Will be ordering an Electroclash 500S in Sept and am attempting to finalise spec. Is there a discernable difference between 15" and 16" wheels in terms of Comfort and Economy? I quite like the standard 15's that come with the S but also quite fancy the black 16's with the electroclash. AFAIK 16's knock about 4 or 5% off economy but is the ride noticably harsher?
General The 15" or 16" Debate
- Thread starter Mercky
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General The 15" or 16" Debate
I have the stock 16" alloy wheels on my TwinAir Lounge, and the ride seems fine. Seems a little harsh when going over speed humps, but not sure if it would be any better on 15".
If I had a choice I would've gone with 15" alloys for the improved fuel economy, but the 500C TwinAir Lounge only seems to come with the 16" here.
If I had a choice I would've gone with 15" alloys for the improved fuel economy, but the 500C TwinAir Lounge only seems to come with the 16" here.
You live in Australia though, your roads are billiard table smooth compared to the ones you encounter in the British Isles
To the OP, yes you'll probably see a few percent difference in MPG with the 15's and the ride quality will be discernibly better with 15's, but it's not OMFGWTFBBQ terrible on the 16's, so it's probably not something you'll regret massively.
For looks the 16" wheels will always look better
Yep - I totally agree with jnoiles. We too had the 16" 5 O spokes on our previous 500 and the 15" sports alloys on the current one and the ride is definitely less crashy and more forgiving on the 15's.
The Twins
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I've driven the TA on 15's and 16's
Slightly better ride (not night and day difference) with 15's and they do seem to hang on to grip for a bit longer 16's. I think it's that there is slightly more 'give' in the sidewall so they don't feel as edgy on the limit as 16's. steering feels a little more precise on 16's too.
Like jnoiles and a few others, I now run 195/50/15's instead of 185/55/15. They are cheaper in 195 size too : )
Having said all that I saw an 'S' with the Abarth style wheel option (16") and it looked amazing!
Slightly better ride (not night and day difference) with 15's and they do seem to hang on to grip for a bit longer 16's. I think it's that there is slightly more 'give' in the sidewall so they don't feel as edgy on the limit as 16's. steering feels a little more precise on 16's too.
Like jnoiles and a few others, I now run 195/50/15's instead of 185/55/15. They are cheaper in 195 size too : )
Having said all that I saw an 'S' with the Abarth style wheel option (16") and it looked amazing!
Don't forget that you've owned both different suspension designs.
As a factory option, the 16" wheels can provide a shedload of grip IF you get the Potenza RE050A's which I got on my car from the factory, I can't speak for the Continental premium Contact 2's in that size, but BGunn has no issues with them and I quite liked them on my 406, they had fantastic steering feel, good traction and let go in a very controlled manner
ahmett
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As a factory option, the 16" wheels can provide a shedload of grip IF you get the Potenza RE050A's which I got on my car from the factory, I can't speak for the Continental premium Contact 2's in that size, but BGunn has no issues with them and I quite liked them on my 406, they had fantastic steering feel, good traction and let go in a very controlled manner
Conti's are rubbish if you push the envelope. They are a touring tire after all. If you are a relaxxed cruiser no issue, but you really do see the difference in performance tires and normal tires.
Check this out, i found it interesting when i read it today.
http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/when-and-how-to-change-your-car-tyres
Ahmett, we all know your idea of driving
I've had the same Conti's on two different cars and they've been fine, whilst they may lose out in ultimate grip to other tyres, they give nice steering feedback and lose grip very predictably and progressively.
ahmett
Prominent member
Ahmett, we all know your idea of driving
I've had the same Conti's on two different cars and they've been fine, whilst they may lose out in ultimate grip to other tyres, they give nice steering feedback and lose grip very predictably and progressively.
I rember having this conversation with noiles amd he agreed with me about the contis giving up very suddently. They really scared me a few times! The mitch pilots are much better. But of course for most drivers the contis will do and are prob much better than the goodyear ecos
All I can say is how my Conti's were and they were superb on my 406, we had a pair on the back of our Subaru and if you tried to induce lift off oversteer on a roundabout they would give you plenty of warning.
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16" everytime .
Mark
.Mark
16" everytime
Mark
Statements which don't apply to everyone because not everyone has the same requirements, everytime!
Daniel
P.S Because you appear to like Citroens I have been nice to you.
Ahmett, we all know your idea of driving
I've had the same Conti's on two different cars and they've been fine, whilst they may lose out in ultimate grip to other tyres, they give nice steering feedback and lose grip very predictably and progressively.
I had conti premium contact 2s over 5 years only got rid recently, and they provided more than enough grip for the size of car. Only times I slid were induced either by me on purpose or by doing something daft, managed to lift the inside rear wheel under hard cornering on them more than once so maybe ahmett was using them wrong.
The Twins
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Ahmet is very enthusiastic ; )
Remember that when we compare our old tyres with new ones, the old ones are shot and the new ones are fresh.
Nothing wrong with 99% of big brand tyres unless you are splitting hairs 'on the limit' of handling/grip.
Remember that when we compare our old tyres with new ones, the old ones are shot and the new ones are fresh.
Nothing wrong with 99% of big brand tyres unless you are splitting hairs 'on the limit' of handling/grip.
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Completely agree the twins, this is why a lot of people buy budget tyres and when they're new, think they're better or as good as premium tyres.
ahmett
Prominent member
What i am saying is the mitch pilots have a higher grip threshold and is more predictable in low grip situations. With the contis suddenly and without warning i slid and actually scared myself as i didnt expect it at all! Luckily i was going slowly. With the Mitches this has never happened i can go on the edge and its actually the suspension that prevents you from going faster instead of lack of grip. I just feel that the Mitches have more grip than the Contis and feel safer on them as a result.
