aurakill

Looking to buy a particular 2002 Boxster S. I think the only option it doesn't have is 18" wheels. What are the advantages/disadvantages of 17" and 18"?

Your input is much appreciated!

deliriousga

The only disadvantage I know of with the 18" wheels is tires are way more expensive, almost twice as much when I was looking . Don't have any experience with performance differences, but I'd imagine less tire would mean better cornering, especially on the track.

Enjoy!

arenared

18" = more bling, generally heavier, shorter sidewalls means stiffer ride, greater propensity for damage, but less sidewall flex for steering response, available in slightly wider sizes/wheels.

17" = MUCH cheaper, you can get improved steering response with 225/45s in front and/or suspension mods.

Unless you track your car or drive REALLY hard, for 90-95% of folks, if you don't need the bling, 17" will suit you better.

P.S. These are my 17" (18" wannabes). I used to have the 18" Turbo Looks, but these ride better and are lighter.

Moogle

just an observation.

interestingly all the things said here could be applied to the 18'' vs 19'' argument

carry on

deliriousga

Good point. I didn't think about the "damage" aspect. One thing my PO said about the front wheels. Check the pressure often since it's only 29psi because the tire depth is so small. I have the 17" so it's even smaller on 18". I don't think the weight would be much of an issue with the offset of heavy rubber that's not there. I'd imagine it almost balances out, but don't know that to be a fact.

arenared

Typically the weight is not in the sidewall, but in the tread/bead. For the same width and outside diameter, the weight savings in reduced sidewall rubber is just about offset by stiffer (lower profile) construction with wider tread belts. So, actually the tires weigh about the same (or within about a pound).

Now, typically the 18" wheels are going to be a 1/2" or 1" wider, so you'll be tempted to put even wider and lower profile tires on which will weigh an additional 5 pounds, for example, going from a 255/40R17 to a 285/30R18. Including the added wheel weight, you can be talking +10 lbs per corner.

You can compensate for the weight gains with ultralight wheels, but then you're talking $$$$ for forged wheels and $$$ for tires (which is what I have done). But, I don't drive too many miles per year and I'm a lot more hardcore than most. I certainly wouldn't recommend my 18" setup for the masses. The picture link above is my 17" not my 18" forged wheels which are here http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ts/1-15010.jpg.

85percent

i have 19's on mine. looks nice with wheel spacers. and the ride isn't bad at all. if you plan on auto x-ing tho, forget it.

Paul Marangoni

I think Boxsters look best with 17" wheels.

Charlie C

Now that looks like a party! (referring to the photo)
Charlie