Do bigger wheels = Better handling?
 

.....Or are they simply cosmetic?

To be more specific, I've been thinking about getting the 18" A Spec rims for a while now, but I'm wondering if I'll see an improvement in handling performance over the stock 17s as a result. I know tires play a part as well, I'm just trying to justify the expense. If it's simply cosmetic, I'm not sure I'll get them as the 17s look good.

lower profile and wider tire = better handling.

More rubber on the road=more traction

I'd say that wideness help, but not sure about wheel size (diameter)

Based on what you said and that the stock 17s and A Spec 18s are both 8" wide, the only benefit would be a slightly lower profile tire. I guess this is due to a shorter, stiffer sidewall?

Has anyone noticed an improvement from the wheel upgrade only?

Unless the wheel is wider, there's no more rubber on the road, correct?
The stock 17s and A Spec 18s are both 8" wide.

Allthough the smaller sidewall is giving you a slight performance gain in the responsiveness in the tire (on a winding road) the overall weight increase of the larger wheels (further complicated by the fact that it is ROTATION MASS) will actually decrease your performance in a straight line 0-60 sense. You can somewhat help yourself by trying to get light 3 piece wheels and lighter tires, but MOST of us should admit that we are in it for the individuality cause they look SO DAMN COOL :thumbsup:

Friends shouldn't let friends drive stock

Thanks. Yeah, that's kinda what I thought. If the performance gains were dramatic, more MBs, Audis and BMWs would come standard with 18 or 19 inch rims. Unless you upgrade, many of these cars still come with 16 inch wheels!!

The 18s do look great though....

I wonder if I could get a similar performance benefit from simply putting better tires on my 17s?

I have no idea about specific tire performance besides the ovbious differences in summer vs winter vs all season tires, their weights and speed ratings.......one of the tire guys on the board would have to help you there.

As far as wheel performance, If you start looking at the pro-rally guys, you will notice they are actually running on 15"& 16" wheels to reduce the rotational mass and get a bit more cushioning in the tires for the beating they have to take.

Still I like the look of the larger wheel and admittely it is a balance of performance to BLING. There is a website (I think from a miata/miami huricane guy) that give a ton of info on wheel weights, if you want to have your cake and eat it too, but the long and short of it is if you go with light 3 piece wheels like the HRE's or Maya's (like I have), then you will pay dearly for it.

I love that everyone here personalized their cars to their own taste and peer group. Some have to consider bad roads and the possibility of pot-holes in their decision. Some love chrome, some love gunmetal, etc... I'm actually very impressed with the quality of men an women on the board who will tell you if they like what you did but don't tend to flame your personal decision.

Hope you have a great time with your car. It is a tremendous value for the $$$

It is fun! I am absolutely having a great time with this car...That's one of the reasons I'm looking at the wheels, A Spec supension, rear sway bars, etc...I just want to keep upping the fun factor!!