[p1mrx]

> wheel upgrade

At the same size (17"), going from steel to alloy improves performance but reduces durability. Larger wheels (20") are generally a downgrade for performance and ride quality.

Engineering Explained has a video on this topic: NYvKxsYFqO8

[sokoloff]

Downgrade in ride quality for sure, but that’s the first I’ve heard of it being a performance downgrade. Will check out the video later to learn more.

[jerlam]

I believe the smaller wheels accelerate better because they are lighter, but corner worse. The smaller wheels also get better efficiency.

[therealdrag0]

Maybe just due to lift. Thinner wheels and lower car is better aerodynamics

[sokoloff]

Typically larger wheels come with lower profile tires, such that the total diameter of the tire stays about the same.

That means, for a given spindle height, the car ride height is the same regardless of wheel diameter.

[bruce343434]

tldw:

- wider wheels are marginally less efficient but almost negligible

- rims with larger diameter have larger air resistance. Probably because the rim patterns intersects the air in weird ways but it's not explained. Tire walls are relatively smooth, so tires with higher aspect are way more aero-efficient despite having more marginally lower rolling resistance.

[alistairSH]

Yeah, I kept 17", but went to alloy (I think).