18" or not, help please

[mwadams]

I am unsure whether to fit 18" technology wheels on my 1998 C2 which has the sports pack (030 suspension, etc), these have been taken off and standard 17" fitted; the car handles well and I am unsure whether to go for 18" .... not just for looks.

I have sourced some wheels from PORSCHE APART.

The reason I ask is that my previous C4 had 18" sport design and I did not like the handling of the car with 18"

Any advice, help would be appreciated in terms of performance rather than looks !!!

Thanks

Mark

 

[Rotorhead]

IMO most Porsches are actually nicer to drive on slightly smaller wheels.

However, aesthetics rule and, over the last 30 years, 911s have gone from 15" to 16" to 17" to 18" to 19" and it is only a matter of time before 20" wheels are available. On Caterhams, for example, it is widely accepted that the smaller the wheels the better the handling, and the very fastest cars (SLRs, R500s etc) run on 13" wheels.

There are a number of reasons for this. Lower unsprung weight is one benefit. Another is the function of the tyre as part of the steering and suspension system. Up to a point, tyres with a higher aspect ratio tend to be more progressive and more predictable. Also, the ride tends to be less jarring on poor road surfaces.

Another consideration could be the make of tyres. Autocar reckoned that the 996 (on 18"s) handled better, and provided a more comfortable ride, on Pirelli P-Zero Rossos.

Finally, this is all academic if the geometry is not correctly set up.

 

[mwadams]

Oliver,

I would say that my 996 C2 handles much better with 17" and the sports suspension than the C4 handled with normal suspension and 18"

I am not that fussed about larger wheels or the 'bling' factor and its down to personal choice as always.

The car looks good with the lower suspension and 17" anyway, just trying gauge any benefits on performance.

Thanks

Mark