I am considering buying Fuchs wheels for my 997.1. The Porsche Sports Classics are cast (and cheaper/heavier) and the Fuchs Performance and/or Otto Fuchs are forged (and more expensive/lighter).

Thoughts?

 

If money is not the object, I'd say forged is always better. Just my 2c worth!

 

Lighter is faster!

 

From the outset, Forged is better than Cast.
However, due to technological improvements in the manufacturing process, you are definitely starting to see more and more very quality cast wheels; specifically low-pressure cast wheels (and the ones that are treated after the cast).
In fact, some of the more well-known brands (think HRE, BBS, OZ) all have some very quality cast wheels, some that are just as light as their forged competitor's wheels.

Obviously, the level of expertise in the manufacturing process will make a big difference, so don't compare apples to oranges.

For example, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche have a significant amount of their OEM lineup of wheels that are cast wheels (often made by BBS, or other reputable wheels manufacturers), so don't assume as a blanket statement all cast wheels are "bad," its just some are much better than others.

In summary, a Porsche cast wheel is going to be a very quality product. However, if price/value isn't as important, you should always go forged if you can IMO

 

My knee-jerk reaction is to pony up for the forged, but upon trade-in (which is of secondary concern), I would suspect that the Porsche-branded Sport Classics would be better received. And...the fact that Porsche has chosen cast wheels for their GT3...... Hmmm......

 

I went through this same decision process. I fell in love with the Porsche OEM wheels the moment I saw them on the 2010 911 Sport Classic and Speedster. The Porsche wheels aren't cheap by any means, so I was on the fence between getting the Otto Fuchs vs. Porsche. Went back and forth many times in my head, but I always liked the way the Porsche OEM wheels looked the best and those were the wheels that had grabbed my attention in the first place. So that's what I got and I'm extremely happy with the wheels. Unless you track your car, I really doubt you'll feel the extra weight. All Porsche 997 wheels are cast except for the Turbo wheels. OTOH, I think the Otto Fuchs wheels are great too.