Is a 4 lb increase with a +1" wheel size detrimental to performance?
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03 C230 SS 6spd
Is a 4 lb increase with a +1" wheel size detrimental to performance?
I'm curious, from a performance aspect, whether a 4 lb increase is noticeably worse in terms of steering feel or acceleration? My preference is to optimize performance with style secondary. If there isn't a noticeable difference (and only a theoretical one), I may go with 18" instead of 17". I'm very sensitive to changes to my car, so I think I would notice, but I'm not sure. Not only will the 18" set up be 4 lbs heavier, but that extra weight will be located furthest from the hub, and thus creating the largest effect.
Keep in mind my car only has 192 hp; the C230K, M271.
Thanks for your input.
Keep in mind my car only has 192 hp; the C230K, M271.
Thanks for your input.
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From: Westchester Co. NY
99 C43 AMG & 2008 Corvette 1LT Z51 LS3
Anytime you change wheel size, offset, tire profile and tire width, vehicle performance does change to some degree. It may or may not be something noticeable. If you change wheel and tire size enough it will change the feel of
the vehicle drasticly.
Wheels, Tires or any rotational item in the driveline has more of an effect on the vehicle then most other parts.
A basic formula for rotational mass is 1 Lb Static Weight = 15 Lbs Rotational Mass. However the formula does change on how far from the center of rotation which the mass is located at. The closer to center equals less weight, the further from center equals more weight.
Wheels/Tires/Brake Rotors are all unsprung weight, which is weight the vehicle suspension is not carrying. Unsprung weight effects vehicle responsiveness and tramlining.
In order to increase performance, you really want to lower the weight.
On a slower less performance oriented vehicle, these items may effect the vehicle more.
the vehicle drasticly.
Wheels, Tires or any rotational item in the driveline has more of an effect on the vehicle then most other parts.
A basic formula for rotational mass is 1 Lb Static Weight = 15 Lbs Rotational Mass. However the formula does change on how far from the center of rotation which the mass is located at. The closer to center equals less weight, the further from center equals more weight.
Wheels/Tires/Brake Rotors are all unsprung weight, which is weight the vehicle suspension is not carrying. Unsprung weight effects vehicle responsiveness and tramlining.
In order to increase performance, you really want to lower the weight.
On a slower less performance oriented vehicle, these items may effect the vehicle more.
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From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
I'm curious, from a performance aspect, whether a 4 lb increase is noticeably worse in terms of steering feel or acceleration? My preference is to optimize performance with style secondary. If there isn't a noticeable difference (and only a theoretical one), I may go with 18" instead of 17". I'm very sensitive to changes to my car, so I think I would notice, but I'm not sure. Not only will the 18" set up be 4 lbs heavier, but that extra weight will be located furthest from the hub, and thus creating the largest effect.
Keep in mind my car only has 192 hp; the C230K, M271.
Thanks for your input.
Keep in mind my car only has 192 hp; the C230K, M271.
Thanks for your input.
with a custom intake from me, you will be at 195
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03 C230 SS 6spd
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My rule of thumb is if I am going to go heavier, I want to see a larger contact patch.
Meaning, if I already have an 18x8 rim, I'd rather go to an 18x9 than a 19x8. The additional weight (which can be avoided or minimized by very careful shopping) IMHO is generally offset by better traction for acceleration, handling, and braking (with a corresponding larger tire as well).
Meaning, if I already have an 18x8 rim, I'd rather go to an 18x9 than a 19x8. The additional weight (which can be avoided or minimized by very careful shopping) IMHO is generally offset by better traction for acceleration, handling, and braking (with a corresponding larger tire as well).
