17 or 18 inch? Ride Quality vs Handling?

Discussion in '2005 - 2009 Specific Tech' started by GusinCA, Jan 30, 2006.

  1. GusinCA Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Sep 5, 2002
    Message Count:
    166
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    For the 2007 GT vert I plan on buying, should I get 17 or 18 inch wheels?
    I have a 2000 GT vert.

    1.) Will the 17s on the new car feel tighter (more planted) in turns than the 17s on the old car?
    2.) The old size is 245/45, aren't the new tires less agressive?
    3.) Will the ride be softer or similiar over rough freeways/roads?
    4.) Do the 18s have far superior handling?
    5.) Do the 18s make the ride a lot harsher or just a little?

    Thanks for any advice...
    GusinCA, Jan 30, 2006
    #1

  2. 2003gt New Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 28, 2003
    Message Count:
    302
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    i have 18x9 wheels.....aftermarket...and they ride perfectly fine !.....look nicer to...take more of the wheelwell gap out...
    2003gt, Jan 30, 2006
    #2

  3. GusinCA Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Sep 5, 2002
    Message Count:
    166
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Thanks,
    I'd like to go 18s, but not if they ride rough. Of course they look better, but has anyone driven the two close together and made any observations?
    GusinCA, Jan 30, 2006
    #3

  4. dmaxstang New Member

    Member Since:
    Jul 29, 2005
    Message Count:
    36
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Eighteen Shmaiteen

    I bumped up to 20" on my 05GT with a set of 35 series Toyo rubber and the car handles amazing(no tire roll, and lots of grip). The ride is not a ton different than the stock rubber, just on backroads. The look is even better, but the one thing to think about is the bigger you go, the harder it is to stop the centrifical force. You're gonna need bigger brakes. Mine has 23k miles and needs a brake job so i'll be upgrading to cross drilled 14" Brembos. Just food for thought.
    dmaxstang, Jan 30, 2006
    #4

  5. Ara New Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 18, 2005
    Message Count:
    14
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Dont assume bigger wheels = better handling, maybe if the road were perfectly flat and perfect you would notice. Not to mention adding weight and rotational mass isnt the way to achieve better handling.
    Ara, Jan 30, 2006
    #5

  6. GOLDENPONY Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Jan 23, 2002
    Message Count:
    1,496
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    18" wheels

    I have them on my '06 GT 'vert- ride and handling great.
    GOLDENPONY, Jan 30, 2006
    #6

  7. RandyB New Member

    Member Since:
    Feb 20, 2004
    Message Count:
    323
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    You just can't compare 18s on the new car vs 18s on the old ones. The new chassis and suspension is so much better that harshness is not a problem. I had the same concerns, and now I have 19x9/19x10 on mine and couldn't be much happier. There is a slight difference from the 17s, but not much.
    RandyB, Jan 30, 2006
    #7

  8. vynle New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 24, 2005
    Message Count:
    39
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    i still like the old school look, im not saying 17's are old school,(14's would be) but by lowering your car youll take the wheel well away also. id go 18's no bigger. now i just need to find tires with the white lettering on them, that say goodyear in bold raised lettering!!!!!!!:nice: vynle.
    vynle, Jan 30, 2006
    #8

  9. I8URVTEC New Member

    Member Since:
    Sep 2, 2004
    Message Count:
    162
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I would say go with the 18's but don't go bigger than that. I am going to be switching my 17s for 18s soon. Over 18" is when you start adding too much unsprung weight IMO.
    I8URVTEC, Jan 30, 2006
    #9

Share This Page