Wheel size...which is better?

[lookoutsmudger]

Hi to the forum,

Appologies if i'm touching on a subject which i suspect most of you on here have covered but i've only just joined the GTi fraternity so bare with me !
I've just brought a 5 door Mk5 08 plate in black. Looks superb i must say but its completely standard. I was looking to fit 18" Monza's onto it but have soon realised this is not as straight forward as i thought i.e rep's are not OEM size, build quality varies, OEM wheels are a small fortune etc etc.
Before i commit myself to purchasing a set of 18" wheels (which i think look far better than the 17") of either OEM or Rep i would like to hear your thoughts. Does the increased size affect the handling? Is there an increase in road noise? What are the pro's and Cons?

[ifti]

Actually, this is a good question. Wouldnt mind knowing the difference myself!

[DanoGTI]

I've been spec'ing them for my Golf (that I have yet to find)

Did a fair bit of research and the main issue with the 18" is that of "-

1. whiteworm - oxidising of the alloy..... VERY difficult to fix. Includes the centre caps
2. Handling is different - some like it, some don't.
3. Road noise is marginal, as it is more so to do with the quality of tyres.
4. OEM all the way. The copies are NOT very good.

Needless to say, I'm not contemplating cars with 17".

Dan

[dustybones]

Go OEM Monza2 if you can get them, they do crop up every so often, not all are affected but white worm, mine arent and are just about 3yrs old. Try not to get any dings in them cos it will allow salt etc under the lacquer. Plus I deffo think the car looks much better with them cheers

[dan_apps]

handling wise i dont think you will find a difference, yes people do say that there is a difference in ride feel but TBH i have 18" monzas and my mate has 17" and whenever im in his motor i cant say ive noticed a difference.

[lookoutsmudger]

Cheers for the info so far...I think i'm probably going to wait for some OEM's 18" Monza's to crop up on fleabay. Get them refurbed if ness, that way the fitment should be perfect.

[Gene Hunt.]

What is the offset on orginal Monza alloys please ?.

[Hurdy]

What is the offset on orginal Monza alloys please ?.

51 offset.

[Hurdy]

I've just made the swap from 18" to 19" and can feel the difference, but it is still more subtle than you'd think. The lower profile means that the bumps, ruts and road surface variances are transferred more readily to the cabin, although it doesn't necessarily transfer feel at the steering wheel. There is a little more mechanical grip as the 19's are 235 section, rather than 225 section, so I'd say the transfer from 17 to 18 would be less marked as they both have 225 section rubber and ergo similar contact patch.

[C4]

I've just made the swap from 18" to 19" and can feel the difference, but it is still more subtle than you'd think. The lower profile means that the bumps, ruts and road surface variances are transferred more readily to the cabin, although it doesn't necessarily transfer feel at the steering wheel. There is a little more mechanical grip as the 19's are 235 section, rather than 225 section, so I'd say the transfer from 17 to 18 would be less marked as they both have 225 section rubber and ergo similar contact patch.

HI Hurdy,

Could you tell me the dimensions of your alloys and tires please as im still so lost on what size fits perfectly on the MK5, eg offset 51 19x9.5 alloys, 235x35x19 tires, many thanks C4