Ok, I know the 18" tires have been delayed, who doesn't? I myself really don't know the advantages/disadvantages of going with the 17's or the 18's. Can anyone shed some light on why 18's are better than 17's (or why 17's are better than 18's)?

 

Why base an entire car-buying decision on wheels? Wheels are the easiest thing on a car to change. Just get the car you want, when you want, and when the 18's come out, buy those and sell your 17's.

 

I think it has more to do with looks rather than performance. Like there is not really any performance difference between chrome and polished wheels. But then agian I don't know too much about wheels.

 

I was referring to the actual tires, not the rims.

I won't be getting the car till around May anyways (gonna wait till I graduate). It's just if the 18's are available then (and they should be) I'm wondering if I should pay the extra money to get them.

 

oh sorry read right past the tire part haha

 

The 18s are more easely damaged, give you a harsher ride, and the extra low profile tires are much more expensive...I would stick with the 17 inch wheels

 

but 18s look better

 

Yeah, the 18's look way better Why didn't Ford get their act together and get those ready for launch I don't care for the Bullitts that come with the car and I don't care to pay extra for the "concepts" that are optional. :notnice: The only ones I like are the "Fans" and they are holding them back for who knows why?? Probably a money driven issue :angry: Looks like I'll be getting the Bullitts :notnice: Not happy with it but what are you gonna do??

 

The 18s may never be offered for the 05 model year. Ford has never said that they will be available.

 

You can purchase some excellent after market wheels that would look great on the car. I think that the 18's or maybe 20's like the original concept Mustang, would look alot better.

 

In order for 18s to have that same overall tire diameter they have to have less sidewall then 17s and therefor have a stiffer sidewall which translates to a harsher ride and less performance on the quarter mile and slightly less performance on the road course
not to mention the dent easier

 

In the video I took where the red GT is being loaded into the truck, you can hear one of the chief Mustang engineers state that the 18's will be available about a year after the cars introduction (There's a link to the video below, which LGO430 is currently hosting). I take that to mean the 2006 model year. But who knows?

Personally, I prefer the 18's to the 17's being offered. The 17's IMO have too much sidewall and are too narrow. So I'm deciding whether to get the '05 at launch, or wait until the 18's are available. I suppose an alternative (which someone already mentioned) is to get the car at the launch (especially if the 18's are delayed a year), and sell the 17's in order to buy the 18's when they become available. I don't know how much that entire transaction will cost. I'm guessing quit a bit.

Video

 

Aren't you trading less sidewall for more grip on the road (wider tire)? And I thought the less sidewall, the less roll on the tire and better handling?

 

wait so now bullits are standard on the GT?? awesome

 

also the mustang in that video sounds awesome

 

If you can afford to go aftermarket, they buy the car in May either way. If the 18's are available, get them. If not, buy some aftermarket rims & tires but expect to pay quite a bit more.

If you REALLY like the 18" fanblades or would like to get them for a good price, you may be waiting another year.

I'll be doing the former. This will be my LAST summer without a Mustang.

 

Also, the tire + rim diameter has been increased for 05. I assume that the amount of sidewall on the 18's on an 05 will be about the same as the amount of sidewall present with the 17's currently.

Because of the increased diameter of both, the ride should be equivalent to the current car (or better because of improved chasis etc).

Also, wider tires look nicer and larger rims IMO are better proportioned to this car. You will also have a larger footprint with the 18's which will improve handling.

The 17" ride will be smoother than the 18" ride quality, but the improvement doesn't compare with the looks of the 18" + wider tires IMO.

 

I am with you Dan, this is the last summer without a Mustang

once I know for sure what the situation is with the 18's I can make a decision as to when I would get the car. If I have to wait until late may, at the latest, then I will wait for the 18's. Otherwise, I will order the '05 early next year to get it when the snow melts away. If I get the itch for 18's in the future, I can always buy an aftermarket set or take-offs from ford.

 

Exactly. I'd almost want to get my car by Spring at the latest. But would wait an extra month or two if they had 18" rims or ducktail or handling package etc.

 

I think the car may have designed for 18s, and thats why we have a 17 with a tall sidewall now that the 18s fell through. Heck, you could fit 19's in easily with the '05's overall tire diameter

correct me if i'm wrong, but you could go 255/40/19