Hopefully not a dumb question..

[aggiedude]

Hey folks, I got a question and hope it ain't dumb....I've got an 06 base and am considering getting either the MB Tucson or Rage Reaction wheels from http://www.tires.com and wondering if wheels actually make ANY difference in feel or anything on these cars, versus the stock wheels.....Mine are the stock 16" black wheels with the wonderful plastic covers right now.....Thanx for the help and hope I didn't break the voting chain....Marty

[joatmon]

Theoretically, a lighter weight wheel will have less inertia, so it could help acceleration. However, I don't think the weight difference between the stock steelies and and an aftermarket alloy wheel, if any, is going to have any significant or noticeable effect. You can acheive changes in ride quality and feel by going to a larger wheel, and a corresponding thinner tire, but if you stay with the 16" wheel and standard size tires, I'd hope all the wheels are similarly rigid and there would be no differences in the ride quality or feel.

[aggiedude]

Thanx a bunch joat.....That's kinda what I needed to hear..I honestly didn't think a wheel, esp the same sized one, would make any difference, but needed to check....Now it's just deciding if I want to keep stock 16's are buy a complete package of 17 or 18's.....Just have to decide on that one myself I figger.....Have a great one and thanx again..

[Mavrik]

lighter wheel would be better but if your replacing a 16" rim with a 16" rim and they are about the same weight I doubt you'll notice anything. If you change the tire size/rim size you will definatly notice a difference in accel, handling and stopping.

[aggiedude]

Mavric, what size would you recommend buddy ???? I would probably be going with http://www.tires.com as mentioned earlier, and figger if I'm going to spend $450 already why not be sure and get what'll work best.....Definitely don't wanna lower it; if anything keep it at least as high as it is if not higher.....Thanx a bunch !!! But best overall ride and comfort is what I'm shootin' for !!

[Mavrik]

17" rim with P225/45R17 wheels is about a perfect match for the 16" P205/55R16 stock size. It doesn't leave your car looking like it needs to be lowered. The ride might seem a little bouncy/rough but being on stock springs you'll be fine. Only side effect I actually noticed was tire pull. By this I mean a wider tire catching ruts in the road. Not enough to bother me to change it. I drove my vibe with 17" wheels on for a while before lowering it.If your really concerned with height and ride then get a nice set of 16" rims though a set of 17" with 225/45R17 tires will make your car sit slightly higher. Mine do for some reason even though diameter is close to the same.

[aggiedude]

Great man; that might be my next mod.......I've just driven trucks for 20 years (not rigs just regular trucks), so lowering the car would pretty much be the opposite of what I would want...I was actually thinking about selling it and getting back into a truck but this car has really grown on me and I hate to get rid of it already..Then again, I don't wanna drop $1000 in it for other mods but think I "might" be able to recover some of the $$ iif it's invested in wheels and such....Thanx soooo much for the help and advice; it's greatly appreciated !!!