i see many of the guys that track using 18's, and i can see the why, and i guess same goes for on the street, so why does porsche keep going up...just trending and selling new and different...of course i've been brain******d into thinking that the 19's on the 997 are gospel, but those MY02's from the 996 are soo sublime i really wanna go there, i just have to get over that stigma i have, no, porsche has, planted in my little brain...so...who can help me break out of this? like to hear all the plusses of 18's...whaddya got...

 

I honestly think it's because trends and looks. Materials and manufacturing processes have made it possible to make huge wheels that you can fit HUGE brakes in to have still excellent performance.

Also, big wheels (say over 18''?) have less road "roar" if they have less tire...there is less resonance in the tire.

However, with 18''s that I run on track, the extra tire gives more traction, more give (more forgiving for sure when flexing occurs and you can FEEL) and on bumps its actually smoother because your suspension isn't soaking all of the "bump" alone. There is more rubber there to eat it. That goes for road as well!! In fact if I install a track suspension, like Ohlins, I will probably go with full time 18'' wheels with fat tire.

Why? I'm ok with more road noise, I want less vibration and THUDS every time I hit bumps, I like more traction, and my brakes still fit in 18'' wheels.

So basically for these modern cars, it's because they can improve performance with bigger brakes and cooler looking designs and still maintain light weight even wit 20'' wheels.

Personally though I think there is a limit. But look at the GT3RS coming out...it has 21'' in the rear and 20'' in the front.

So maybe I am wrong and 20'' is the future, just seems to me to have alot of downsides with the only upside being more space for brakes to fit.

 

hadn't thought of brakes...thats why i love this/these forums... gracias....

 

I watched this Best Motoring International video when deciding between the Carrera and Carrera S; it might help answer some questions you have about the differences between 18" and 19" performance wheels/tires: