On ordering a new Mini, no major mods planned for handling purposes and overall ride, am I better off getting the 16 inch Rotater Wheels with 195/65/R16 All Season Tires or am I better off getting 17 inch Crown Spoke with 205/45/R17 All Season Tires.

I won't be racing on a track. Is there an advantage for one size over the other? I'm inclined to think that the 16 inch may handle better in bad weather. Also ride better over all. Though spirited driving might be slightly more fun with the 17 inch. Just my guess though.

Anyone know advantages and disadvantages having 195/65/16 vs the 205/45/17 tires?

Thanks in advance, Finner

 

16 handles better in bad weather(because they're narrower) and is more comfortable(more sidewall). Although IIRC, larger wheels handle better through turns because of the lower profile side walls(less wall to bend).

 

Thanks Izzy. Exactly what I wanted to know.

 

Frankly though, if I had to do it all over again, I would choose the 17 inch wheels with summer tires for OEM choice. Then get some dedicated snow wheels. I ended up doing that and having to sell my OEM tires(kept the 15 inch wheels though)

 

That's an option I'll think about. I'm inclined to go with the 16 inch. I have a new loaded Justacooper in transit right now, my daughters car. Thinking this spring I may sell my audi convertible and get myself a MCSa. We have a larger vehicle when a larger car is needed. For my driving, probably the 16 inch wheels will be the right choice. Definately appreciate your thoughts and comments.

 

I've never noticed a difference in handling between 16" and 17" wheels, the 16"s give a better ride.

 

Btwyx: For the Mini, the different profile tires are minimal because of the stiff stock suspension and wide body stance(basically it has little body roll as stock). Obviously other factors will make the comparison difficult(better quality tires, etc.). However, if you're able to get the same exact tire in the two sizes, run them on the track, you should be able to point them out in a blind test.

 

Here you go, read to your hearts content.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=51865


EDIT: Link not as good as I originally thought.

 

A followup question.
On a new MCS, 16 inch S-Winders are the standard wheel and 16 inch Bridge Spoke are a no charge option. I believe the difference in wheel weight is about 3 lbs.
Because of the wheel weight difference would a difference in handling be noticable? Would one offer a more comfortable ride than the other? Would the heavier wheel be a harsher ride and feel bumps more? Assuming both had 16 inch runflats. Or would the difference pretty negligible.

 

Finner: Unless you're used to tracking alot, I doubt you would. I would equate this to a cyclist and his/her bike/wheels. Plenty of cyclists, want the latest and coolest, the lightest and most aerodynamic. However, at the end of it, most would not notice the difference between $3000 Zipp wheels and $1000 HED wheels(both supposedly as aerodynamic but HED's are heavier) or a Cervelo P3C and a Trek Equinox(Cervelo's are the must have bike and is touted to be more aerodynamic).

So yes, if we're talking about miniscule difference, the lighter ride would offer better handling, especially so since it's a rotating mass. Oh and since both are runflats, both are gonna be a harsh ride. Since price is no different though, I would just go with the lighter wheels unless you like the looks of the other better.

 

Izzy,
Thanks! I basically came to the same conclusion. I like the the look of the no charge optional 16 inch Bridge Spokes a little more than the 16 inch S-Winders. But I like both. I won't be tracking. But over time I figure I am better off going with the S-Winders. In regular driving the difference may be negligible but it seems that overall, the S-Winders are the better choice.
First I'll wait for my daughters new MC to come in. I'll switch cars with her enough over the next couple of months to decide if I really want to sell my Audi and get an MCS. Won't order till Spring. But it's always good to learn as much as I can about various choices well in advance.
Thanks! ...Finner

 

Izzy,
The differences in the bike parts are useless to a Sunday rider, but to a pro, it is a few seconds on a climb or a mph in a TT. Important if you are a pro. The difference between a 45 lb combined tire wheel wt and a 33 lb wt has to matter. It is both unsprung wt and rotational mass.
"How much does it matter?" is a question that can apply to every modification. Many don't matter very much, but light shoes do more than most.
FWIW
Terry

 

Terry,

Just like the bike matters to a pro more to a weekend warrior, so does the difference in wheels for the car. It definitely matters to someone wanting to edge out every single bit of performance but it is definitely parallel to the bike when it's just a daily driver.

 

True