15" vs. 16"

L15A · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 05:46 PM

I know a thread similar to this exsits..but not all exactly the same; I just read it...

...anyway, thinking about getting aftermarket rims. What do you guys think about 15" vs 16" I know that 16"s look better...I think most would agree...but what are the benefits of 15"s??

I mean, if you have a 15x6.5 vs. 16x7 rim and they both have a 185/195 width, fuel efficiency would be the same right? The 16" would obviously have a little bit of a better feel on cornering with the shorter sidewalls. So with that said, why would anyone get 15s??

mikejet · #2 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 06:00 PM

You could save a couple bucks? I'm wondering too since I've picked the rims I'm getting. The all white Konig Countersteers.

I don't know which size either!

L15A · #3 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 06:05 PM

yeah...exactly...and not that much of a difference either. Take Volks for example. Even though they're pretty pricey to being with, at Retail, the difference between a 15" and 16" is only 50 bucks! And the cost difference between the same tire (Bridgestone Potenza RE760) is only about 20 bucks a pop.

If this is true...then everyone should just go with a 16" right? (assuming the $ diff is considered marginal to the consumer)

Tork · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 06:07 PM

16's to many people look better.

Advantages to 15's
* depending on wheel 2-5 lbs lighter (vs 16) = less rotating wt.= faster accel
* weight is closer to the center of hub see above
* more tire sizes= better tire selection
* replacement tires likely cheaper

L15A · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 06:17 PM

15" Volks are about 10.4 lbs
16" Volks are about 12 lbs.
so...a bit lighter...but enough to make a "difference" that's up to you to decide...me, no.

More tire sizes? (TireRack)
205/55/16: 158 tires
205/50/16: 44 tires

195/60/15: 63 tires
195/55/15: 34 tires

And like I said about tire pricing differences..they're roughly about 20-25 different. over 40,000 miles...not that big of a difference.

projekz · #6 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 12:17 AM

You should also account for the difference in tire weight. The thicker sidewall on the 15s makes the tire heavier than the 16 inch. Something worth considering! I say just get what you want look wise or price wise.

L15A · #7 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 01:45 AM

you're right, 15" tires are heavier than 16" tires with the same width.

iheartJDM · #8 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 02:34 AM

i honestly think it just depends on the wheel itself (offset,width, etc) and the ride height of the car. Some 16's are lighter than 15's.

a set of SSR Type C's in 16's were lighter than 15" Advan RGII's when i picked them up by hand to compare

hanzo · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 09:05 AM

Tires are probably going to get cheaper on 16" since most cars nowadays comes in 16" plus.

Virtual · #10 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanzo

Tires are probably going to get cheaper on 16" since most cars nowadays comes in 16" plus.

I don't think that's true. 12" is cheaper than 13" which is cheaper than 14" etc. The "most popular" size doesn't seem to affect that.

iheartJDM · #11 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 10:52 AM

i got my kumho ecsta's in 205/45/16 for $195 shipped

hanzo · #12 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virtual

I don't think that's true. 12" is cheaper than 13" which is cheaper than 14" etc. The "most popular" size doesn't seem to affect that.

Well I guess at least the 16" you have more tire choices, I know when I looked at 15" there aren't that many tire options.

SRLNCLT · #13 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 04:43 PM

I'm not sure if I'd go with 15's. To me on the base Fit, they look too small. Also, I don't know what you plan on doing to your Fit but a performance wise I doubt you'll notice the 10 lbs you save in weight. The mpg, well, I guess but 16's looks better so stay with 16's!

Import Al · #14 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 05:26 PM

All the pros/cons above are true. I'd agree that 16"s look better.

But if you're going for max lateral G's (handling) & better acceleration I'd find a light 15x7 (Rota, SSR, Motegi, Konig) & sticky 205/50 tires like Azeni, Nittos etc.

I think Spoon knows a thing or too about this subject lol.. 1.09 G's grip on 185/50 Advans & 15x6.5" Spoon SW388 wheels.

Spoon Honda Fit - Featured Cars - Honda Tuning Magazine

Virtual · #15 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Import Al

All the pros/cons above are true. I'd agree that 16"s look better.

But if you're going for max lateral G's (handling) & better acceleration I'd find a light 15x7 (Rota, SSR, Motegi, Konig) & sticky 205/50 tires like Azeni, Nittos etc.

I think Spoon knows a thing or too about this subject lol.. 1.09 G's grip on 185/50 Advans & 15x6.5" Spoon SW388 wheels.

Spoon Honda Fit - Featured Cars - Honda Tuning Magazine

They may know that they are doing but that is a first gen Fit. This section is about the 2nd gen Fit. Quite different when it comes to wheel size.

Import Al · #16 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virtual

They may know that they are doing but that is a first gen Fit. This section is about the 2nd gen Fit. Quite different when it comes to wheel size.

True true.. my point was that dimensions & suspension-wise, not much drastic has changed from GD > GE so it would be logical to assume a light, wide 15" wheel would be good for handling & acceleration (by lowering effective FD ratio) like on the Spoon FiT.

There are lots of light 16x7"s out now though, & the performance difference would be negligible so just pick what size you like.