QUOTE (Boxman @ Sep 21 2010, 06:57 PM)
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I'm debating upgrading the wheels on my Santa Fe GLS from the stock 16-inch rims to 18-inchers. Since I'm going to be replacing the tires soon anyway, I thought maybe I'd use this as an excuse to upgrade the wheels, too.
The 18-inchers look better but how do they compare in ride quality, road noise, and handling? What do I gain or lose by upgrading?
Any advice appreciated!
Conventional wisdom says that the 18", with less rubber in the sidewall, will handle better due to the lack of sideways compliance in cornering.
Conventional wisdom also says that the ride quality of the 16" will be better to at least some extent.
The 18" tires will cost you more money. Why, I don't know. You'd think less rubber = less expensive, but that's just not how it works.
Logic says that there should be less road noise in a 16" tire (a bit more buffer between the road and the rim), but it is likely such a small part of the cause of tire based road noise that it won't really factor in. Most of what you'll get in noise will be a function of the tire itself.
All of the above assume otherwise equal tires in 16" and 18" sizes. That said, there's often quite a difference in construction between two very similar sizes. For example, one tire I've been looking at is load rated 104 in a 235/60-18, and 109 (XL construction) in the 255/55-18. I wouldn't expect the handling nor the road noise to match. Go figure. Different specs for different manufacturer's requirements? It happens between otherwise identical appearing 16" and 18" tires, too.
