Quote:
Originally Posted by YeeFit
I figured I'd ask the more rev happy ppl in this forum to see if they have any insight on wheel weights and how they affect our cars.
I understand that the current Fit Sport rims weigh 15.8lbs roughly.. now I have been contemplating getting 17" wheels that weigh 18lbs. I know that isn't much of a difference, but the wheels I am also considering are a set of 15" 10.6lb wheels.
So the difference in weight between the 2 different wheels that I am considering is 7.4lbs.
Now this could be a pretty big number when it comes to how my Fit will perform seeing as we are just rated above 100hp...
Can someone fill me in with their knowledge? what are the advantages and disadvantages?
I'm not going to track my car, but I do like to drive aggressively and don't want to make my Fit any slower than it already is.  |
The weight of the wheel is not much of a problem when going at constant speed. If you drive the speed limit on the street or usually drive in heavy urban traffic then light wheels aren't going to be much help.
You gain an advantage anytime you have to speed up quickly, corner hard, or brake hard. As you accelerate you'll use less power to move the mass of the tires and wheels. Any weight savings in the tires, wheels, brakes, lugs or bolts will be helpful under those circumstances.
Lighter wheels while helpful are also subject to damage from road debris, curbs, and potholes so be very careful especially in combination with lower profile tires with stiffer sidewalls as is the case with 17" or larger wheels.
In your example the 15" wheel with lower weight makes the most sense. Also attractive would be a light weight 17x7" rim but cost would be fairly high to get that.
Another advantage of 15" wheels is you can use tires that fit which have 50 or 55 series sidewalls for a bit more street comfort vs 40 series like in 205/40-17.
Tires also vary in weights, some have a more robust construction as in All Season tires, Falken ST-912, while others are very light weight like Toyo T1R built for speed/handling. You don't have to go extreme on tire weight but do consider the whole picture, treadwear, handling in wet or dry, summer vs all season rubber and tread pattern. Some tires handle really well but do weigh a bit more.
If you are into any sort of performance driving then lower weight is a good goal. One or two lbs difference isn't going to be that noticable but 5 lbs loss per wheel tire combo is significant.
Low powered cars definitely are hindered more by heavy wheels (18x8), makes the car feel sluggish off the line. Imagine running on the track with heavy boots vs light racing shoes.
For street use, the Fit would do well even with some nice allow 14" rims.
For example Tirerack.com has Kosei K1TS in Silver and light grey finish
14x6 $104 each 9.3 lbs each +38mm offset fits-
175/65-14
185/60-14
195/55-14 Toyo Proxes T1R $71 each 16.8 lbs 280 treadwear Max Perf Tire
195/60-14
205/55-14 R compound tires
Stock tire and wheel 15x6 is about 34 lbs
4x6 K1 TS with Proxes T1R could be 26.1 lbs