15's VS. 16's
 

Hey guys,

I am about to purchase a set of rims for my NHBP Fit. I am stuck and contemplating whether to go for 15's or 16's. Basically, my fit is just for daily driver and just want to make it look good. What are pros and cons in 15's and also in 16's? Would really like to hear some of your comments, some personal experiences with these 2 rim sizes and even suggestions. Thanks fitfreak, gladly appreciate it.

I've been only around for a couple of days but I hope that the things I read help you. What I've learned is that 15's are the lightest rims (better gas milage) and most likely used for racing purposes like AutoX. They also don't cost as much as 16" rims. These rims are a bit more expensive and heavier but they look twice as good imo. Do you already know which rim you're going to purchase?

Not really sure what rims I am gonna get. But, something like Work Equipt 03. If I am gonna go for 15's, thinking of pairing with 195 tires. Any suggestions?

that would work fine. I'm going with Konig Zero 205/45/16s soon

I dont think that's actually completely true. I saved I think close to 14lbs when I went to my 16"s (CE28's) from the stock 15"s. Im not positive on the weight but I think my 16"s are also lighter then my 15" BBS RS. On a lowered fit I think both sizes look realy good, and it realy just comes down to your personal tast and mabye how much you want to spend.

For looks I'd go with 205/45x16 or 205/40x17 tires on 17x7 wheela with 42 mm to 46 mm offset. For economy I'd go with 175/65x15 tires on 15" wheels with offset 42 to 45 mm.

performance wise A 15 is the way to go but I hate how small they look so I would go 16 but that my opinion cause really I think if you going to rock anything smaller than a 16 you might as well keep the stock wheels and get them powdercoated painted or leave them stock unless you want to use you stock wheels for snow tires, now if you are planning on doing some time attack gymkana or solo racing or something the by all means get the 15 but there are some really light 16,s to so I guess its all in what you want to do

I think (pretty sure) that the 03's only come in 14 and 15

15's only hold a performance advantage when your 16's weigh a ton. you could argue that a 16 inch tire allows for a wider set of rubber, hence better handling. and if you get a decent set of 16's with a proper offset, this can be looked at as a better performing wheel when compared to the tiny offsets that usually come with small, expensive, forged 15's.

but we could argue this all day long. there are heavy and light 15's and 16's, it basically comes down to what you think looks better. and the OP seems to prefer 16's, so i say go for it.