Saab Tech Talk (STT)

Workshop for classic Saab models => Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) => Topic started by: BigMike on 07 June 2012, 01:41:31 PM

Title: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: BigMike on 07 June 2012, 01:41:31 PM
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
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: phoenix on 07 June 2012, 01:50:00 PM
Pros:
- increased ride comfort
- less chance of kerbing

Cons
- less precise steering
- duller handling
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: BigMike on 07 June 2012, 01:55:26 PM
Thanks, Phoenix.

Is that pros for 15 inch wheels?
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: phoenix on 07 June 2012, 02:16:45 PM
Yes, it's the pros & cons for changing from 16 to 15
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: jmblack on 07 June 2012, 03:09:17 PM
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

Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: BigMike on 07 June 2012, 04:03:42 PM
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
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: jmblack on 07 June 2012, 04:27:55 PM
Do like those - they're what I'd describe as "proper" SAAB style wheels!
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: phoenix on 07 June 2012, 08:15:32 PM
Yep, definitely one of the best looking wheels on this model  8)
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: wrighar on 07 June 2012, 11:33:42 PM
I've a set of these in the garage 16" with Goodyear F1 tyres, owned by John.

(http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/saab/2745089.jpg)
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: BigMike on 08 June 2012, 09:53:48 AM
Nice looking car - nice wheels :)
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: wrighar on 08 June 2012, 08:04:09 PM
Quote from: BigMike on 08 June 2012, 09:53:48 AM
Nice looking car - nice wheels :)

Speak to the man.

http://www.saabtechtalk.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=12
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: Max Headroom on 08 June 2012, 08:58:20 PM
Nice car!

Wheels aren't bad either!  ;)
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: Mark_Sims on 12 June 2012, 02:28:00 PM
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.
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: jmblack on 12 June 2012, 06:32:11 PM
Which did you go for? The million spoke ones I've got which look great but take hours to clean or the others?
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: Mark_Sims on 13 June 2012, 08:51:27 PM
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.
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: Max Headroom on 13 June 2012, 11:11:12 PM
I've got double 'Y' but prefer plain old five spokes. The less spokes the better in my opinion ...But then I'm one of these nut jobs that likes my car clean and shiny  ;D
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: john on 18 June 2012, 02:17:03 PM
Quote from: wrighar on 07 June 2012, 11:33:42 PM
I've a set of these in the garage 16" with Goodyear F1 tyres, owned by John.

(http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/saab/2745089.jpg)

I must come and get them! 
Title: Re: 15 or 16 inch wheels - what's the difference?
Post by: BigMike on 28 August 2012, 02:40:48 PM
I did buy those wheels I mentioned at the start of the thread.

My girl thinks they look "dead sexy" - nothing else need be said lol