View Full Version : Rims for a 110bhp Leon TDI: 16" or 17"?
Hi,
I have a rims upgrade (now 195/65 R15) on my wish list for my car, a Seat Leon 110 TDI Sport. (along with a Bilstein "HD" shocks upgrade).
I was wondering if 17" will be too much (to keep overall diameter, a 225/45 R17 is typically used) rubber for it to handle, and the 15% surface increase will hurt performance (MPG, acceleration).
On the other hand, the more "common" an thus cheaper tyres available for the 16" size, 205/55 R16 is only a 5% increase, while still decreasing the amount of vertical rubber...
What do you guys advise?
The 225's will give you better dry conrering (worse in the wet) but slightly more road noise, they dont have any noticeable effect on performance or top speed (although i only run 16's) but you dont have much sidewall to protect your rims on a 17" wheel with a 45 profile
My toledo is on 3rd combination!!!
1st - Original 16" wheels with 205/55-16 Bridgestone EA-30
Rating= Excellent for Portugues roads good ride quality,
low noise. To much wheel spin on twisties even with ESP
2nd - Cupra 4 17" with 205/50-17 Michelin Pilot Sport
Rating= OK on Portugues roads, ride quality worse than original
but liveable, high noise, great in twisties.
3rd - Cupra 4 but this time with 225/45-17 goodyear F1-GS2
Rating= same as 2.
Now the differences between 2 & 3:
Suspension reaction time seems to be a bit slower with #3 (I think it has to do with the added weight + suspension).
Fuel consumption is up a bit.
Aqu******ning has become worse.
#4 will be 205/50-17 Goddyear F1s, because I really can't find any benefit in using the 225/45-17 even with 320nm torque.
whats your impression of the Bilsteins?
The Bilsteins aren't in yet. My friend gets back on wensday/thursday so some time next week (end of) they should be in. Starting to wonder if I should order the bushings??
ley me know what there like when you get them fitted.
what about you pukkita?
I'll have to wait...
But I think I'll go for 16". Going for 17" is much, much more expensive (almost the double including tyres, that are 45% more expensive that it equivalent in 16"); for the 17"s+tyres price I can change to 16" plus the Bilsteins...
prc, let us know how the bilsteins go! specially with the stock springs! I'd bet they'll rock!
Regaring the bushings, I'm not very sure, but I read on a bilstein's page that you must reuse the car originals with their shocks.
Financial State??
I don't think anyone is (except our Government's which keep raising all damn taxes)?? Best bet is to swing through the used parts list. I've seen some nice wheel/tires combos on the for sale page cheaper than my last set of tires!
I agree with you though, for the 110 16" might be the best bet. If where to come to Portugal, I could let you try the 16's for a spin.
I have 16" on my Toledo. I bought it becouse one main reason - roads in poland are terrible. After 1,5 month I have damaged first of my new alloys and tire. 17" look much more better than 16" but you have to have really good conditions to drive on them.
Look at my alloys. Probably you will choose my model.
I hope I have helped you in your choose.