15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?

[BigMike]

I have the option to buy a set of 15 inch alloy wheels of a N-reg convertible. They look to be in nice condition and are a nicer design, imo, than the boring ones I have on at the moment.

Currently I have 16 inch wheels.

What are the differences I may experience between 15 and 16 inch wheels?

Thanks,

Mike

[phoenix]

Pros:
- increased ride comfort
- less chance of kerbing

Cons
- less precise steering
- duller handling

[BigMike]

Thanks, Phoenix.

Is that pros for 15 inch wheels?

[phoenix]

Yes, it's the pros & cons for changing from 16 to 15

[jmblack]

15" - much greater comfort (although 16" hardly bad), but look a bit like "casters" rather than wheels, especially as we all get used to seeing larger wheels.

Some good 17" offers from eBay if you fancy splashing out - proper suppliers too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Saab-Genuine-Alloy-Wheel-Set-of-4-Brand-New-17-12787995-/160798666589?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET&hash=item257058ef5d

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Saab-Genuine-Alloy-Wheel-Set-of-4-Brand-New-17-12848703-/160798649998?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET&hash=item257058ae8e

[BigMike]

Thanks, guys - those wheels on ebay are outside my price range and, to be honest, look like hard work to clean.

The wheels I'm talking about are like the wheels on this car:

http://www.netcarshow.com/saab/1998-9-3/800x600/wallpaper_01.htm

I can get a used set with tyres for £100.

Mike

[jmblack]

Do like those - they're what I'd describe as "proper" SAAB style wheels!

[phoenix]

Yep, definitely one of the best looking wheels on this model 

[wrighar]

I've a set of these in the garage 16" with Goodyear F1 tyres, owned by John.

[BigMike]

Nice looking car - nice wheels

[wrighar]

Nice looking car - nice wheels

Speak to the man.

http://www.saabtechtalk.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=12

[Max Headroom]

Nice car!

Wheels aren't bad either! 

[Mark_Sims]

Thanks for those links to the 17", cheaper than refurbing my old ones (for the time being). Those alloys have arrived now and are nice.

[jmblack]

Which did you go for? The million spoke ones I've got which look great but take hours to clean or the others?

[Mark_Sims]

The lesser 14 spoke ones (or 7 double spoke ones).  The old double Y I will keep and probably refurbish one day, but for now need to go to a local tyre place to get them all swapped over.