2006-07-17 07:08:17 · 8 answers · asked by Michele B 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Wheel size alone will not change the speed of your vehicle.
Larger total diameter of the wheel/tire package will increase top speed by increasing the distance traveled per revolution. Smaller total diameter will be quicker.
Higher hp will allow for more speed and quickness.
Decreased drag (cd) will also increase top speed.
Low wheel weight will help quickness because there is less mass to propel.
2006-07-17 07:14:43 · answer #1 · answered by mykidsRmylife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the tire wheel combo. yes, 16's might be lighter than the same in 17", but you have to account for the weight of the tires. 16's will usually have bigger tires (distance from rim to outer tire) than the 17" tires (usually lower profile) so you still have to spin more weight on the outside of the rim. if you had the same exact rim in both sizes and the same tires with the same wheel wall sizes then the 16's would be better. I would go for lightweight 17's personally unless your ride is dropped a couple of inches then go with 16s.
2006-07-17 07:29:19 · answer #2 · answered by greg jr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the 17" wheels are heavier and will affect acceleration, more rotational mass. if the outer diameter of your tires stay the same ex. lower profile tire with the 17's speed should be the same. the bigger wheels will also slightly effect handling in both a positive way with lower profile tires, and a negative way more unsprung weight. The later shoulnt be an issue with 17's but more of an issue for people with larger rims like 19" plus
thats my 2cents and im stickin to it
2006-07-17 07:19:04 · answer #3 · answered by johnyj 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The less weight the vehicle has to pull/push around, the quicker your car will be, so the 16's. Smaller diameter wheels also improve braking performance. Also, the thinner the width of the tire, less road noise and better fuel economy/less strain on the motor, BUT crappier handling and braking.
2006-07-17 07:17:49 · answer #4 · answered by palebeachbum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
16" wheels may be lighter than the 17" (not significantly) but you would get less linear travel for each revolution of the wheel too. So in my opinion it wouldnt really matter a great deal, unless ur going in for a photo finish
2006-07-17 07:17:38 · answer #5 · answered by Zaphod B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well 16": alloys are lighter. and they will make your gear ratio lower. so you can take off faster.
2006-07-17 07:12:26 · answer #6 · answered by rudogg760 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it'll go faster with a 4.11 rear end posi. you won't notice any difference between 1 inch worth of rubber
2006-07-17 07:12:21 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lighter is better so i would say the 16's.
2006-07-17 07:11:52 · answer #8 · answered by Richie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋