Debating the looks of the 20s compared the better performance of the 19s.

Can someone explain the physics behind why 20s aren't going to perform as well? Is it just a question of unsprung weight? If I'm upgrading to a wheel lighter that stock but still larger, will there be any difference? Is the difference that noticeable to a novice driver? The car will also have PSS10s installed.

Thinking Black HRE P40s on Basalt Black.

Thanks.

 

u're going to run thinner profile tires front & rear. u have more choices on 19'' tires & better performance than 20'' for sure. as long as u know what you're getting then nothing wrong with 20''. personal preference.

P40 looks visually bigger than factory 19'' wheel since the cleaner design & the spokes are extended all the way to the lip. visually the 1-piece wheel always looks bigger than multi-piece wheel with lip. i think 19'' P40 looks perfect on the car especially when lowered. ''just right'' instead of ''overkill'' but again that's just my opinion.

 

I have 20 inch HRE's on my car, with PSS Damptronics. The wheels definitely feel lighter, although there is slightly less grip, due to less meaty tires.



Overall, I am happy with the switch from stock. The car is more compliant across all ranges of roads, turn in is better, and there's little body roll in harsh turns.

I figure that the stock 19's would hold better and would grip a little better, but that's why I'll reserve them for track use and have the HRE's for the street.

 

The 19" is a good choice if you are looking for a little extra performance. The larger the wheel, the more rotating mass you have. That means more work to stop and more work to accelerate. Both sizes look really good, but go with whichever you think looks better. Performance differences are going to be negligible.

 

I think in the case of the P40, the weight is only slightly more for a 20 than a 19, and the looks are superior. I'd go for the 20. To a novice driver I highly doubt you will notice.

 

I would go with 20"

 

Something else to consider, you'd have to buy new tires if you went with 20" whereas you can re-use your stock tires with the 19" wheels. I would stick with 19".

 

19 for sure. 20 looks gangsta. get a blingy car for that.

tw

 

For any given tire width section (comparable rolling diameters) a 20" tire will weigh more than a 19" tire. Also, and this is getting a little technical, the rotating moment of inertia is greater with 20" tires than with 19", meaning the energy required to accelerate of decelerate a wheel is greater with a 20" than a 19".

The offsetting physics are that you will enjoy a sightly larger contact patch area with a 20" tire.

Looks are a matter of personal choice

Dick

 

Wider 19''s > 20''s,especially if you have the same wheel manufacturer that can produce them in 19's and 20's because the weight might differ and be slightly lower as you go down in diameters.

 

What about ride quality? Is there a big difference between 19s and 20s?

 

I think 20" are too big visually. Go with 19"

 

What do your 20" weigh, since you say they are lighter then your factory 19"? By the way they look great!!

 

I have the HRE P40 in 19" size. My vote is 19 for less unsprung weight and a smoother ride. I too think 20 looks a little too big for this car.

 

I'd go with 19's...20's will give you more looks, not performance.

You might get better gas mileage on the highway with 20's than 19's though...lol

But your call will accelerate & decelerate slower with the 20's. But on the other hand you will get .5'' more ground clearance.