Can anyone tell me if there is a significant advantage to having 18 inch wheels as opposed to 17 inch for regular winding country roads and highway driving?

Is there any difference in the way the handling feels?

Thanks.

 

18 will have less roll in the tires, assuming identical tread diameter.

other than that, 17s are lighter, and the larger sidewall will offer a cushier ride. so in conclusion, if your not looking to fit 14inch rotors or the appearance, 17" is better for all around driving and racing.

 

true but.....

bigger looks better!!!

 

17 or 18 will do for regular driving, it is all just about the appearance. Like all_bark said "bigger looks better", but if you dont care that much on looks 17 will do.

 

Thanks! Just what I needed to know.

 

for public roads, 17's should be just fine, unless all the roads you drive on are smooth then the 18's would be worth getting. the difference become apparent when the tires are closer to their limits but if the aspect ratios are quite different you'll be able to tell the difference in response simply changing lanes.... something i just learned recently.

I tested two cars back to back, one with 17" wheels (Continental 215/65) and the other with 18" 225/55 Pirelli's. I was surprised I could tell the difference between tire sizes (the different tire manufactures made a difference but probably not more than the aspect ratios) since I always read the comment in magazines but never felt it first hand. The 18's were a lot more responsive to steering inputs, both in 40mph sweepers, and changing lanes down the road. Being responsive (my opinion anyway) means that there is (1) little time lag between steering input and vehicle response and (2) accuracy of vehicle movement with a given steering wheel input. The 18's also felt more stable in the sweepers but that was obvious since it has a larger contact patch.

I also tested a Mazda6 with the 16" (205/60) and those were significantly worse. Low lateral grip and mushy response in the 40mph sweepers. I also got to drive the new M3 for a couple laps and that was just unbelievable. I could easily go 10mph faster in most of the corners and the car (or tires) weren't complaining. hehe It makes me smile just thinking about it.

oh yeah, just make sure the 18's aren't too much heavier than the 17's