Can I get some schoolin' on 18's vs 17's
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,343
Likes: 4
From: South Bend Indiana
18's look phenominal, but bring a firm ride, and addtional weight. This means you'll feel more of the road because your tires are lower profile. The additional unsprung weight may slow acceleration, and extend braking distaces. But they do look good!
Alex
Alex
Moderator :: Performance Mods
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 6
From: A Den in Maryland
If the roads that you will be driving on tend to have potholes, railroad track, manhole covers, etc, the extremely low profile 18" tire can do little to protect the rim from damage.
With some color combo's, 18's can look too big. Of course, the ride smoothness with be diminished with 18's, and I don't think traction will improve 17's versus 18's, however the weight that Alex mentioned is worth considering.
With your upcoming all black MCS, I'd say the stock S-lites look awesome, but so would an 18" SSR Comp (because it's airy looking), an 18" BBS RG-R (cuz it's anthracite), however a Mille Miglia HT3 in 17" looks great and balanced.
It's all up to you, we can only give our $0.02 of advice
Good luck,
Ryan
With your upcoming all black MCS, I'd say the stock S-lites look awesome, but so would an 18" SSR Comp (because it's airy looking), an 18" BBS RG-R (cuz it's anthracite), however a Mille Miglia HT3 in 17" looks great and balanced.
It's all up to you, we can only give our $0.02 of advice
Good luck,
Ryan
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
18 vs 17" rims
18
pro-Has potential for looking more special since no 18s are from MINI except for JCW kit wheels. Can look very aggressive even on an MC. With track tires in 35 series the MINI would handle and corner well.
con - relatively high cost of rims, heavier weight depends on rim design anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds more. Tires tend to be 35 or 40 series which is more expensive. If wider wheels are used 225 width due to 8" rim width then with lowered suspension and wheel offset of less than 42mm then there could be potential for rubbing of tires on the wheelwells. Ride with non runflats would be as harsh as 17 with runflats.
17
pro -less expensive than 18 and greater tire and rim selection, lower weights possible down to 11 to 13 pounds per rim but can be costly if that low in weight. Can look as nice as 18 if an open design is used. IF good tires are used can corner just as good as 18 set- need to match wheels with suspension upgrades for best results.
con- still can be harsh ride-esp if runflats used. Common and not as unique as 18".
18
pro-Has potential for looking more special since no 18s are from MINI except for JCW kit wheels. Can look very aggressive even on an MC. With track tires in 35 series the MINI would handle and corner well.
con - relatively high cost of rims, heavier weight depends on rim design anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds more. Tires tend to be 35 or 40 series which is more expensive. If wider wheels are used 225 width due to 8" rim width then with lowered suspension and wheel offset of less than 42mm then there could be potential for rubbing of tires on the wheelwells. Ride with non runflats would be as harsh as 17 with runflats.
17
pro -less expensive than 18 and greater tire and rim selection, lower weights possible down to 11 to 13 pounds per rim but can be costly if that low in weight. Can look as nice as 18 if an open design is used. IF good tires are used can corner just as good as 18 set- need to match wheels with suspension upgrades for best results.
con- still can be harsh ride-esp if runflats used. Common and not as unique as 18".