19 vs 20 inch rims for comfort and handling

[Hos]

just wondering what people find 20's like for ride and handling etc. the few cars i have driven on 20's (VE's, VZ's and vx's) have all been ok, a bit firm but not as bad in the ve. i am worried bout damage to rims etc on country roads. also, how expensive do replacement OEM tyres cost? 18's for my ute i have been able to get for as little as $325.

cheers in advance

[hsvprez]

I noticed a substantial difference in my ve clubby with 19's compared to when i got 20" gts rims on them. The 19s were really easy on all types of road and absorbed bumps better than i imagined.

The 20's made it more prone to find a groove in the road and follow it and made the bumps more noticeable. But styling wise it's amazing what the extra inch makes. The just look better and my mates all agree.

Yep, they are more expensive when tyres come due, but as they are fairly common now, by the time u need to buy more tyres, they will have come down again. I have used forum sponsor wheelking and find their prices for original holden / hsv tyres unbeatable. About 30-40% cheaper than retail tyre place and pretty close for an original big brand through them compared to buying import from other places.

[feistl]

Handling - smaller is better
Ride - smaller is better
cost - smaller is better
power - smaller is better (larger wheels lower the RWKW of your car)
distance - smaller is better

looks - bigger is better.


Basically in every regard smaller rims are better (ideal size is 17"). There is no advantage to larger wheels other than looks.

[Wonky]

My two SSVs on 20" rims (and quite low) have ridden as well as my two VZ SSs on 18s (one FE2, one SSLs and KYB short shocks) did. From what I've read 20s on a pre VE are bad, but on VE they're fine.

[alexc2005]

you are definitely prone to damage with 20 inch chrome rims, mine have got a few dings in the outer edge- i can only assume they are from rocks and stuff.

[steves87]

Handling - smaller is better
Ride - smaller is better
cost - smaller is better
power - smaller is better (larger wheels lower the RWKW of your car)
distance - smaller is better

looks - bigger is better.


Basically in every regard smaller rims are better (ideal size is 17"). There is no advantage to larger wheels other than looks.

+1 For me too

[GRUNTS]

i've got 20's on my VY clubby, they have been on the car for 4 years now and i live out in the sticks so the roads arn't real flash and it rides good and i have never had a problem, if you go 20's make sure you get 35 series tyres not 30

[feistl]

if you go 20's make sure you get 35 series tyres not 30

What this depend on the width? The "height" of the rubber should always stay the same (to prevent the speedo going out, and to stay legal).

[BlownLS7]

actually 20;s will last longer in distance than 19's (due to larger rolling stock)

larger wheel can take larger brakes,


however 18's and 19's are much cheaper today that 20/22 are becoming the norm,

cheeers


Handling - smaller is better
Ride - smaller is better
cost - smaller is better
power - smaller is better (larger wheels lower the RWKW of your car)
distance - smaller is better

looks - bigger is better.


Basically in every regard smaller rims are better (ideal size is 17"). There is no advantage to larger wheels other than looks.

[TIR33D]

:rofl:
no - tyre should change in profile from 19 (40 series) to 20 (35 series).
I can have any size due to my job / business, my choice is 19. I drive on country roads daily and I can tell you that potholes at 100km/h hurt a hell of alot more than at 60. And by god, you think you left the wheel in the hole if your silly enough to hit them at 140+. Its not till 180 that you will skip over the hole, but then you still have uneven bridge surfaces and such that will hurt/bend rims.
Old black diamond runs 22's on his VE but will tell you its more about looks than performance. And its a city car (ie 60km'h)
I know of someone on this thread that had to replace a 20 inch rim after a trip up the newell hwy........No names.
If you are gonna be or country roads stick to 19's. You can stagger them up and they still fit most brakes in the right wheel design.

[CalaisRider]

Handling - smaller is better
Ride - smaller is better
cost - smaller is better
power - smaller is better (larger wheels lower the RWKW of your car)
distance - smaller is better

looks - bigger is better.


Basically in every regard smaller rims are better (ideal size is 17"). There is no advantage to larger wheels other than looks.


Yuppers I agree with all of the above.

I have 20s running top end quality tyres and look the part and handle reasonably well with the lowered Quadrant/Bilstein Suspension, but can be a tad harsh at times. I have a set of 18s for track work.

:)

[GRUNTS]

What this depend on the width? The "height" of the rubber should always stay the same (to prevent the speedo going out, and to stay legal).
35 series ride a lot better than 30's, i have 225x35 front 245x35 rear, just get the speedo calibrated as i did

[gc83]

ive got 19's on my vp commodore with 35 profile.
got king springs lowered with kyb shocks.

car is not extremely low....handles very nicely but the
ride comfort is ^$*# from a to z

also got a vz ss with 20's with 30 profile.
got pedders xa adjustable coilovers and adjustable ureathane bushes and car is very low re ride height. handles perfectly and comfort ride is superb.

in my opinion, its the suspension you have for the car, and also how
much you inflate the tyres that determines comfort and handling.

ive also buggered by 19's (scratches etc) with post holes in the 35 profile.

if you constantly drive on dirt/country roads etc...dont waste your time with fancy wheels etc...you will waste your money!!!!

[VXSS346]

Handling - smaller is better
Ride - smaller is better
cost - smaller is better
power - smaller is better (larger wheels lower the RWKW of your car)
distance - smaller is better

looks - bigger is better.


Basically in every regard smaller rims are better (ideal size is 17"). There is no advantage to larger wheels other than looks.

:goodjob:

It should be about the driving experience after all, shouldn't it?
You don't see the car anyway when your driving it. :D

[BlownLS7]

i could have ben on 15's phil and when a brick truck loses a pallet and doesnt go back to clean the road any wheel is going to cop it,

but thanks for reminding me i spent another 500 on the peice of shite,

cheers



:rofl:
no - tyre should change in profile from 19 (40 series) to 20 (35 series).
I can have any size due to my job / business, my choice is 19. I drive on country roads daily and I can tell you that potholes at 100km/h hurt a hell of alot more than at 60. And by god, you think you left the wheel in the hole if your silly enough to hit them at 140+. Its not till 180 that you will skip over the hole, but then you still have uneven bridge surfaces and such that will hurt/bend rims.
Old black diamond runs 22's on his VE but will tell you its more about looks than performance. And its a city car (ie 60km'h)
I know of someone on this thread that had to replace a 20 inch rim after a trip up the newell hwy........No names.
If you are gonna be or country roads stick to 19's. You can stagger them up and they still fit most brakes in the right wheel design.

[TIR33D]

lol, sorry

anyway, stick with 19 on country roads