Originally Posted by Torque
I saw this thread and figured I would ask the same question. Only difference is the roads in Boston, Taxachusettes are really jacked up ( Mostly in the city due to the construction) I'm really considering 17's for my 6thGen because of this but love the look of 18's. I'm only lowered about 1.5 front and back on Koni Yellows and Eibach Pro Kit springs. The ride is already pretty firm. How much of the acceleration is affected by the 18's?? Anyone?
Well if you are worried about the roads, loss of ride quality, acceleration, 17s might be a better option. If you want a "larger wheel" look, try to avoid wheels with a lip, that can make some wheels look smaller. As far as how the acceleration is affected...I swap my wheels and tires for winter with some 16" Acura wheels, with 205/50/16, and when I swap back to my 18s in the spring, I notice it for a couple days...just a very slight lag in acceleration, and the last few feet stopping for a stoplight, etc...but it seems like only when the brake pedal pressure is light. It's so slight that I don't notice it after a couple days, and the first couple days it's very subtle.
Just make sure you get some lightweight wheels, no matter the size. My 18x7.5's are 19-20lbs, which isn't bad for what I paid. You can get lighter, but you'll pay more.
Bottom line, if you want 18s...the slight difference in acceleration and braking isn't enough of a factor. In fact if you have real crappy tires right now, the new tires on 18s might actually improve it.