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Any pros or cons on having bigger wheels in rear than front?

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Old 12-30-2008, 01:06 PM
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martini3p
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Default Any pros or cons on having bigger wheels in rear than front?

For example 18" in front and 19" in rear?

Thanks
Old 12-30-2008, 01:36 PM
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terrasmak
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Pro= Same size sidewall front and rear
Looks great

Con= Looks bad to some, tires will be more expensive ,
Old 12-30-2008, 01:47 PM
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davidv
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Its just insane!
Old 12-30-2008, 01:49 PM
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Nexx
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Originally Posted by davidv
Its just insane!
+1

Beyond comprehension.
Old 12-30-2008, 02:51 PM
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paposalsa
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Some Corvettes and other RWD cars are like that. Nothing wrong if the tire ratio is kept for the front and rear.
Old 12-30-2008, 03:07 PM
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Spike100
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You present a very good question. I think that 18” front-wheels with 19” back-wheels is a nice setup.

Pros:
  • You have about the same sidewall height front and rear with this mixed-wheel-size setup. It looks good and provides a more comfortable ride than you get with all 19” wheels.
  • Some drivers swear you get better handling when the sidewall height is nearly identical front-to-rear. I have no idea if that is true, but it does makes sense when you consider that the higher the tire’s sidewall, the more flex you will have during hard- cornering.
  • Tires on 18” wheels have a higher sidewall and often provide a more comfortable (softer) ride than 19” wheels.
  • Curb-rash happens more frequently on front wheels, so the higher your tire’s sidewall the more likely you avoid damaging your expensive wheels.
  • Generally (but not always since it varies by brand) tires for 18” wheels cost less than those for 19” wheels, so you might save some $$ buying the front tires for a shorter wheel.
  • 18” wheels cost less than 19” wheels, so that might save some $$. But, this advantage could be negated by the deals you get when buying four wheels in a “set,” all the same size.

Cons:
  • You might pay more for a mixed set of 18” and 19” wheels. But then again, maybe you could buy this setup for less. It all depends upon how hard you shop.
  • If you decide to sell your wheels, you may find fewer buyers willing to go with a mixed 18”/19” setup. That means you might get less $$ for your wheels.
There are probably other points I’ve missed.

--Spike
Old 12-30-2008, 06:54 PM
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sry110
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It's not crazy at all. I believe the OEM 2006+ RAYS wheels were 18" front and 19" rear. If it was unheard-of, I doubt Nissan would have done that.
Old 12-30-2008, 08:41 PM
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Triple8Sol
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As long as you choose tires sizes that keep you in spec, you'll be fine.
Old 12-31-2008, 01:23 PM
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ChinaClipper
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18F and 19R is what I am running!
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Old 12-31-2008, 03:44 PM
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trodis
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Its known as a "staggered setup". Try searching on it on google.
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