GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

A few years ago I bought some nice black polished lip 18 but decided on 215/45/18 as the 09 GT. I thought a taller tire would feel better. The problem was that it made the car feel slower at acceleration. I ruined the whole point of having a small car. I sold those set of wheels and now need new tires.

Tirerack recommends 225/40/18. Does this size affect the acceleration at all? Does it feel the same as 16's or close?

This is my wife's daily driver and she also noticed and didn't like it.

I think what you were feeling wasn't the tires, but the rims. The extra weight of all the additional aluminum, and that's mass that needs to be rotated constantly. Lighter 18" rims will feel better. I know that my car feels more sprightly on the 15" alloys I have as winter wheels compared to the 17" wheels I use for the summer. Not enough to make me want to go back to the 16" stock wheels (Which are long gone) but it keeps me on my toes, looking for good deals on lighter rims.

Thanks. I'm willing to sacrifice a little slower acc for some niceer wheels. Ill be sure to choose some lighter ones then. But ill go with 225/40. On the tire size calculator 215/45 were 3% slower than stock. 225 are .3 slower. That might of also affected it.

Did you notice any ride difference with the 18s? I was looking for some nice, used, wheels and a set of 18s came up for sale (TSW Snettertons). What's the weight of the stock 16s and 17s (for comparison)?

Any opinions are appreciated.

I have the 18 now and there was very little difference in acceleration. Its a little rough but on smooth roads they feel fine. They look great. I went with 225/40 and felt better than 215/45.

I got the Verde Regency from tire rack.

I'll post some pics.