What's with the tiny wheels on cars nowadays?

Question

I don't have a problem with smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, but why do they have to have little 14", and even 13" wheels!? Does that help fuel efficiency? Or maybe the little 4-banger engines lack the torque to turn larger wheels? I think a smaller car with 16" wheels looks great.

*xturboexpress*

-I just got an '05 Chevy Aveo and it's got 14" wheels

Answer 1

They are smaller because smaller wheels are cheaper
and that helps keep the cost of the car down.
Also smaller lighter cars can use smaller because they are smaller lighter.
IE big trucks have big tires.

Answer 2

I have not seen a 14" wheel in ages. Much less a 13". I think the Geo Metro was one of the only things to use a 13".

The biggest wheel you could get from the factory in the 60's, say on any mustang, chevelle, camaro, etc, even be it a 500 lb/ft of torque big block, was still only 15" and that would be rare. Most were 14".

Today almost every car has an option for 17's, many can have factory 18"s (toyota, nissan, mazda, etc)

The tiny Nissan Versa has optional 16's.

Nissan Altima can be had with forged 18's.

The Scion TC can come with 18's.

Honda Civic, 17".

A lot of these cars have smaller wheels available, but its only in an effort to cut costs on base models.

Ford, Nissan, Dodge, and Chevy all offer 20" wheels on their trucks for 2007.

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PS: Aveo is the replacement for the old metro, plays the same role =)

Now that we know the car, with the aveo it is #1 COST, it's ment to be as cheap as possible. Stamped steel is cheap. Very cheap. #2 EFFICIENCY, lighter has always been better for wheels in regards to performance, handling, etc. If you don't have the funds to make a big aluminum or alloy wheel say 15 lbs, just stamp a tiny steel one thats 15 lbs <- GM logic =) You loose the road feel from to the fat tire side wall, but with heavier wheels the car would not accel or brake with any vigor.

So, its decently light weight so your car still has *some* response.
It's steel, so its tough.
Its dirt cheap.

Answer 3

the cars got bigger the wheels stayed the same

Answer 4

whos wants to pay 150 bucks a tire for those bigger wheels?

Answer 5

because there are to many self indulgent weiners in this city walkin around with to much bloody money

Answer 6

gas millage and max performance, per factory spec