RPF1's v. Rota RB
 

It goes like this. Naturally, like any time you compare 2 things, both have pros and cons. The Enkei's are lighter, look a little better, and probably have a better build quality. On the other hand, they retail for about $200-300 more. The Rotas also look good (but it's a different good), cheaper, and have a better color selection. But, they are heavier. Where do I go? I do all street driving as of now. I always say I'd like to 1 or 2 HPDE events this year but only time will tell on that.

I'd go for the ones that you like to look at better. You have to look at them everytime you go to your car. For me, it's worth spending more on something so vital to the looks of the car. And, if you get tired of the more expensive wheels, you'll get some of that spread back when you sell them, so all is not lost.

Oh, and the Rotas are avilable in the correct 56.1 MINI specific hub bore. A big plus, IMO.

I wouldn't count that as a big plus and wouldn't let it sway your decision in any way. Aluminum centering rings are about $20 for the set of 4 and aren't a big deal, just check them occasionally so they don't rust themselves onto the wheel hub.

I like both, but in the end I would opt for the RPF1...

Those two were part of my final 3. I ended up going with the RB. I think the RPF1 look doesn't fit the Mini.

One thing - I have 16s. I think if I would have stayed with 17s, I may have considered something other than the RB. There is something a little off to me about the way the RB looks at sizes larger than 16".

I was going with 16's, anyway. 17in is overkill on a little car like ours, IMO. I do really like the styling of the RB's. That and the near $200 I would save on them.

I agree if you don't get what you like, you will regret it later.

The problem here is I don't know which I like more!:lol:

I went the the RBs in 17x7.5 on the R56, but on an R53, I'd go with 16s. The 16s looked too small in the R56 wheelwells. I liked the Enkeis too.

I think you definitely like the RPF1's more :lol:

I'd go with the RPF1's; i was looking at those myself but went in a different direction when i found a really good deal.

Where are you getting this $200 figure from?
These two wheels also happen to be my top two choices.
The best price I've found on the RPF1 16x7, 43 mm offset, is $209@ (shipping extra)
http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda...t/21-1051.html
The best price I've found on the 16" RBs is $125@ (includes shipping)
http://www.machiii.net/wheels/RB.html
RPF1 209 x 4 = $836 + shipping
RB 125 x 4 = $500
Factor in the shipping and the difference comes to around $400.
I really like the RBs, but I wish they were a bit lighter. I also like the Rota Subzero,which is a couple of pounds lighter than the RBs, and looks similar to the Enkei.

RPF1.

I found a dealer on Ebay who told me he could order the Enkei line including 16in. RPF1's for $795 a set. I should say I don't know if that includes shipping or not (which it probably doesn't). Then these guys:
http://18racing.com/wheel_rb.html
have 16in. RB's for $575 shipped. Yeah, you're right. There is about a good $350-400 difference.

18racing.com is 2.5 months out on silver RBs in 16, regardless of what their site says. I finally ended up buying from Dan at Mach V, but wish I had seen www.machiii.net first - that price is great assuming they are actually in stock. Also, Mach V says it will be 4-7 days before they ship, which seems awfully long. Good thing I'm in no hurry!

I think if and when the time comes, I'm going with RB's simply based on price. Yes, the Enkei's look great and are a bit lighter, but my car is nothing hardcore by any means so why spend an extra $3-400 on wheels that I could put into good tires and still end up ahead of the game?

I think I may have changed my mind. I'm really digging the look of Slipstreams in Royal Gunmetal with the polished lip. Plus, they're cheaper and lighter than RB's! They're at the same weight as RPF1's at almost half the price.:thumbsup:
http://18racing.com/wheel_slipstream.html

RPF1's!

But I can get Slipstreams that weigh the same and cost $80-100 less each. Granted, I lose the name and design but I'm willing to give that up for the price savings.

I agree that the Slipstreams (and Subzeros) are much cheaper than the RPF1s. The struggle I'm going through now is deciding whether the Enkeis are worth the extra money. My wife, the pragmatist, reminded me that the Enkeis may cost more, but over a number of years it works out to a small amount, and I will probably get a bit more for the car when I sell it with the RPF1s, or I can sell them separately. Smart woman.:thumbsup:

Yes you can save some $$ and if you are happy with the way the Slipstreams look then you scored. For me there is no comparison, I love the Enkei's.

What don't you like about the Subzero that eliminated it from the running?

Actually, I like Subzeros, but I think the RPFI is a much better wheel (lighter, stronger). What's holding me back is the substantial difference in price.

I vote for the Enkei, especially now that TireRack is carrying them in black. I like the no-nonsense motorsport look, and the vain cheeseball in me would appreciate the fact that my preferred F1 team is using a vaguely similar looking wheel from the same supplier.

IMO the wheels that closely resemble the '60s Minilite (ASA, Rota RB, Panasports) don't quite fit the MINI.

Well, anyone's who's seen my other thread already knows: I ended up getting RPF1's. The car looks so beastly. It's so much wider and fatter now. It looks Hella hot. I'll need to get pics up here soon.:thumbsup: