When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Duh, it's physics at play! Great article but it's missing the science to it!
Thinner sidewalls allow for more direct road feel, less lag from steering inputs and less flex during cornering.
As far as size and weight goes:
The more the weight is pushed outwards from the center of Torque, the more force needs to be applied! Plus larger wheels themselves are heavier with tires being about the same weight!
For example 17's vs 18's:
Thus it's easy to see M*17^2 < M*18^2 where M is the mass of wheel and tire combo and I (the result) is MOMENT OF INERTIA IE TORQUE REQUIRED TO MOVE OBJECT.