GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Has anyone compared the difference between the the 16" and 17" tires. I opted for the 17" and the feel great, but now I'm wondering if the sun roof would have been better. Especially since the 17" tires seem to be only for summer.
[Modified by mu_ohio, 5:12 PM 8/11/2002]

quote:Has anyone compared the difference between the the 16" and 17" tires. I opted for the 17" and the feel great, but now I'm wondering if the sun roof would have been better. Especially since the 17" tires seem to be only for summer. The 17" Z-Rated Summer tires give noticably more grip than the 16" All Season tires.You can always add an aftermarket sunroof to your Vibe, however as stated before, you have to consider the quality of an aftermarket sunroof compared to one installed at the factory. Also as stated, aftermarket sunroofs have come a long way, so you would have to look around and get opinions from people who have already had one done aftermarket.I personally wish I could have bought a Vibe with the 17" rims AND a sunroof. I opted for 16" w/ sunroof. You still made a good decision though, just have to consider your aftermarket options.

I was wondering why GM/Toyota doesn't allow you to go with the rims and sunroof in a package. I would have actually paid more money to them for the option so I guess it's both our loss. The main reason why I wanted the 17" is because all of the reviews used the 16" tires/rims which gave really good numbers. The roadholding was on par with the Protege5 and better than a lot of others in the class like the Civic Si. The quarter mile and 0-60 time was also very good and I figured the extra grip would move this car ahead of anything in it's class for handling as well as help 1/4 mile time with the better traction though the rotating mass may out weigh that, but that's still debateable. I agree though, this is one of the best car decisions I've made in awhile and I'm very happy.

The reason for the lack of option for the 17" Rims/Sunroof combo was previously discussed in the Wheels and Tires forum a little while back. It contains quite a few answers and comments on this topic that you may find interesting. Here is the link:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4

I am going with the moon roof and then buying my own 17" rims and tires. I want to get some Motegi MR8's with either Nitto NT450 or Kumho FZ4 in 225/45/17. Here is a pic of the rims that I want to get http://www.motegiracing.com/wheels/mr8.asp
[Modified by 8th Planet Vibe GT, 3:26 PM 8/14/2002]

Id go with the NItto NT555 tires instead Kuhmo's are just too cheap

I went for the 18" Enkei! 18" is the way to go. Just the right amount of rubber left on the rims!If I new how to post a pic I would show ya'll.

Finally figured out how to post pics!My baby with 18" rims

quote:Id go with the NItto NT555 tires instead Kuhmo's are just too cheapI had Nitto NT450's on my last car and really liked them. That's why I was thinking of going with them again. I'll definately check into the 555's though. Those are nice tires also.
[Modified by 8th Planet Vibe GT, 7:43 AM 8/23/2002]

Are those NT 555 or NT 450's ??? They look like 555'sSweet!!!!

Anyone have a set of factory 17's for sale? I wish I could have got them instead of the 16's but oh well.

Dude, get after market wheels! They are a lot nicer looking and half the price. My dealer quoted me over $250 a wheel w/out the rubber for factory 17"!

Definately go with after market rims. You do have a lot more selection and selection. You might also want to consider 18" rims and tires. At first I was looking at 17"s but I have seen pictures of Vibes with 18" and they look sharp.