Suspension differences between 17" and 18" wheels?

[MAW73]

David - and here's a link on the forum to a GTI with Vision Alloys....... I personally really like them and its nice to see a GTI with a different wheels for a change.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=153047.0

[am1w]

I wonder where the Captain is.
Miss his posts.
Beautiful car with those Vision Alloys.

[MAW73]

Yeh those wheels are really nice. I've never seen them on a car in the flesh. They look great on a black car, quite a classy look.

The cloth interior looks really nice as well in those shots.

[am1w]

Yeh those wheels are really nice. I've never seen them on a car in the flesh. They look great on a black car, quite a classy look.
The cloth interior looks really nice as well in those shots.

They sure are a Vision of loveliness and perfect with a black car.
Glad you like the cloth interior. It is unusually smart.

[herbie911]

Do you miss the 911?

Not really.
As brilliant as it was, it was as impractical, leaked fluids like a sieve and I just sort of stopped using it.
I went round Europe in it, did 18 laps of the 'ring, sprinted it at GTI International (even got a Class win...although there weren't many in the Class) and generally lived the dream...but I wasn't using it (maybe 800 miles a year) and it was sitting taxed, insured, serviced, warrantied etc to the tune of £3000+ PA.

So back to a GTI.

I loved the 911 to drive (Speed Yellow 996 C4S, manual, Sports Chassis, Aerokit, GT3 style wheels) but just sort of got it out of my system. And got a big mortgage.  :embarassed: Although I had the mortgage along with the 911. I just lost interest in driving a car that only made sense when driven at 8/10ths or above. The way the roads are, and other peoples perception of driving that way, made it a chore rather than a pleasure. So it went.

What a shame!
Its not that bad to run one if you pick the right model
I use my gen 2 C2S to shops gym or even b&q plus the odd trackdays; it is definitely more practical than a R8 or XKR etc.. Done 5000miles in 2 years with no problem
It even do 30mpg and only need servicing every two years. The main cost of ownership=depreciation---best model to get GT3
Downside of 911 ownership
You get the usual race at traffic lights from A3 and Golf turbo diesel
No one let you thru at busy junction
Woman prefer man driving Aston
Saying all this, I prefer driving my GTI to work---more comfortable and fast enough!

[Snoopy]

Yeh those wheels are really nice. I've never seen them on a car in the flesh. They look great on a black car, quite a classy look.

The cloth interior looks really nice as well in those shots.

As does the leather in your photo

[RickS]

Ok just to clarify...

17" are faster than 18" only due to the differences in unsprung weight.



Alot of the effects people experience is due to the change in weight of the wheels... not the size.

I think the major difference is caused by the larger radius not the weight; this gives a slight mechanical disadvantage to the drive train for 18's as compared to 17's, so theoretically the acceleration will be slightly slower, but I defy anyone to categorically state they can tell the difference.

[Exonian]

The rolling diameter will be more or less the same for either set of wheels, so no, you won't be able to tell the difference.
The only difference will be in ride quality, the 18s having less of a sidewall cushion will be slightly harder.

[Ess_Three]

I think the major difference is caused by the larger radius not the weight; this gives a slight mechanical disadvantage to the drive train for 18's as compared to 17's, so theoretically the acceleration will be slightly slower, but I defy anyone to categorically state they can tell the difference.

The difference in radius equates to around 6 revolutions per MILE difference...if you can spot that, you are a robot.

[Ess_Three]

The rolling diameter will be more or less the same for either set of wheels, so no, you won't be able to tell the difference.
The only difference will be in ride quality, the 18s having less of a sidewall cushion will be slightly harder.

!8" wheels tend to be slightly wider, and 19" wider again, so you end up with less sidewall flex as you go up, which gives sharper turn in, and will likely grip for longer before letting go, whereas a higher sidewall will atart to 'roll' off under heavy cornering.
The downside being less of a cushion as you say.