balance of economy, tire choice, and performance is one size too big at 25/45/17, YMMV. Wheels, even if they're the same weight, have more weight toward the outer circumference and so "feel" (and act) heavier.

16": Straighter tracking, slightly softer ride, slightly less expensive tires, lighter wheels and more wheel weight toward center of wheel. May not clear all Big Brake kits.

If you've got the stock runflats in a 17", there's a resale market for these so your choice may indeed be "cost neutral".

Minis, due to their stance, look good with about any size wheel, but most agree that the 16" is the optimal size for performance and drive-ability - more hardcore drivers may want 17" or 18" to make it more go-karty, but it also gets progressively more hyperactive with larger wheels.

The most important choice is choice of TIRE. That's what grips the road. Don't make the "car show" mistake of getting high-dollar wheels and cheapo skittish tires. Ugh. Nothing cries "ultimate poseur" more than pricey BBSs or OZs wrapped in Cooper Lifeliners or Pep Boys Anything...

 

very informative thanks dixonl2. after hearing wat you said. i'd rather get 16" wheels.

 

I have the 16"OZ Superleggera with Goodyear Run Flats and down here in Puerto Rico is advisable to use 16", try the Goodyear Excellence I heard they are great as far drivability.

 

OK, OK, read what I wrote, but I've got 17's on for summer (love that go-kart feel), and 16 for winter... have to admit the 16's drive better from a drive-ability standpoint (no tramlining, quieter, smoother, grip doesn't suffer much) but there's something about BBS RKs...