Re: Aluminum 16" Wheels with P205/55R16 Tires vs. 17" with P215/50R17 Tires

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Re: Aluminum 16" Wheels with P205/55R16 Tires vs. 17" with P215/50R17 Tires

Mark

04 Sep 2005 23:52

I have Enkei alloys with 16s (came from the dealer like that) on my 2WD
Matrix. I don't think the 17s are that much different, they might look
a little better.

If you're looking for better handling, replacing the rear sway bar with
a heavy duty aftermarket unit made a huge difference, and it was only a
little over $100 three years ago.

Unless you really need AWD, I wouldn't bother. It's just something
else to go wrong and there is a weight, power and performance penalty
as you have noted.

Bud H

04 Sep 2005 20:21

I am going to be ordering/purchasing a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR FWD or XR AWD
within the next month.

I still have not yet decided whether 3 mpg less, 7 horsepower less, and 1.3
gallons of fuel tank capacity less are worth the all wheel drive.

If I get the AWD version, I MUST get 16" wheels/tires.

But, if I decide on the FWD version, then I have two choices of wheels if I
decide to go with aluminum wheels:

(1) 16" Aluminum Wheels with P205/55R16 Tires
(2) 17" Aluminum Wheels with P215/50R17 Tires

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two sizes? (Note - price
is not much of a factor, and quietness, ease of ride, and fuel efficiency
are more important to me than handling characteristics.)

Bud H

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