My thinking was with the terrible roads and what they have done to my 19" wheels on previous cars, I would be better suited to 18".

But the more I look at the 18" in pictures I am not so sure I like the look.

Any strong feelings here either way, with regards to driving feel and or looks?

 

I'm using 18s for winter and 19s for summer on my 997C2S. I didn't drive the 19s much before putting on the 18s so I can't give much of a comparison on the street ride, but the 18s are fine for winter conditions (packed snow and ice, heaved roads, the occasional pothole, etc).

As far as looks, to me they're pretty similar since the 18 wheels wear tires with taller sidewalls. Overall diameter must be close.

 

Don't second guess your choice. I currently have 18" snows on and the ride is much better. The roads in RI are of the third world variety and the 19"ers can be punishing.

When I've run through the rubber on the 19" wheels, I'm going to sell them and buy 18" for summer as well.

 

I think the style of wheel can affect how big it looks as much (or sometimes more so) than a 1" diameter difference. Go with a flat face wheel with fewer spokes, should look bigger than multispokes or a deep lip.

 

I have the 997 18" Carrera IIIs for winter on my C4. I like the way they look and the open design makes them a snap to clean. I have 997 19" Turbo wheels for summer. If you are going to drive in the cold (notice I said cold, which is not necessarily snow), you need 18" wheels for your winter tires. You can always buy a set of 19" for summer use if you decide you like the look more.

 

I really like the look of the 18". Simple, elegant and sporty...

 

I've got 19's on my 997 and I live in New England. Our roads up here stink. I've not had any issues with damage to the wheels etc...

Matt

 

I have your 18s on my C4S for winter shoes. I like the way the look. However, the S sits lower than the standard 4. I originally went through this with the C4S, I thought the 18s would be a softer ride, however I am glad I went with the 19s. With Pasm it seems that the 19s are just fine. I see you went with Pasm, so your car will sit as low as a S and will soak up the bumps too!

When I put on the 18s last fall and went driving around, they didn't feel more forgiving on the bumps than the 19s. Granted I had winter tires on, but they are relatively a soft tire.

Don't forget you can always pick up a pair of 19s down the road. However, if you change your order with 19s, you are closely approaching the S' pricing area!

Here is my C4S with the 18s from a C4, I like the look. The only other wheel I liked was the C Sport.

Also see this post for more pics of my car with 19s before and 18s after.

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/393526-winter-tires-part-trois.html

Hope this all helps.

 

tkids -

Great shot.

I'm thinking that the 18" Carrera III wheels are on the short list for my winter wheels. Looks great.

 

I'm using the same wheels CIII 18 in- they just have to be the easiest to keep clean and who wants to be scrubbing wheels in winter temps? I put a good couple of applications of polymer "wax" and sealant on them before first use, and they've been wash-off easy to care for so far this season.

Lobster forks for summer, in 19 inch.

 

p-car -

We're going to have to have a get-together in May or June.

 

as soon as your car arrives!