Did some searching on the net, but didn't come up with much. So I thought I'd ask you pros and enthusiasts. MAJOR rookie question, but here goes...

... why do car manufacturers (mainly sports cars such as Ferrari, etc.) use larger wheels/tires on the rear than on the front? (or vice versa... however you'd prefer) I've always thought smaller fronts, larger rears looked good, to a certain extent. Yet, somehow I know looks isn't the real reason for doing this. Anyone care to explain, technically?

Out of curiosity, also wondering what 16x7 rears and 15x7 fronts would do to the Fit Sport, performance wise (handling, increase/decrease of power, etc.), as well as fuel economy? With the right drop, I think this would look kinda' nice. But looking good isn't everything if you're adding negatives or taking away positives from the Fit.

Mainly wondering why they do this (smaller fronts, larger rears) to begin with, and what effect it may have on the Fit Sport.

Thanks

 

That's called "staggerered fitment" - the fitting of wider wheels to one end of the car.

On high-powered RWD sports cars they stagger the wheels and tires at the rear. That's where the power goes after all so they need maximum purchase out there. If all the four tires were the same width and size it would be easier for them to oversteer.

For high-powered FWD cars (usually race cars and drag racers), the staggering is the other way around. The front tires should be wider than the rears to prevent understeer on circuit racers.

CMIIW

 

For daily drivers and weekend warriors having a staggered setup works best for grip driving. At the same time those for looks have a wider rear for deep dish lip look. If the wheels are light weight thats the only performance I can tell. With any modification you have to take the good with the bad. But finding the middle ground is the key.