Quote:
Originally Posted by mahout
Wheel weight matters a lot less than tire weight. If you widen tread go slightly smaller on diameter.
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For YeeFit-
Look at the entire wheel and tire package before you decide.
You could go either way as the weights are not that far and you are not going full throttle as you would on a track.
But, a 15 inch wheel will give you tire sizes that are more comfortable for street use, less jarring but OK for handling if you choose a tire that is grippy. While 17 inch rim will need a very low profile tire like 40 series which tends to be very stiff but handles well. Often times 40 series tires do not last as long.
In general the wider the wheel the more it can weigh and the better handling you can get due to the extra wide tire footprint on the road vs a wheel with a more narrow width.
Lighter weight can come from smaller wheel diameter and less width or from minimal materials design of the wheel which also means at some point it might be more risky to drive on rough pothole filled roads.
Always lighter wheels help with acceleration and braking if you have a choice. 3 lbs difference is small but 8 is more significant. Anything around 10-12 would be good for a Fit. 14 -15 is average and 18 would be a bit heavy but not a deal breaker if you really liked the design.
Heavy wheels are fine for daily driving and for looks but don:t expect rapid movement from a standstill since it will require more power to move more weight. Once you get going it will be fine. If you drive speed limit and take turns smoothly you will be fine.
Tires are important, not just for weight alone but for tread pattern, materials, tire size, etc. The weight is farther from the hub center so a really heavy tire will be harder to get going from a stop but I would not worry as much about that vs the other qualities of a tire that will make a bigger difference in road manners, handling, comfort, and cost/treadwear.
If you want better handling then Ultra High Performance tires would be a good place to start, they come in summer and all season which means summer is for three seasons but not really cold weather or any snow. All Season tires last longer, can offer a little more comfort and can be run in colder weather or light snow so you don:t have to change tires in the fall.
For most people in temperate climates like the west coast and southwest you can choose either. Max Performance tires are faster wearing but give good handling and a bit more noise and roughness over bumpy roads. If your roads are very smooth and pot hole free you can choose Max or Ultra HP summer tires.
If you want the lighter tire then you have to choose a size that will fit the rim and the Fit wheel well but still be not overly wide. Usually you have a choice of sizes. Smaller diameter tires with lower sidewall profile tend to be less weight, better handling but stiffer ride quality.
Since you will be using this for daily street driving you do not have to go very light on the tire, I would suggest something that is middle ground for good treadwear, good handling, and good ride quality. Contact Jim at tirerack.com to find out more about options and let him know if your Fit is lowered and what size wheel you are looking at.