I know this has been discussed before, but in searching the threads I couldn't find a lot of testimony on peoples experience.

I am looking at Pirelli Scorpion Ice tires for a extra set of 20" Sport Design wheels I have. I live in Canada where we have a fair share of snow, ice, and cold weather. More cold/icy roads versus plowing through heavy snow I would say.

Is anyone running 20" winters and what is your experience with them vs. the 18" setup. I know 18" are going to be better, but by how much?

Also looking at 255/45-20 versus 275/40-20 which would give me the same width as the 18 tires, but less sidewall. Anyone running this?? Also, will these mount fine on the 20" wheels.

Thanks for your help!

 

Should mount fine, and they will do the job. Always taller and skinny are better than wider and shorter.

18's are best, but the setup you mentioned will be fine and you'll be happy.

Differences are visible but to use your existing wheels, Id do it as well. Worst case next year you get the 18's bc you find out you didn't like, but I think you'll be fine.

Start giving rep points. Hint hint.

 

This is a brilliant set up - I was realy pleased with the Scorpions. I had 20" snows on my Range Rover SC for three winters and they were fantastic - quiet and perfrom beautifully. I am going to have the same rubber on my CTT which is due to arrive in December. Given we have the winter set up on for so long here in Canada, I prefer how pretty the vehicles look rather than the odd day where the 18" or 19" snow will perform better. I see the logic in the smaller wheel for sure - its just not as important for me.

 

Has anyone run the 255/45-20s?

 

I am in NY, and for me, I would not want to use 20s in the winter. I have 20in technos for the summer, and I use winter tires on 18s. You can pick up a cheap set of 18s usually for <$500.

You are in Canada, so I would think you should go with 18s. I do not think the 255/45/20 will work as it will throw off your AWD.

 

Jace, can you PM me with details on your 18" setup for sale?

 

I had a Range Rover Sport Supercharged for a short time (hated it) that I traded for my '09 Cayenne Turbo S that came with 21s. The RR had 20"s so I had like new Scorpions from it. It was way less money to get after market 20" wheels and use existing snows as opposed to getting 21" snows or 18" or 19" wheels and tires. The 20's were great as far as not getting stuck and braking in a straight line even in last years horrible winter. They are wide so accelerating and braking while in a curve can be tricky as *** end wants to go around. 18s or 19s are the way to go.