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Posted by Noel [Email] (more from Noel) on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 05:40:26 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: What is the purpose of larger wheels?, Kirk, Sat, 10 Feb 2007 07:52:53
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The technical purpose is, as others note, improved handling and to allow larger brakes. In the case of some models, such as the Aero, BMW M-series, etc., there are larger brakes behind the wheels. The 9-5 Aero comes with 17" rims and you can't go smaller that 16". Not so on your average ricer, which still has some dinky little 9-inch discs.

But for the VAST majority of cars (and their drivers), larger diameter rims are, IMHO, mostly vanity, with the justification of handling. For the most part, a nice oversize rim does look better (less black tire, more bling) and a lower profile tire does handle better, but for practical purposes I think a bit more sidewall gives pricey rims a bit more protection.

The added handling potential (other than somewhat quicker turn in and response) is largely lost on reasonably sane street driving, and comes at the price of a harsher ride, so in my mind the benefit is really looks and ego appeal. But whatever floats your boat.

FWIW, I run 16" rims on my '96 9000 in summer, 15" in winter. Ditto on the 9-5 wagon.

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