i read thru a number of tire related threads this past week but still have some questions. i want to get 16 inch wheels and tires with no lift for my yr 2000 disco, what would you get? and would this set up be an improvement over my 18 inch tires with hurricanes?

I want to do a lift but will probably wait until until i do the coil spring conversion when the air suspension goes...

Thanks!

Matt

 

16" DII wheels come up for sale periodically.
18" would be better on road for handling.
18" look more gangsta, if that's important to you.
16" would be better off-road because you have more rubber between the ground and the wheel for a give tire OD.
16" would give you more tire options.
16" are often cheaper, or at least you have cheaper options.

 

I thought 16" wheels had better handling and smoother road comfort vs the 18" wheels? Or is was that a typo? Just curious.

 

Depends on how you define 'handling' - 16s will be smoother, but 18s will flex less and be more responsive. There's a reason sports cars use low profile tires.

 

18s will always be better for handling as there is way less sidewall flex. From 18" to 19" on my Volvo there was a large difference.

 

I dont think you would notice the difference in handling between the 18" and 16" wheels unless you were pushing the limits while cornering.
I would think you would feel the potholes more with 18" wheels because there is less tire to absorb the impact.

 

It really depends on the tire, but an inch of difference in the amount of rubber can make a difference. Yes, the more extreme the maneuvers the more noticeable the difference.

Handling and ride comfort are entirely different things.