Difference between 18 and 17 wheels

[gerg]

Hi,

I'd like to know from personal experience the difference between these two wheels and tires:

17x7 with 225/45/17 and 18x7.5 with 225/40/18

Pros and cons please,
Thanks!

[jap-freak]

Hi Greg. Well let’s start with the 17x7 with 225/45/17;
We all know the 225 is the width of the tire places on the road, the 45 is in actual fact 45% of the width of the tire, i.e. 225 x 0.45 = 101.25mm i.e. 3.98". The mag itself is a 17" mag and the 7" is the width of the mag, area where the tire fits.
Now the 18x7.5 with 225/40/18;
The 225 once again is the width of the tire, the 40 is 405 of the width witch is 90mm (3.54") and the 18" is the mag size.
Now the pros and cons. The 17" alloys will give you more rubber between the mag and the road. This will make the ride slightly softer. With less rubber between the mag and the road the more you feel all the little bumps on the road surface. Both tires are the same width, 225. So you’re not going to get better grip between them. With the 18” you’re going to see less rubber but also feel that there is less rubber. The circumference for the 17” = 1991.70mm (78.41”) the 18” = 2000.80mm (78.77”) the circumference can influence your rides speed.
I hope I’ve answered you question.