Confused over ride quality 19" vs 18"
02-10-2008, 11:48 AM
#1
Confused over ride quality 19" vs 18"
I had my heart set on a set of 19" which I was going to buy in a few weeks. But lately I keep reading about how 19" on a 5th gen ride like crap and 18" were "much" better.
So I did a quick tire comparison for the 5th gen:
235/40/18 vs. 245/35/19 and the difference in sidewall is only .3"?? (3.7 vs 3.4)
From what I understand, the bigger the sidewall, the better the ride because of more cushioning and protects the wheel better as well. But does .3" make that much a difference?
Thanks
So I did a quick tire comparison for the 5th gen:
235/40/18 vs. 245/35/19 and the difference in sidewall is only .3"?? (3.7 vs 3.4)
From what I understand, the bigger the sidewall, the better the ride because of more cushioning and protects the wheel better as well. But does .3" make that much a difference?
Thanks
02-11-2008, 09:14 AM
#3
It's thinner and firmer, so that alone would result in a crappier ride. Think of it this way...if you are lowered and have a .4 gap, but then decide to lower .3 more you will have a much bigger chance on hitting your fenders...****ty analogy, but I think you get my drift. 
From what I've heard/read, tires for 19's will be "difficult" to find in stock at most places.
Unless you are going for "show" rims with a lip, there is really no point in getting 19's anyhow. Judging by your mods, you seem to be more into tuning/turns and 19's don't help in either category...+they cost more!
.02
From what I've heard/read, tires for 19's will be "difficult" to find in stock at most places.
Unless you are going for "show" rims with a lip, there is really no point in getting 19's anyhow. Judging by your mods, you seem to be more into tuning/turns and 19's don't help in either category...+they cost more!
.02
Last edited by !PrjctMax!; 02-11-2008 at 09:16 AM.
02-11-2008, 05:11 PM
#6
the reason you came up with such a small difference is because you used favorable numbers. a more accurate comparison would be 245/45 18 vs 245/35 19. thats almost an inch different. 19s will have an effect on ride quaility, so you have to decide if its worth it to you. imo the answer is yes.
02-12-2008, 01:00 AM
#7
+1
sidewall stiffness, ride quality, price all are major factors. that 1" in wheel size makes the difference in ride quality. also if the roads are bad, youre going to have a higher chance of a bent 19" wheel.
larger wheel+small sidewall = less impact soak.
sidewall stiffness, ride quality, price all are major factors. that 1" in wheel size makes the difference in ride quality. also if the roads are bad, youre going to have a higher chance of a bent 19" wheel.
larger wheel+small sidewall = less impact soak.
02-14-2008, 09:56 AM
#8
in regards to your question 18vs19....
I would say..you..should really I mean really anaylize what kinda of driving scenarios these wheels will be put through..(what kind of local road conditions you have, what kinda places are you going to travel to with them, are you going to swap out in winter). before you even compare comfort from 18 to 19 ...like MrD said... the chances of bending a 19" wheel is that much more than an 18" wheel.. etc. From my experiences with 18" wheels I drive extremely cautiously and still have bent them (sheet happens).. ....set your priorities and then decide if comfort is your largest one.
I would say..you..should really I mean really anaylize what kinda of driving scenarios these wheels will be put through..(what kind of local road conditions you have, what kinda places are you going to travel to with them, are you going to swap out in winter). before you even compare comfort from 18 to 19 ...like MrD said... the chances of bending a 19" wheel is that much more than an 18" wheel.. etc. From my experiences with 18" wheels I drive extremely cautiously and still have bent them (sheet happens).. ....set your priorities and then decide if comfort is your largest one.
Last edited by Prophecy99; 02-14-2008 at 06:07 PM.
02-16-2008, 12:17 PM
#10
Opinion from a person that has gone through...
2 sets of 17" wheels
1 set of 19" wheels
1 set of 18" wheels
I'm currently riding on 18" wheels and am saving my 19" wheels for show.
Take note of the tire sizes and you will see a pattern
Of course your results may vary depending on your ride height, tire choice, location, and driving habits.
17" Factory GLE wheels + stock Turanza EL42 tires 215/55/17. Stock suspension. Rode the best in my opinion. They were stock so they were comfy!
Switched up to 19" Privat Reserv + General Exclaim UHP tires 245/35/19. Stock suspension and then changed to H&R springs with stock shocks gave me the same ride. Thinner side wall means that you will feel the bumps or imperfections on the road. More road noise also. When I switch out tires I plan on changing the size to 245/40/19. The good thing is looks (refer to sig pic) and braking distance was shortened(tires). They of course weighed more, so if you plan on doing any tracking be sure to keep a set of light weight 17s around.
17" Factory 350Z wheels + Michelin tires 225/50/17. Still on H&R with stock shocks. Much quieter, faster acceleration compared to 19s and comfortable ride.
18" Factory '07 Maxima wheels + Goodyear tires 245/45/18. S-tech front with H&R rear. Increased stopping distance, acceleration is on par with 19s. Ride is softer than 19's and quieter.
So generally think about what you are going for...
Looks = 19" wheels
Some Looks + Ride Comfort = 18" wheels
Ride Comfort Only = 17" wheels
Which set of tires you go with also play a factor in road noise and comfort so do a lot of research
2 sets of 17" wheels
1 set of 19" wheels
1 set of 18" wheels
I'm currently riding on 18" wheels and am saving my 19" wheels for show.
Take note of the tire sizes and you will see a pattern
Of course your results may vary depending on your ride height, tire choice, location, and driving habits.
17" Factory GLE wheels + stock Turanza EL42 tires 215/55/17. Stock suspension. Rode the best in my opinion. They were stock so they were comfy!
Switched up to 19" Privat Reserv + General Exclaim UHP tires 245/35/19. Stock suspension and then changed to H&R springs with stock shocks gave me the same ride. Thinner side wall means that you will feel the bumps or imperfections on the road. More road noise also. When I switch out tires I plan on changing the size to 245/40/19. The good thing is looks (refer to sig pic) and braking distance was shortened(tires). They of course weighed more, so if you plan on doing any tracking be sure to keep a set of light weight 17s around.
17" Factory 350Z wheels + Michelin tires 225/50/17. Still on H&R with stock shocks. Much quieter, faster acceleration compared to 19s and comfortable ride.
18" Factory '07 Maxima wheels + Goodyear tires 245/45/18. S-tech front with H&R rear. Increased stopping distance, acceleration is on par with 19s. Ride is softer than 19's and quieter.
So generally think about what you are going for...
Looks = 19" wheels
Some Looks + Ride Comfort = 18" wheels
Ride Comfort Only = 17" wheels
Which set of tires you go with also play a factor in road noise and comfort so do a lot of research
Last edited by Jess; 02-16-2008 at 12:21 PM.
06-26-2008, 06:38 AM
#11
Ive got 19's on my car....with H&R springs and Illumina's
I went from stock 16 inch rims on 215 tires...I can NOTICE THE RIDE QUALITY DIMINISHED, AS WELL as my acceleration (hey maybe this will help me deal with speeding tickets)
I live In Baltimore City, and there are pot holes galore. I immediately noticed a ride difference....when i rode stock on my 16 inch rims, i had my struts set for the stiffest all around which was 5...Now ive got them set for 4 in the rear and 4 in the front..I may go a little softer in the front by going down to 3..
My rim size is 19x8.5, and my tire size is 245/35/19..I didnt want 235, because i KNEW the ride would turn to complete crap as i like to ride with my shocks STIFF to avoid any bottoming out...I dont know how the wheel react under heavy compression....because i dont drive around with a car full of people...
I went from stock 16 inch rims on 215 tires...I can NOTICE THE RIDE QUALITY DIMINISHED, AS WELL as my acceleration (hey maybe this will help me deal with speeding tickets)
I live In Baltimore City, and there are pot holes galore. I immediately noticed a ride difference....when i rode stock on my 16 inch rims, i had my struts set for the stiffest all around which was 5...Now ive got them set for 4 in the rear and 4 in the front..I may go a little softer in the front by going down to 3..
My rim size is 19x8.5, and my tire size is 245/35/19..I didnt want 235, because i KNEW the ride would turn to complete crap as i like to ride with my shocks STIFF to avoid any bottoming out...I dont know how the wheel react under heavy compression....because i dont drive around with a car full of people...
Last edited by hi-tek22; 06-26-2008 at 03:43 PM.
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