19 vs 20 - why one or the other

[dgc333]

Interesting that the 19" tires tend to be more expensive than 20", that's a bit unusual. But the more expensive wheels will wipe out that advanatge for the initial purchase.

I found it interesting when it was posted that 20" tires have more choices and they are cheaper. I went on tire rack and checked, neither are true.

Prices below are all for Michelin Pilot Super Sports

255/40-19, 89 choices, $230 each
275/40-19, 67 choices, $304 each
265/35-20, 23 choices, $352 each
305/30-20, 17 choices, $424 each

I think it is pretty safe to say that if you stay within the same model tire that the price goes up with size and goes up with rim diameter. Also, the there will be more choices in a particular size when it has more OEM applications. The 255/40-19 comes on a lot of luxury sport sedans and that is the reason for there being many more choices in that size.

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[Need4SpeedMotors]

I found it interesting when it was posted that 20" tires have more choices and they are cheaper. I went on tire rack and checked, neither are true.

Prices below are all for Michelin Pilot Super Sports

255/40-19, 89 choices, $230 each
275/40-19, 67 choices, $304 each
265/35-20, 23 choices, $352 each
305/30-20, 17 choices, $424 each

I think it is pretty safe to say that if you stay within the same model tire that the price goes up with size and goes up with rim diameter. Also, the there will be more choices in a particular size when it has more OEM applications. The 255/40-19 comes on a lot of luxury sport sedans and that is the reason for there being many more choices in that size.

of course but many members are going wider as well keep that in mind.

 

[Grintch]

I found it interesting when it was posted that 20" tires have more choices and they are cheaper. I went on tire rack and checked, neither are true.

Prices below are all for Michelin Pilot Super Sports

255/40-19, 89 choices, $230 each
275/40-19, 67 choices, $304 each
265/35-20, 23 choices, $352 each
305/30-20, 17 choices, $424 each

I think it is pretty safe to say that if you stay within the same model tire that the price goes up with size and goes up with rim diameter. Also, the there will be more choices in a particular size when it has more OEM applications. The 255/40-19 comes on a lot of luxury sport sedans and that is the reason for there being many more choices in that size.

It's cheating when you don't compare the same width tires. Of course 305 tires cost more than 275's. The 20's do offer more options in wider rubber, that is ~ stock diameter. If Ford had only used a 26"-ish diameter tire rather than 27", it would have provided MUCH better tire selection for 18 & 19" wheels.

Oddly enough, the Car & Driver article makes that same mistake of not sticking to the same width, but otherwise it's good information on how bigger diameter wheels = worse performance.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...d-tires-tested

 

[Cars_1959]

Tazdevil there is a little more reasoning to why people go for 19 compared to the 20" everyone will have a different reason and is a debate that will go on for pages after pages. 19" will definitely be a weight saving and is more sought after for guys wanting a Motorsports look or motorsport track function, infact you even have guys like HRE who is always a reputable brand pushing on 18", this allows for performance tires that will grip on the track ( money here is usually not a factor) unfortunately you wont find many or any slicks or track performance tires in a 20" but plenty in smaller sizes. we at MRR Wheels are about to release such wheels in flow forge construction which will allow for 18" 19" performance sizes. thats also the reason the top Mustang GT350 and GT350R are set with 19" wheels although they can fit 20" they did 19" with a nasty performance tire ready to melt the asphalt.
thats my two cents plus more.

:cheers:I'll add my 2c and agree with this. So many choices and 20s have become so popular for that amazing look mean go fast stance.

IMO potholes love 20" wheels with low profile tires because they get to munch/hit on them when the less meaty tire hits the hole because the street can reach the rim easier. Talked to a 20" driver and he said never again because he's had to replace 2 wheels in the last 2 years after a pothole surprise.

20" can be more expensive for lots of reasons especially in the long haul.

Major Pro is that I've never seen 19" wheels ever look as cool as the 20" wheels do.:hail:

 

[Cars_1959]

Here is my car with the MRR GF9 wheel in 19", using the factory Pirelli tire.

Hmmm, now these 19" look very cool and the stance is just what I'm looking for later.

I haven't searched yet but this TY looks like it has lowering springs installed(?).

 

[Old 5 Oh]

Oddly enough, the Car & Driver article makes that same mistake of not sticking to the same width, but otherwise it's good information on how bigger diameter wheels = worse performance.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...d-tires-tested

Your link is broken. Try this one.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/effects-of-upsized-wheels-and-tires-tested

 

[MELLOWYELLOW06]

Hmmm, now these 19" look very cool and the stance is just what I'm looking for later.

I haven't searched yet but this TY looks like it has lowering springs installed(?).

Thanks.

Yes, I took it to Paul @ N4SM and they hooked me up with the Eibach pro kit just days before this shoot. It looks great and very driveable. Front has settled a bit more now.

 

[PhillMcKraken]

Do the 20" ride harsher than the 19s or even 18s for that matter?

My mustang is on order with the stock 18s and I am evaluating wheels for looks and feel, rather than performance.

 

[MELLOWYELLOW06]

The more sidewall you have, the smoother the ride, so naturally 18 will feel smoother than 19 and 19 smoother than 20

But with these cars, you can run meaty 20s to still be able to retain the fairly smooth ride.

 

[5starr0]

Ohhh thats what they mean by a meaty tire...i've been sticking pork chops to my tires this whole time

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

OK so lets do this debate then shall we

19" wide width wheels would you stick a DR on the back

I personally would but not many will. Only thing for me is the 19" tire selections for 305s shake my head lol

 

[5starr0]

OK so lets do this debate then shall we

19" wide width wheels would you stick a DR on the back

I personally would but not many will. Only thing for me is the 19" tire selections for 305s shake my head lol

you told me to get 19s in another thread though lol

 

[ridenfish39]

Some of us daily drive our cars and don't want to replace wheels every month whenever we hit a pothole. That's why I stuck with 19s. Love my TSW Bathurst, and they are 21 lbs each so I dropped a lot of rotational weight.

 

[5starr0]

I think those are the ones i want to go with also, think they are a great looking wheel

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

I think those are the ones i want to go with also, think they are a great looking wheel

yes brotha 19s are the way to go for performance and I like btoh 19s and 20s not saying either is bad sorry if it came out that way.

With the bathurst wheels you can go with a good size tire without having to use a DR tire for the rear.

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