Date: 27 Apr 2007 16:43:29 -0700 From: robanzellottinospamlemail.com Subject: Classic 900 - aluminum or steel/best tires for sport driving
I just bought a late '91 900i(s) with 220,000km. It is in great condition, but only has winter tires on steel rims. Background: I am in Germany. Aluminum rims are considered a luxury, and fetch a premium price even used. Also, my driving habits are divided between very high speeds on the Autobahn, and very tight turns in the Hartz mountains (but that involves some dirt, so I can't go too low). I've got an extra set of steel rims from my last car. The question is: How much do aluminum rims affect the performance of this car? I've driven Saab 900s with both types, but not in a way to objectively compare. I'm looking at either buying new mid-level summer tires and sticking them on the steel rims, or shopping used, where for similar money I could get aluminum rims already mounted with slightly used P6's and the like. Whatever I do, it is only for summer, so I want to go on the wide side, like 205/60. I have noticed a huge performance difference from aluminum wheels on other cars, like VW's, but my last (poor persecuted...blast the bloody a=A7$holes at the inspection...) Saab ('92 390kKm) did really well on humble steel. Everything from Stuttgart to Munich at 180km/h to muddy cow paths in Latvia. There never was or will be be another car like this. Opinions? Robobass