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19/20 Wheels vs 20/21 wheels on base

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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 12:36 AM
  #1  
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Default 19/20 Wheels vs 20/21 wheels on base

There is no question that the 20/21 wheels look significantly better than the 19/20 wheels but how does the change to 20/21 change the ride, performance and handling.
Presumably the ride is a little rougher? and the 20/21 wheels are heavier as well making the car heavier.
Would seem that the 19/20 wheels are a better choice for the handling of the car albeit they do not look as good as the 20/21's?

Appreciate the input of those that might know or have experience - Thanks

Craig
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 01:00 AM
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The 19/20s make more sense but everyone will tell you to get 20/21s.

19/20s are lighter, faster, better in adverse conditions, and give a better ride quality and less noise. But we're in a world that oversizing tires = so kewl bro.

Aesthetics or logic, your call.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 01:06 AM
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If I could've, I'd have spec'ed 20's & 19's on my C2S. Good looks only get you to the third date and they don't reserve anyone a spot on the podium. No doubt I'll be in the market for an extra set of 19" and 20" wheels rather soon!
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 02:04 AM
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Rumor has it, Porsche could have cut their Nurburgring time from 7:25 to 7:24 if they fitted 19/20’s

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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 04:56 AM
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Previous 991.2 base with 19s owner. 992 base on order.

I really wanted to keep the base wheels but I can’t get into their design. If the C2S wheels were offered in the smaller sizes I would have been very happy but alas it was not to be.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 07:45 AM
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Yes 19/20 are probably better in every way but looks. If you like the look, I'd do it. But it's important (to me at least) to love the look of such an expensive purchase.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 09:30 AM
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I had 19’s on my 991.2 C2, but the 20/21’s on the 992 are just as comfortable and loving the look of the classic rims. In fact, there is less road/tire noise in the 992.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 10:37 AM
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has anyone weighed them to make the assumptions that the 19/20's are better performers?
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 05:23 PM
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I happen to own both a set of Base Carrera 19/20 wheels and the RS Spyder Design wheels. There's no difference in comfort or ride quality -- either option is a very low profile tire. Hauling them around the garage, the 19/20s don't feel any lighter than the 20/21s. The 20/21s look better. They better fill the arches.They deliver a bigger contact patch. If comfort is your jam, run with comfort pressures.

90% of Rennlist is arguing that the "cheaper" option is somehow "better" or "all you need". If you're trying to be frugal with your build, wheels are a place to do it. You could go the cheap route now and then, pick up a set of wheels/tires after the fact. Be aware that it will cost you more in the end, even if you end up finding a buyer for your old wheels. I would go for the 20/21" wheels now.



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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 06:21 PM
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*sigh* I thought I'd made my decision on this, but now I'm rethinking.

The car "sits" better (to my eye) with the base wheels and non SPASM. The front tyre profile is greater than the arch gap.

I like the design of the C2S wheels better, but then it makes me also want to go SPASM to fix the aesthetic balance. And then the brakes look too small in the larger wheel.

A smaller wheel with a larger profile tyre will always deliver more comfort, everything else the same. And with respect to anyone that says to the contrary, the logic of the argument that it does (increase comfort) is significant, and it's more likely that those that cannot assert a difference are not as in tune of fussy about NVH as others might be.

I also think its obtuse to suggest that one would only like the smaller wheels because they are cheaper or on a frugal build. My base order has been optioned up to a C2S price point, because they are options I want. I'm certainly not building my car for anyone else.

I'm really liking this example, how it sits - and appreciate I'm probably in the minority.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 10:08 PM
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I am planning to order a C2 and I have the same dilemna. Due to the taller sidewall of the tire, the 19/20 will offer some ride (comfort) improvements. People can say that they don't feel a difference, but all else being equal (ie, on the same car) there is more sidewall to flex. It is that simple. The difficult part for me, like yourself, is the aesthetics. I really like several 20/21 offerings and the overall aesthetics that they offer (although I agree, with the base brakes there is more gap between the wheel and brake rotor/caliper.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 10:59 PM
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I suggest driving both to see for yourself. As mentioned, I had concerns about ride comfort going from the 19’s on my 991.2 to the 20/21’s on my 992. I felt the ride was better. See what you think after taking them out.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan Nagy
I suggest driving both to see for yourself. As mentioned, I had concerns about ride comfort going from the 19’s on my 991.2 to the 20/21’s on my 992. I felt the ride was better. See what you think after taking them out.
I believe that, but I think it's probably attributable to 992 improvements. 992 on 19/20s should be the best of them all.

But I agree - definitely worth taking it for a drive as the 992 is pretty comfortable. I elected for 20/21.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 11:27 PM
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Dan,
I agree with Stanman. To compare one size tire on a 991.2 to another size tire on a 992 is comparing apples to oranges. The 992 may in fact have a "softer" ride on 20/21 compared to a 991.2 on 19's, but there are so many variables beyond simply wheel/tire sizes that the comparison becomes greatly irrelevant. Any suspension guru will say that the sidewall height is part of the vehicle suspension and a taller sidewall provides more flex hence - on the same vehicle chassis/suspension - the taller sidewall will provide more comfort. You cannot defy physics.

However, your suggestion to drive both is the ultimate option for a subjective evaluation.
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Old Aug 31, 2020 | 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Skarz
Dan,
I agree with Stanman. To compare one size tire on a 991.2 to another size tire on a 992 is comparing apples to oranges. The 992 may in fact have a "softer" ride on 20/21 compared to a 991.2 on 19's, but there are so many variables beyond simply wheel/tire sizes that the comparison becomes greatly irrelevant. Any suspension guru will say that the sidewall height is part of the vehicle suspension and a taller sidewall provides more flex hence - on the same vehicle chassis/suspension - the taller sidewall will provide more comfort. You cannot defy physics.

However, your suggestion to drive both is the ultimate option for a subjective evaluation.
Right, I have no disagreement with that. I am just saying if you are worried about the ride and liked 19’s on the 991, you may be okay with 20/21’s on the 992. It just takes a few test drives.
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