My M3, came with the alloy 15 inch wheels and I have pilots on them. Car seems to handle great and rides very nice. What would be the negatives in going to 17 inch. Seen alot of wheel and tire packages on the net for under $800 and is tempting. Since car is Black mica I think some black or gunmetal wheels with a polished lip would look good. Any opinions?
Wheel size opinions.
- Thread starter rotwiler
- Start date
Airman Jack
Member
- :
- Orange 3 Sport
another option is to get a set of lightweight 17's, they'll be cheaper than 18's, less expensive, and the rubber will be cheaper too 
Of course, I'm looking for Gram Lights 57C in 18"
Of course, I'm looking for Gram Lights 57C in 18"
If your main interest is performance, stick with 15" diameter wheels. All else being equal, a smaller diameter wheel has two advantages. First, it's lighter thus reducing unsprung weight and allowing faster acceleration. Second, and even more important, the peripheral weight of the rim is closer to the hub, thereby reducing the inertia effects that must be overcome to accelerate the wheel. For this reason, in many cases, a heavier 15" wheel may permit faster acceleration than a lighter 16" wheel.
FYI, IRL cars use 15" wheels.
FYI, IRL cars use 15" wheels.
Airman Jack
Member
- :
- Orange 3 Sport
just a thought... but generally isn't the rim and tire almost of equal weight?
I think I've seen on here that the stock 17" rims are roughly 27lbs, and assembled with wheels they're around 47lbs. I have no idea what the 15" rims weigh, but despite the lesser weight of the rims would the tires not be heavier?
Lower sidewalls will also give you better cornering ability, so from a 'performance' perspective the question should not just be acceleration but also handling! (silly drag racers... what's the fun when your track is only 1320ft long and has no curves?)
I think I've seen on here that the stock 17" rims are roughly 27lbs, and assembled with wheels they're around 47lbs. I have no idea what the 15" rims weigh, but despite the lesser weight of the rims would the tires not be heavier?
Lower sidewalls will also give you better cornering ability, so from a 'performance' perspective the question should not just be acceleration but also handling! (silly drag racers... what's the fun when your track is only 1320ft long and has no curves?
)Airman Jack said:just a thought... but generally isn't the rim and tire almost of equal weight?
I think I've seen on here that the stock 17" rims are roughly 27lbs, and assembled with wheels they're around 47lbs. I have no idea what the 15" rims weigh, but despite the lesser weight of the rims would the tires not be heavier?
Lower sidewalls will also give you better cornering ability, so from a 'performance' perspective the question should not just be acceleration but also handling! (silly drag racers... what's the fun when your track is only 1320ft long and has no curves?
damn freaking straight. 15's are not going to handle as well and these cars with a 17 still have enought rubber to keep good ride quality. it will be very noticeable if you go much bigger than a 17. and again i'll ask what good it is to go fast on a tire that will explode under the extra stress? but if you're that worried about the ride quality stick with your cute little 15's i'm putting 20's on mine when i can afford it.
G
GimmeA3S
Just the upgrade from 16 to 17 (well, plus a little width at 225) really made a difference in the way my car handles the twisties. Everything you read about the Mazda 3 highlights handling performance, as opposed to straight line acceleration, as this car's strong suit. Exploit the capabilities of this sweet suspension and get rid of those tall-sided tires. I think 17 is perfect, but I have seen some pretty sweet looking 18s on this forum - I just don't want to go below a 45 series because of the horrible roads around here. 225/45/17 - just make sure to get an offset > 42 with a 7.5" wide wheel - I have to really watch how hard I hit dips in the road....SCCRRRRRRRRAPE.
I say 17s are a great size. Best of both worlds... still nice appearance, but not too big. And they make pretty light weight ones too. My 5zigens are a hair over 16lbs I think... not super light, but not much body fat like a 20lbs+ porker that's for sure.
Don Lockwood
Member
- :
- Red Mazda3 GS
goldstar said:
Well said!!!
I am still riding on 15s, but upgraded the cheapo Toyo A08 195-65 to Falken Ziex 512 205-60... they're very nice, grippy and comfy too.... and they look great on the stock alloys, less "pedestrian" like than the Toyos.... wish the driver's bucket seat had a little more support for spirited driving though.
FYI, F1 cars ride on 13" wheels... small wheels, lots of rubber.
