17" or 18" aftermarket wheels?

[Track]

Hi Gang,
Specifically with regard to lightweight wheels & high performance tires, is there a general preference amongst LGT owners to choose one size wheel over the other? The reason I ask is that on my STI, I chose to stick with a 17" wheel, even when offered a deep discount on some forged Prodrives.
I came up with the following list of pros and cons and would like to hear people's opinions.
The pros and cons i came up with are:
17 Pros:
-Lighter, less unsprung weight/rotating mass
-Greater tire selection
-Cheaper tire prices
-Less chance of pothole damage
-Ride may be better (depends on tire selection I suppose)
17 Cons:
-Taller sidewall = more flex at the limit
-Cosmetically looks less cool
-Potentially less room for big brakes
18 Pros:
-Less sidewall flex
-Cosmetically looks better:)
-Potentially more room for big brakes
18 Cons:
-More prone to pothole damage
-Tire prices marginally higher
-Ride may be affected by shorter sidewall

Please chime in here with your opinion, especially if I've forgotten something important!

[TSi+WRX]

Nope, I think you've about covered it all - and that you're being pretty honest to yourself, too. Good list! :)

Just remember to add in the "weight may be a potential liability" concern in the "Cons" of the 18" section, especially for lower-cost pieces.

Similarly, the damage issue can also be weighed against cost, as well as proper tire selection and maintenance of proper inflation pressures.

Finally, tire cost may be more than just a "marginal" consideration, particularly when it comes to specialty tires.

But truthfully, I think you've got a very list of pros versus cons there. Good luck on your decision! :)

[LegacyThrill]

Kinda wondering.

Stock 17" tires come in 215/45/17
Stock 18" tires come in 215/45/18

Have the speedos been adjusted when cars have been rolled out to be delivered?

If not, which is the "more accurate" tire size, in terms of Outer Diameter?

Reason why I'm asking, is that, I'm running stock 217/45/17 tires. I'm getting a consistant almost 10% higher speed reading from the speedo, as compared to GPS info.

Which leads me to figure that the 215/45/18 may be striking closer to home.

Anyone can comment?

[havanisda]

I'm running stock tire size 17's and had a tomtom hooked up on a trip and it was w/in 1 or 2 mph of the speedo.

[Subie010406]

Hi there...I too am thinking of getting the Spec B wheels for my 06 Outback Sedan ...for pure looks only? Any ideas comments suggestions? I'm torn...Thanks David

[ih8vtec13]

I have 17s and 18s and like the 17s better all round. My 17s and STi BBS painted time attack (black and red) and with RE070s on it looks really race ready. The 18s are a little more bling and even though they are hot I like the BBS better.

FYI you can get 18s that are close in weight to stok wheels and tires. Mine are like 1lb more then stock and at that point its wont effect you much.