Hi guys, which combo you think will give a better performance in driving in general?

the 17" bullits with the standard pirellis?

the 18" aluminum bullits with the BF-goodriches?

my guess is that if the car with 17" has also 3.55 gears (2005 GT 5sp)

against the 2007 with 18" and 3.31 gears, the 2005 should be faster?

or the overall diameter of the wheels is so close there is no difference?

which is a better tire overall?

Thanks for the answers!

 

18's are going to handle better. Being a lower profile, they will react quicker to turning.
As far as faster, sure the 05 has a slight edge with the gear ratio.

 

The outside diameter is pretty much the same....the difference is inconsequential.

 

Yeah, the total rollout of each tire is almost identical, so much so that Ford does not program the computer/speedo any differently for either wheel. I have the 17" w/Pirelli's and I think they have excellent traction. As far as cornering, the 18's would probably react a little quicker, but I don't know if it would be too dramatic. I have never driven a 'Stang with the 18's.

 

I switch in the winter to 17"s I can defintly feel the difference.
But factor in the snow tires performance difference too tho.
It is a V rated tire, but softer rubber. And I changed the tire and size from factory to an even lower profile 255/45/18. So there is a pretty good change in the way the car handles.