redy2mod

Why are 17" wheels better handling then 16s, which are know to give a better ride when the overall diameters are about the same when properly equipped with tires? Also, why is it that Max and Ultra performance simmer tires give a harsher ride then the same sized performance all seasons? Thanks for the education on tire properties.

jasyn³

as for performance tires .. the max perf tires generally have stiffer sidewalls which give that harsher ride in comparison. the stiff sidewalls aid in corners generally providing a better contact for the tires.

for example .. given the stock sport suspension with 16" wheels. upsizing to 17"s with max perf tires drastically improve performance as well a harsher ride. well worth it imo.

all seasons are just that .. they're a compromise for street and inclimate conditions.

hope that helped.

Arch57

17" is a lower profile for same diameter, less sidewall flex...better handling

PhilJ

There are many great detailed articles on the physics of auto tires, but here is a quick summary:

If the overall diameter of Wheel + Tire is the same:
- Larger diameter wheel leaves less room for tire sidewall
- more sidewall = more shock absorbing power of the tire = softer ride during cruising around
- more sidewall = more flex of the tire during cornering = "mushier" feel during agressive driving


There are many reasons for the same size tire giving different rides for a different type of tire
- rubber compound- some are softer than others?
- tread pattern, or more specifically, the amount of rubber actually contacting the road is different for each tread pattern. More rubber = more contact with the road = you feel more of the road at a given time = better for agressive driving, harsher for cruising around.

Hope this gives you some idea,

-PhilJ
98.5 2.8Q
summer: 225/45-17 S-03PP on 17x8 Work Equip Anhelo
winter: 205/55-16 SP5000 on audi 7-spoke sports package wheels

SuperDumped

There's no real comfort loss going to a 17" (its a different story if you go to an 18" or 19")

jussnb

Audi offered 17" wheels as part of the Celebration Package in 2001 and they come standard on S4s. There are WAAAAAAAY more people buying those cars who would not tolerate a harsh ride than there are people who would want it stiffer. Essentially, they have to appeal to the masses.

I guarantee that if you buy a set of 17" wheels, you won't regret it. I'm riding on 18" wheels and an aftermarket suspension, and my grandparents don't even think it's that harsh.

redy2mod

without any fender rubbing on a slightly lowered suspension?

..::Blaq A4::..

17"s are cool for handling, but 16"s can take a longer beating.

..::Blaq A4::..

yeah!

jason in toronto

to be honest, if you did a blindfold test and got two people to drive cars equipped with 16s and 17s, i think less than half could tell the difference.