Wheel diameter is a personal choice. But the thing about 16" wheels is there are more sizes and tire types available.
15” vs 16” tires
i want to replace the tires and wheels on my Sedan Delivery and looking for opinions on 15” vs 16” tires and wheels. Would like to retain the typical street rod look and stance of “ big and littles”, fronts being 205-65 and rears 235-70.
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Any specific performance goals, or just appearance? I don't think you'll notice much difference in appearance if you choose the right tire, but over the years there have been shifts toward larger wheel sizes. When I was a kid, 15" wheels were the special thing. 13-14 was the norm. Imagine my surprise when my 1996 Impala SS came with 17" wheels from the factory...whaaa???" Now pickup trucks come with 22s and 24s, and Corollas come with 18s.
It's even getting tough to find appropriate 15" tires for a Camry, let alone a large, full-size classic. A lot of the 15" options left are 185/65 stuff for things like a Nissan Leaf or a Toyota Yaris. 16" will open up many more options.
Going from 15" to 16" will have a (completely un-noticeable) negative affect on acceleration. If you were going from 15 to 18, I would say you might notice a difference, but 15 to 16 you'll never notice. The shorter sidewalls, however, might make a tiny difference in handling (again, depending on the tire you choose), but unless you've done some serious upgrades to the Sedan's suspension, it's a moot point.
I mentioned all of that to say: If you do upsize, do it because of appearance and/or tire availability, but it won't really affect any performance aspects.
It's even getting tough to find appropriate 15" tires for a Camry, let alone a large, full-size classic. A lot of the 15" options left are 185/65 stuff for things like a Nissan Leaf or a Toyota Yaris. 16" will open up many more options.
Going from 15" to 16" will have a (completely un-noticeable) negative affect on acceleration. If you were going from 15 to 18, I would say you might notice a difference, but 15 to 16 you'll never notice. The shorter sidewalls, however, might make a tiny difference in handling (again, depending on the tire you choose), but unless you've done some serious upgrades to the Sedan's suspension, it's a moot point.
I mentioned all of that to say: If you do upsize, do it because of appearance and/or tire availability, but it won't really affect any performance aspects.
Depends More on the tire diameter than the wheel , any change in rpm will affect performance & mileage ,the amount of change will determine the outcome there are many online calculators to help you figure your changes..
I was referring to moment of inertia. Even within the same overall diameter, a swap up to a 16" wheel will locate more of the mass of the whole thing toward the outside of the radius which affects how much energy is required to make it spin (and stop)... but like I said.... he'll never notice.
Oh look. A scientist !LOLI was referring to moment of inertia. Even within the same overall diameter, a swap up to a 16" wheel will locate more of the mass of the whole thing toward the outside of the radius which affects how much energy is required to make it spin (and stop)... but like I said.... he'll never notice.
Wheel and tire size gets confusing for many folks because they don’t understand the relationship between wheel size, aspect ratio and section width.
For example BMW offers 19”, 20”, and 21” tires on its vehicles, but as the wheel and section width get bigger they reduce the aspect ratio of the tire (go from 55 to 40 or 45) . This means that the overall diameter of the stock 19” tire/wheel is the same as the 21”. However, the rubber on the 21 is “shorter “ and has a lower profile. It just depends on how you want it to look.
I use a 245/75-16 tire on my truck because I think the taller sidewalls look better on a 4WD. If I had a car I would want a much shorter sidewall.
Bruce
For example BMW offers 19”, 20”, and 21” tires on its vehicles, but as the wheel and section width get bigger they reduce the aspect ratio of the tire (go from 55 to 40 or 45) . This means that the overall diameter of the stock 19” tire/wheel is the same as the 21”. However, the rubber on the 21 is “shorter “ and has a lower profile. It just depends on how you want it to look.
I use a 245/75-16 tire on my truck because I think the taller sidewalls look better on a 4WD. If I had a car I would want a much shorter sidewall.
Bruce
If right now, your wheel diameter (with 15" rims) are just to your liking, filling the wheel-wells just right, if you move up to 16" rims, to keep the same overall wheel diameter, you will have to go to lower profile tires, meaning the side of the tires will be lower/smaller. You will want to check you like the effect of lower profile tires, see if it is the appearance you like. The difference will not be much, but check just to be sure.i want to replace the tires and wheels on my Sedan Delivery and looking for opinions on 15” vs 16” tires and wheels. Would like to retain the typical street rod look and stance of “ big and littles”, fronts being 205-65 and rears 235-70.
Looking at it the other way, if you want to keep the same size sidewall while moving up to 16" rims, you will end up with a larger diameter wheel, which may not fill your wheel wells as well.
In theory (depends on people and tire quality), a lower profile tire will give better grip in curves and will feel a bit harsher for comfort. Changing just one rim size may or may not be noticeable, really.
No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last nightOh look. A scientist !LOL
Didn't see it mentioned as I skimmed but 16's may be cheaper i know 17's are than 15's. The more common the use the cheaper the price.
Also here is my fav wheel/tire calc comparer Custom wheels, rim tire packages
Also here is my fav wheel/tire calc comparer Custom wheels, rim tire packages
Thanks to everyone who as commented. I am looking for an appearance change from the present True Spoke rims to something on the order of the Rebel Ignitor wheels. The current wheel/tire combo fits the fender openings nicely so I think coiled match 16” tires without too much changes in the sidewalls or tire diameter.
I think you also need to consider the future availability of the 15" tires versus the 16" tires. My dad built a car in the 80s. He made custom 14" wheels. 14" tires were easy to find in 1985 - not so much now.
Changing the sidewall height visually makes a huge difference IMO , I think it nearly changes the stance !
Like was mentioned previously, going to a larger "wheel" requires using a shorter "aspect ratio" tire to keep the rolling diameter the same. Right now your 205/65-15's are about 25.5 inches in diameter. Your 235/70's are about 28 inches tall. To go with a 16 or 17" wheel the tire aspect ratio needs to get smaller. A 205/60-16 is about 25.68 inches tall, that will get you the same diameter as your current front set up. A 235/65-16 is about 28" tall so that gets you to where your back diameter is currently. This will not effect stance and you will never notice anything different with the way the car starts and stops.
I will also recommend you look into 17 inch wheels. Tire selection for both 15 and 16 inch rims is getting very slim. 17's are the "new" 15's and tire selection for those will be good for a long time.
Mark
I will also recommend you look into 17 inch wheels. Tire selection for both 15 and 16 inch rims is getting very slim. 17's are the "new" 15's and tire selection for those will be good for a long time.
Mark
16" tire sizes are very limited, I would think long and hard before investing in new wheels in that size.
Physically changing the stance is not necessarily the same as visually changing the stance..... IMO .Like was mentioned previously, going to a larger "wheel" requires using a shorter "aspect ratio" tire to keep the rolling diameter the same. Right now your 205/65-15's are about 25.5 inches in diameter. Your 235/70's are about 28 inches tall. To go with a 16 or 17" wheel the tire aspect ratio needs to get smaller. A 205/60-16 is about 25.68 inches tall, that will get you the same diameter as your current front set up. A 235/65-16 is about 28" tall so that gets you to where your back diameter is currently. This will not effect stance and you will never notice anything different with the way the car starts and stops.
I will also recommend you look into 17 inch wheels. Tire selection for both 15 and 16 inch rims is getting very slim. 17's are the "new" 15's and tire selection for those will be good for a long time.
Mark
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