General 15 or 14 inch wheels.

[JayAre]

Hello,
Just joined.
I’m looking for a 2012+ Panda and have seen a 2013 Lounge that looks good.
It has 15 inch wheels. Any thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of these over 14 inch on the Easy and Pop?
Thank you.
T.

stick with the original factory spec (as supplied on the new car to the dealers) for two reasons:
- 15” are absolutely fine (mine have them, they ride+handle well, and many members here will have them as OEM)
- if they are changed to non-factory spec then:

• you’ll have to disclose the wheel/tyre spec change to your ins company (or your policy will likely be invalidated)
• you’ll likely have to pay a higher premium (you’ll be regarded as a higher risk driver)
• you’ll also have to disclose this every time you get quotes at renewal time (gocompare etc)
• non-standard wheels+tyres is the biggest ‘bogey’ for ins companies - it’s just hassle, and not a ‘road’ most people want to travel

As for getting a ‘proper’ spare tyre, remember you’ll also need the correct jack+tool kit (these are often available on eBay but may not be as cheap as you’d hope…)

 

[The Panda Nut]

Thanks for all that expert info.

Are 15s better than 14s for long journeys? Motorways etc?

No difference whatsoeveras far as I can tell.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

The tyres fitted to the 15inch wheels are a lower profile (less sidewall height) than those in the 14 inch wheels, so the overall wheel/tyre diameter is (more or less) the same. In theory, a 14 inch wheel with ‘taller’ tyres will soak up bumps better (more sidewall ‘squish’), and a 15 inch with lower profile will potentially corner better owing to less flexing of the sidewalls. In reality you probably can’t tell the difference

 

[jrkitching]

Are 15s better than 14s for long journeys?

In my opinion. no; the ride is more comfortable on 14" wheels. I can tell the difference, but the difference isn't that great. What difference there is probably won't be noticeable at all on motorways. Personally, I'd just stick with whatever the car came with.

On 16" wheels, though, it's significantly worse.