Check out the May issue of GrassRoots Motorsports on this subject. the 18's win over the 17's for consistency in lap itmes.

Constant radius turns.. the 18s had more grip and easier to manage. No real difference in the turn in

Less squirm from the longer contact patch, which translates to cooler tires in the long term so again 18>17

Cost however is always a factor as others above have noted

L8r

 

I have the Fpr1 17/10/+18 on nittos NT05 255/40/17

 

I have the Fn01R-C 5zigen 18x8.5 and i would like to go for something better, better chape and better performance, i have seen the buddy club racing QF whey so light but they do not make it any more, any one knows the weight of the SF version for 18x8.5??

I just wondering why expensive cars use heavy wheels and not a light weight?

 

I would never do xxr wheels....Enkei is the way to go.

 

Stupit question but was the information in that article Evo-specific?

I ask because I am sure that Mr. Mitsubishi designed the Evo VIII and IX with 17" wheels for a reason, just do not know what that reason is.

 

Yeah, that reason is cost and weight (not only for the wheel but also the tire), not necessarily for performance as your car is not a 'racecar'..... there are performance targets, as well as cost, weight, etc.... there are tons of reasons why the OEM chooses to do apply specific things to your vehicle, unfortunately you likely never know what they are.

 

Doesn't get much lighter than Desmond regamasters. 18x9.5 were around 20 lbs