ok so im nearing the point where i have enough money to buy new tires/rims...i think ive decided on the O.Z. Palladios...but i still havnt decided on 17 inch or 18inch...i figure you guys can tell me what to do....whats the differance between the 17 vs the 18 in term of safety, road noise, reliablilty.....i know the vibe had optional wheels that came as 17..mine right now are the basic 16 inch....sooo what should i get the 17's or 18's...both sizes on tire racks website are $249 each......that doesnt include the tires then....which im hoping ill also make the right decision on....ok...well i know this topic has prolly come up before..so please be nice to me...lol
the size of the rim will not effect road noise, your tire tread does. However an 18" rim will ride a little bit harsher. Tires will be more expensive and all that. Depending on the roads you drive on, you increase the risk of rim damage with 18" rims because of the low sidewall.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
i'd do 17s because...well...because i've got 17s. i upgraded from the stock 16s. i noticed a harder/harsher ride basically i think cuz there's less air to float on.
de-badged o4 vibe
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thanks all for your input...after talking it over with my dad some more i've decided to go with the 17's..just gotta decide which brand tire to purchace when the time comes to place the order on tirerack for the O.Z. Palladios