What's wrong with 17" wheels?
#1
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What's wrong with 17" wheels?
Except for style points, is there any advantage having 18" wheels. They were offered as an option on my '01 C4 Cab but was there a reason Porsche preferred to put 17" wheels as stock on the car. A Porsche salesman says I shouldn't change them because I won't like the handling. Any of you guys had 17" wheels on the track? Which do you prefer? I live on dirt roads and I think the 17" would probably be advantageous there. I'm about to change tires so I need to come to a conclusion as to changing wheel sizes. Style ain't everything.
#2
Parts Specialist
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IMO - there is nothing wrong with 17's for daily driving and they most likely offer a cheaper tire solution, more selection and slightly higher profile which should equate to a softer ride on rougher roads with less chance of the wheels hitting something.
I have ran 17's on my car and had no issues. I prefer the look of the 18's and I dont like the look of the 19's (in person, not in pics) Many if not all race cars are running 18's - They have ran 17's in the past and I think they still worked......
my .02
I have ran 17's on my car and had no issues. I prefer the look of the 18's and I dont like the look of the 19's (in person, not in pics) Many if not all race cars are running 18's - They have ran 17's in the past and I think they still worked......
my .02
#3
Team Owner
There's nothing wrong with 17" wheels and tires. In fact, they can often offer a big advantage in reduced unsprung weight over an 18-19" setup. Seems like a lot of people automatically assume that "bigger = better".
#5
Weathergirl
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Tire technology has moved on significantly since the 996 was first introduced. The compromises are much less than they used to be.
The current generation of 3.5" sidewall tires (225/40, 265/35, 295/30, etc) ride as well as and handle much better than 4.0" sidewall tires (205/50, 255/40) from 5-10 years ago.
It's also interesting that Porsche will not go below a 3.5" sidewall. The new cars that have 19" wheels go up in diameter, rather than using a lower profile. Pretty well indicates what the sidewall sweet spot is.
The current generation of 3.5" sidewall tires (225/40, 265/35, 295/30, etc) ride as well as and handle much better than 4.0" sidewall tires (205/50, 255/40) from 5-10 years ago.
It's also interesting that Porsche will not go below a 3.5" sidewall. The new cars that have 19" wheels go up in diameter, rather than using a lower profile. Pretty well indicates what the sidewall sweet spot is.
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#8
Race Director
Not a thing. I still run 17"s, but would like to use them for my winter sneaks, and find some decent 18" for the summer. No question that tire prices jump, but improved looks and tire patch would be nice.
#9
Burning Brakes
Tire size have their purpose. Smaller and light wheels/tires puts less stress on suspension (unsprung weight). Lighter often means faster, but that having said, the P car requires lots of grip with wide rear tires. Smaller wheels/tires doesn't accomodate that function .
285/30/18 tock, with 17" you have to run 255/45/17 to keep the same diameter. Handling will be compromised. Correct me if I am wrong
285/30/18 tock, with 17" you have to run 255/45/17 to keep the same diameter. Handling will be compromised. Correct me if I am wrong
#11
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#13
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And when you read the 997 reviews, they prefer 18s to 19s. Since the sidewalls don't get any shorter, all you get for your extra inch is more weight and more bling.
#14
For me the look of 19s easily outweigh the supposed performance advantages of 18s. 17s... it's similar to me thinking about driving a Boxster instead of the 911. The thought does not even cross my mind.
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Living in an urban environment and rolling 18's, I'd almost prefer 17s. Last summer I bent a rim and trashed a sidewall while parking - never seen anything like it. Hit the curb with rear while parallel parking (super slow parking speed - <2mph). I'm thinking a higher sidewall might have prevented that.