WTK: Why does Carrera GTS run 1/2'' wider rims with same tires as 4S
#1
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I got on Porsches web site and did two side by side comparisons. The Carrera 4S and the Carrera GTS.
It shows the GTS running 1/2 inch wider rims on the front and back, but both cars using the exact same same tire size for front and back.
What advantage than does the wider GTS rims have than with the same tires that the 4S uses? Do they do this to stiffen the side wall some so it handles better or is it purely looks, or both.
Thanks
It shows the GTS running 1/2 inch wider rims on the front and back, but both cars using the exact same same tire size for front and back.
What advantage than does the wider GTS rims have than with the same tires that the 4S uses? Do they do this to stiffen the side wall some so it handles better or is it purely looks, or both.
Thanks
#2
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think it is mainly looks but also may be a little less weight. I think the tire size, 305s in the back, are the same.
Jim
Jim
#3
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes it showed 245s in the front for both cars Jim and 305s in the back on both cars. But the GTS showed 9 inch rims in the front and 11.5 inch in the back vs 8.5 front and 11 back on the Carrera 4S
Trending Topics
#8
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
J
#9
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
More will chime in on this I am sure. Thanks
#11
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fairfax County, Virginia
Posts: 4,309
Received 4,350 Likes
on
1,523 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm too lazy to go dig up the specs, but the GTS uses a center lock wheel, not the 5-lug on the "S". Simple answer - that's the size they made the center lock in, a 1/2" +/- is negligible.
#12
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicagoland Area
Posts: 26,141
Likes: 0
Received 5,413 Likes
on
2,516 Posts
#13
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Contact patch is a funny thing. Wider wheels/wider tires may give the capability of greater contact but weight on the axle, tire pressure and diameter all have larger roles...I'm sure a resident physicist will chime in with the reasoning but we've discussed this elsewhere.
#15
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
From what I researched. The wider rims give better stability and better corning on the same size tire. With the sides bulging out more on the narrower rims and the beads in essence being narrower than the sidewall width on the narrower rim, any lateral loading on the tires can deform the cross section more. So basically it helps the car corner better.
Some were saying the wider rim can force that foot print down more on the edges too but than some were saying the footprint was achieved more with air pressure and or both.