Which Wheels?

[Mazdafreak67]

I have 2 wheel options on my '06 3-Sport Sedan, but not sure which I prefer. Please chime in on which you like best!

Option #1: 17x7, 10-spoke Miata Wheels w/ 225/45/17 rubber.

Option #2: 17x6.5, 5-spoke Factory Wheels (dark gunmetal) w/ 205/50/17 rubber.

Close-up of the Gunmetal Wheel to get a better idea of the color & finish.

 

[hat1018]

i think i like the miata wheel better, imo pics of dark colored wheels look like crap, the light never seems right or something. if they are darker than the body color i suppose it would look ok, as long as they don't match or appear too close to the body color, that would look bad imo. good luck(2cents)

 

[mikelebz]

I like both honestly. but I think the black goes better with your color scheme

 

[MZ3SPORTRUE]

option 2 no doubt! the rim and the color!

 

[joshritger]

I think the miata rims look really nice, but I think they would be even better in black. Maybe consider powder coating them black? I have the same color car and was considering getting my stock wheels painted matte black.

 

[kurtis]

I think the Miata rims look better.

 

[Mazdafreak67]

Thanks for the feedback!

It's interesting that it's about 50/50 here on the site, and about 50/50 on the opinions of my family and neighbors. I guess the good news is that they both look good.

Maybe I'll run 6 months of the year with the MX-5 wheels in the winter and the dark graphite wheels in the summer since they really 'pop' in the sunlight. It'll be like getting new wheels twice each year!

 

[solez]

I'm digging the Miata wheels for sure. i wanted to get a set for my 07 hatchback but i ended up getting the 2010 MS3 wheels. The Miata wheels are sick!

 

[CTt3P5]

Can't see pics but I am guessing your second option is the MSP Racing Hart?

If so, I'd go with option 1. While the darker colored MSP's are the sex....they are damn heavy (around 22-24lbs) while the MX-5 17's weigh in around 18lbs.

 

[Saskatchewan17]

I'm going to say the Miata wheels. They actually suit the lines of the car and everything very nicely.

 

[Mazdafreak67]

Can't see pics but I am guessing your second option is the MSP Racing Hart?

If so, I'd go with option 1. While the darker colored MSP's are the sex....they are damn heavy (around 22-24lbs) while the MX-5 17's weigh in around 18lbs.

I updated the Gunmetal painted factory wheel pic since the sun finally came out today. So maybe take another look.

Your comment on the weight is good. The MX-5 wheels are definitely a few pounds lighter.

 

[Maz94Protege]

I'd stick with option 1. Love the look and stance. As far as color goes, they look perfect the way they are already. but a gunmetal/body colored paint might look decent as well.

 

[hat1018]

ok. i have changed my mind the gunmetal stocks are sweet. does the color match the hood insert color? if so most def stockers! better stance also.(rockon)

 

[JSAP123]

I'm gonna have to vote for the MX-5 rims...they weigh less than the stock MZ3 17's and I love 10 spokes compared to 5. And just to help you decide...here's some pics of mine

 

[Mazdafreak67]

ok. i have changed my mind the gunmetal stocks are sweet. does the color match the hood insert color? if so most def stockers! better stance also.(rockon)

Thanks for the honest feedback.
No, the color isn't a perfect match. The hood is a non-metallic high-gloss black with nearly a mirror finish, while the wheels are a dark gunmetal with a very high pearl content and 3 coats of clear to give it a wet look. I personally like the slight variation, but some of my buddies think I ought to re-paint the hood and grille to match the wheels. . . . . we'll see.

 

[Mazdafreak67]

JSAP123....
Great comments too, and I definitely like the MX-5 wheels.
Since I live in Oregon and pretty much put the Miata away for the winter in October, I'm thinking I'll keep the Gunmetal factory wheels on the 3 this summer and swap back with the Miata this fall.