RXBG

with the increase in unsprung weight i am not going to do it. i think yosemiTT's wheels look great but i am personally to ****. i had an A4 that i switched from 205-55-16 to 225-50-16 tires on the stock alloys and i noticed a significant difference in acceleration and it was enough for me to put the smaller tires back on. the weight difference must have been a mere 2-3 lbs but i definitely noticed it. noting that these replicas are good quality but weigh about 5 lbs more each (and even with 225 hp) just won't justify for me the added beauty. i never realized that the forged alloys weigh like 5 lbs less than the stock 6 spoke wheels on the 225. am i alone in this analysis? those ER replicas look really nice so kudos to all those that go for them

joe@vwvortex

that lighter wheels are better. However, that being said - you also need to consider tire weight as well. Some tires in the same size weigh 2-5 lbs more than others. Unless you are going to extremely light wheels - sub 20lbs - it's not going to make a big difference IMO.

RTinNYC(again)

Isn't that the same as the ability to perceive +/- 1 gallon of gas?

PaTT

Not if you drink it. Or emit it.

Europa

Originally, I thought all replicas were somewhere around 29lbs, which with most 18" tires would add around 10-15lbs per corner. There was no way I was going to add all that weight just for vanity. After seeing Yosemey's wheels, however, and knowing that they're only around 5lbs extra, I've reconsidered. At only a 5lb/corner increase, I think that the look is worth the tradeoffs.

INTT

that's why it is hard to find something that fits your needs while staying within your budget. Most that have 17's want to go to 18's and of course different tires are required. It really depends what is more important to you yourself. I wanted to try and have both. In the end I went with the BBS and Pilot Sports. The BBS wheel is a pretty good looking wheel but wasn't my first choice in looks. In the end I went from 17's to 18's with a weight savings of about 9 pounds per wheel and tire. You can tell the difference in performance. With a total weight savings of 36 pounds the car handles and accelerates better than with the stock 17's. I am happy with my choice.

Later, Brad INTT

INTT

adding the weight to your flywheel would be a better comparison.

Brad, INTT

YosemyTT

I did compare the weight of the wheels (both with tires) and found only five pounds difference. Considering an extra inch of wheel, extra half an inch in wheel width and a wider tire (235 instead of 225) I feel good about the weight.

I'll see if I can notice the difference when I drive today and let you know. It will be hard to tell off the line though because I was able to spin all 4 wheels at will with my bald tires :-)

More impressions later today.

Europa

Isn't it icy there?

S4iscool

car is less reponsive and the acceleration hurts as well.