I jsut read a article that shows how dramatic rim/tire weight can be.

They tested the Volk TE37's & the OZ Wildcard rims. They used Hoosier tires on both the rims .. 205/40/17. Both the rim widths were 7.5" wide. The volks with Hoosiers was 31.437lbs vs the OZ with Hoosiers that weighed in at 37.500lbs. The total difference in weight was 24.252lbs

They dynoed a Honda Del Sol (modded) to show the difference that weight can cause.

With Honda w/ the OZ's dynoed at 155.1fwhp and the Volks dynoed at 159.7fwhp.

There was a 4.6 fwhp in difference from 24lbs of unsprung weight.

According to the dyno, the dyno w/ the Volks, the Volks spooled HP faster then it did w/ OZ rims. For example, @ 4k rpms, the OZ's put down 71.8fwhp vs how the Volks put down 74.2fwhp.

Now imagine a light weight rim say a 16"? Im sure the results would be similar. THey also mention that smaller rims change your final drive ratio and acceleration (That is a dead given).

 

It was actually only the 12 extra pounds on the front wheels that cause the difference on the dyno.

 

no its because the volks were white.. and white wheels give extra hp..

Synki... is 4 hp really that big of a difference to run on small rims? not me man.. i just can't do it.. i don't care if the difference was 10 hp.. i am not running 16's .. no way.. no how.. i would have to make it up with some performance mod.. or change in boost or something..

 

16s own joo

 

Yeah, I'm with you on that. The much better handling allowed by bigger wheels and tires is way more important than a few horsepower. All the 3 Series drivers that I've left behind on twisty roads can attest to that.

 

This is where wider rims come in handy.