19" wheels vs. 18" wheels

[supamannn99]

So I need you guys' input on this. I've been going back and forth on the decision whether i go with 19" or 18". So what is the real performance difference between them both?

I know that going with a 19" setup vs 18",

-it's generally heavier
-tires are more expensive
-tires have thinner side walls
-ride height a tad bit higher
-rubbing issues
-looks a hell of a lot better than 18's

What are you guys' thoughts?

[CX-7&A4]

19's are just heavier, generally the tire is slightly heavier too. That's the performance decrease. You'll notice it.

[gpoole30]

if you want pefomance go with a wheel in the size that your car came witha and look at weight of the item. This is because your car was engineered to work with a partiular size wheel, and from my experiance for track time ites best to use that size.


now if ou want looks & performance on our cars 18s hands down for all of the reasons you listed above. now i have a blue b7 i am building for mostly show so the 19" R8 reps are great, but my wifes B7 has stock 18's and the ride and feel is so much better.

[slimmj0k3r]

19's are good for going fast in a straight line. I won't do too much weaving through traffic with them...if thats what you do , I'm running 18's in the winter and 19's during the summer months

[Glassnpowder98]

If you plan to do track days, I would suggest going with 18's. I have 19 inch O.Z. Ultraleggeras and while they're still pretty light, I was rubbing the front tires on some of the hard turns. My car is set up pretty low, and normally I will only rub a little bit on big dips in the road, but it's not really slammed like some of the other people on here. I definitely like the looks of 19's better than 18's. So I guess it really depends what you're planning on doing with your car.

[JRMSLINEA4]

Also 19's will make your "wheel well gap" stand out more because of the lower tire sidewall. 19's on a "stock' suspension looks like shi#!

[casuso]

I had the same doubts, and I chose 18"
I think my car looks great, of course 19" would look better, but 18" is a mix between good looks and good performance.

If you lower your car, any wheel will look hot.

[Latin Audi]

Like everyone stated above, it depends on your purpose. IMO 19s are perfect as far as looks go.

[Grishbok]

19's for show, 18's for go.

The actually performance aspect is something to take into serious consideration. If you drive your car hard and seek to push yourself to the limit of what you and your car are able to accomplish, 18's.

If you wanna look pretty at a stop light. 19's.

[phantomRS4]

19s are hot... if youre worried about performance then turn up the boost... u guys do have turbos right?? ;)

[Grishbok]

wait... we have turbos?!

[Glassnpowder98]

19's for show, 18's for go.

The actually performance aspect is something to take into serious consideration. If you drive your car hard and seek to push yourself to the limit of what you and your car are able to accomplish, 18's.

If you wanna look pretty at a stop light. 19's.

You think my 19's only look pretty at a stop light? I challenge you to a duel!

But seriously, sometimes I wish I got 18's for a little better performance... However, the 19 inch Ultraleggeras are still lighter than the stock 17's so I'm still increasing performance. Plus 19's when lowered fill up the wheel wells perfectly IMO.

[Grishbok]

You think my 19's only look pretty at a stop light? I challenge you to a duel!

I accept this challenge good sir! 93 Octane at dawn!

[John/AWE]

Your wheel and tire size will depend on what you really want the end result to be. My car is driven every day(over 100 miles per day) all year but I do not drive it in the snow, so I don't have winter tires on it.

I went with BBS RG-R 19x8.5 and have Dunlop Sport Maxx tires on them. My car came with the 18" S-line wheel with 235/35/18 tires. I stuck with a 235/35 but obviously 19". I lost 10 lbs per corner. So 19" is not always heavier. Maybe compared to the same combo with with an 18" it might not weigh the same but keep in mind you may have a smaller wheel but now you are working with a heavier tire since the sidewall would be larger. For instance, the 19" RGR is 21.3 lbs, the 17" is 18.56lbs. Not a big difference and that is a 2" smaller wheel. I don't have tire weights but would guess it is close to the same ratio from a 19 to an 18 in the same overall diameter.

I also have PSS9,s on mine, lowered and set at #5 on the street, and drive very spirited on both straights and winding country roads and have only had rubbing issues on the most extreme bumps and that is very rare.

The sidewall plays a big part in handling as the larger the sidewall, the more tire flex and roll you will have. On the street this is not a always bad thing but it does cut down on control and response. Adds a little sway into the formula as the car rolls on the sidewall a little before the tires grab on a curve. The larger sidewall will cushion the ride a little more but at the cost of feeling the road and slowing response.

18" wheels and tires look good but in my opinion, 19 is the way to go for these cars when lowered correctly. You can get perfect street and track performance out of the larger wheel size without having to panic over every bump. I have hit plenty of bumps and potholes and even lost a tire to one but never bent a rim. The lighter weight improves the handling and road feel and less rotational mass is like free horsepower.

Good luck with your decision

[CX-7&A4]

The only real way you can compare weight is with the same wheel, which is what I was talking about. 18's will always be lighter than 19's, if you're talking about the same wheel.

[ILAudiA4]

get 18"

[Insane_Audi]

The only real way you can compare weight is with the same wheel, which is what I was talking about. 18's will always be lighter than 19's, if you're talking about the same wheel.

i think he might be referring to the wheel with tire, with a smaller rim you will have more tire which may cancel out some of the weight lossed with the smaller rim, thats what i got out of that

[MOFSTEEL]

My 19x8.5's weigh 19 lbs a piece.
If you buy a quality set of wheels the difference will be minimal between 18/19.
I do however use my stock 18s for the winter. Potholes are less friendly to 19's.

[CX-7&A4]

With a bigger tire, you need more steel belt. An example is the Sumitomo HTR Z, heaver in 19" with a smaller sidewall. Most of the others however are about the same.

[Kid Red]

19's are good for going fast in a straight line. I won't do too much weaving through traffic with them...if thats what you do , I'm running 18's in the winter and 19's during the summer months

Never been a problem for me.

[Erocko]

19's look the best. 18's are more practical.

I am so glad I chose 18's. I have hit so many massive potholes over here and haven't dented a rim or torn a tire.

I'd decide, based on where you drive. It rains a lot over here, resulting in potholes, and all the roads are old, so I need the extra tire.

[Hockenheim]

So I need you guys' input on this. I've been going back and forth on the decision whether i go with 19" or 18". So what is the real performance difference between them both?

I know that going with a 19" setup vs 18",

-it's generally heavier
-tires are more expensive
-tires have thinner side walls
-ride height a tad bit higher
-rubbing issues
-looks a hell of a lot better than 18's

What are you guys' thoughts?

18's are better

[[email protected]]

Unless you seriously track the car I don't think most people will 'feel' the difference between a 19" setup vs. an 18" one on the street.

If you roads are crap then get 18s since the extra tire sidewall will protect the rim.

If you have nice roads then get 19s but if you are longing to get 19s then don't settle on 18s as the mod itch to get what you want will drive you insane.

Finally... a good quality, nice looking 18" wheel is much better than a crappy 19" one.

Buy it once and buy it right... unless you are a wheel whore like myself.

[slimmj0k3r]

Never been a problem for me.

it isnt a problem however, the feeling isn't the same IMO. i'd rather play it safe

[Quattro]

if you track or auto-x (you hardly do) go with 19's, you dont live in a place with a lot of pot holes. You dont race your car, but you occasionally drive spirited. 19s will be ok.

tire differences are maybe, what $100 more? plus or minus, not a hugeee difference. if you ever track or auto-x with me, you take your stock wheels.

19s are great for show and daily, but not so well for tracking or auto-x, more expensive.

[ZEM930]

Your wheel and tire size will depend on what you really want the end result to be. My car is driven every day(over 100 miles per day) all year but I do not drive it in the snow, so I don't have winter tires on it.

I went with BBS RG-R 19x8.5 and have Dunlop Sport Maxx tires on them. My car came with the 18" S-line wheel with 235/35/18 tires. I stuck with a 235/35 but obviously 19". I lost 10 lbs per corner. So 19" is not always heavier. Maybe compared to the same combo with with an 18" it might not weigh the same but keep in mind you may have a smaller wheel but now you are working with a heavier tire since the sidewall would be larger. For instance, the 19" RGR is 21.3 lbs, the 17" is 18.56lbs. Not a big difference and that is a 2" smaller wheel. I don't have tire weights but would guess it is close to the same ratio from a 19 to an 18 in the same overall diameter.

I also have PSS9,s on mine, lowered and set at #5 on the street, and drive very spirited on both straights and winding country roads and have only had rubbing issues on the most extreme bumps and that is very rare.

The sidewall plays a big part in handling as the larger the sidewall, the more tire flex and roll you will have. On the street this is not a always bad thing but it does cut down on control and response. Adds a little sway into the formula as the car rolls on the sidewall a little before the tires grab on a curve. The larger sidewall will cushion the ride a little more but at the cost of feeling the road and slowing response.

18" wheels and tires look good but in my opinion, 19 is the way to go for these cars when lowered correctly. You can get perfect street and track performance out of the larger wheel size without having to panic over every bump. I have hit plenty of bumps and potholes and even lost a tire to one but never bent a rim. The lighter weight improves the handling and road feel and less rotational mass is like free horsepower.

Good luck with your decision

AMEN! Fianlly someone with some REAL answers!

Go 19"

RS4 has 19s Audi obviously designed these chasis to handle 19". If they didnt think it was better than it wouldnt be standard issue on a RS4.

Not an option on an A4 due to all the mom and pops out there that are going to hit a pot hole here and there. 19s will not be better on potholes!

I got VMR V710s and saved 2 lbs per corner over my stock 17s! Very very happy

[CX-7&A4]

The RS4 has 19's because it's got enough power for them.

[ZEM930]

The RS4 has 19's because it's got enough power for them.

Power has nothing to do with it....

An 05 Boxster had 240 horsepower and optional 19s.

I have a Porsche background so I make a lot of Porsche refrences lol

I just think Audi feels an RS4 buyer would be more carful knowing what they are buying. It's an enthusiasts car . The A4 needs to appeal to a much much broarder audience!

[CX-7&A4]

Power has a lot to do with it! Performance matter's when OE's pick out standard wheels.

Mazda3 16's/17's. Mazdaspeed3 18's
Porsche Cayenne S 18's. Porsche Cayenne GTS 19's.

[ZEM930]

^ Well yes and no. The Cayenne example for instance. All Cayennes can be fitted with 21s from the factory. Why? Becasue the chasis was built to perform with either way.

Wheels have more to do with chasis and suspension dynamics.


Manufacturers usually put bigger "better looking" wheels on the higher models to build value as well as enhace performance.


P.S. - GTS has 21's : D

[06B7audiA4]

19s are perfect or an A4 or A6...esp if you do a lil suspension work. I rocked 18s and loved them too...17s are to small and unless your sport'n them for winter, then id agree to have them.

[highlandarx]

The RS4 has 19's because it's got enough power for them.

By that same argument, S4's have enough power for 19"s, yet they come with stock 18"s.

However, the Stasis Touring and Challenge Edition (claimed to be fit for the track) A4s come with 19"s and still put out far less power than the S4 or RS4, and we all know that Stasis is all about performance...

There's nothing that says that one wheel size will give you better performance over the other. Obviously you wouldn't track a car rolling on dubs. What size wheels a manufacturer issues on its car stock has nothing to do with what it "recommends" for that car or what size will give you the best performance for that car, but they'll never issue undersized or oversized rims stock.

What it comes down to is the weight, durability, and quality of the rims. With those taken into consideration, its all about personal preference. There are many people who like to stick to stock or close-to-stock sizes because those are the sizes that have been calibrated with the speedo/tachometers, which is also something to consider...

So in reality supamannn99, you're back to square one...it's all down to personal preference man. I'm fighting the same battle with myself as well.

[Sharkfin]

Since I have a lot of experience with wheels sets on the b7 (I've had 7 sets myself, sold at least 12 sets) and I've gone from 16>18>19>20>20>18>19. Now that I've been around the block on what is does to the car, I have to say that for purely performance and ride characteristics for a year round vehicle and one wheel set, 18s are the perfect choice.

It took me awhile and many sets to come to that agreement with myself. Especially since I was a 20" wheel advocate saying it could look good and could be done. If you don't have to drive in any poor weather (snow/ice, rain is easy) then 19s are the best option when your looking for the best visual effect.

I've concluded that either work as long as you are dropped and you have proper width and offsets. It is really up to you.

[rbecker]

wait... we have turbos?!

nope, we have a turbo.

[Zebman]

^ Well yes and no. The Cayenne example for instance. All Cayennes can be fitted with 21s from the factory. Why? Becasue the chasis was built to perform with either way.

Wheels have more to do with chasis and suspension dynamics.


Manufacturers usually put bigger "better looking" wheels on the higher models to build value as well as enhace performance.


P.S. - GTS has 21's : D

Bigger wheels don't equal better performance by themselves; if not matched with the correct tire, they are only a hinderance. A 35-40 series sidewall on a tire, in my opinion, is perfect for tracking as they are stiffer. Go smaller and you risk stressing/bending the rim, which is usually 20"+ to utilize a <30 series sidewall, any bigger you're going to roll the sidewall over and the handling will be slightly mushy (depending on tire).

As for going fast in a straight line, the metal that makes up a rim is significantly heavier than the air held within the tire. When you move this weight outwards, the force required to move it and keep it moving increases exponentially, versus the weight savings which are not exponential. So rotating mass increases, and the weight you save is negated unless you had just came from a 28lb. 17" to a 19lb. 19".

I understand the dilema on looks, the thing is that I just don't give a fck. But if you do, get 18"s lol.

[Kid Red]

^ ...D

You have PM turned off, so I can't PM you.

[wayneB7]

Since I have a lot of experience with wheels sets on the b7 (I've had 7 sets myself, sold at least 12 sets) and I've gone from 16>18>19>20>20>18>19. Now that I've been around the block on what is does to the car, I have to say that for purely performance and ride characteristics for a year round vehicle and one wheel set, 18s are the perfect choice .... I've concluded that either work as long as you are dropped and you have proper width and offsets. It is really up to you.

Thank you! Although it would have been nice to have some sort of objective evidence though.

Still, since you went though all the sizes your experience that is good enough for me.

[Sharkfin]

But what does this tell you: I now have 19s I wanna look good too.

[wayneB7]

But what does this tell you: I now have 19s I wanna look good too.

To each his own. I like sleepers and so I am interested mostly in good, solid, reliable performance.

For me the 18's plus a mild drop (I drive on Houston roads and do not want to rub) and the right offset will give me the balance (performance and looks) I need. That is as far as I will go for looks.

[italian a4 1032]

19's
If your interested in some dpe wheels Nick at AE performance is going to do a group buy check the group buy section