I am a little tierd of this whole weight issue as the only reason to not like bigger wheels. Theory is nice and all, but it usually doesn't really pan out that way in the real world (in this case).

1) weight doesn't really play much of a role in actual lap times. Case in point, in the following article, a 21# gravity cast 5Zigen wheel went faster than a 17# forged Volk wheel (same size, same tire, same car, same day, same track):
http://www.modified.com/tech/modp-09...ter/index.html
(I have read other tests in different mags where they went up in size and it had zero impact on 0-60 times)

2) Tires weigh about 25# + themselves, and have a greater impact on actual performance due to the weight having a greater effect on the rotating mass.

3) Quality and wheel design play a big role in actual weight. Larger wheels can actually weigh less than smaller wheels. Heck a 19x8" Enkei RPF1 (not even forged) weighs 19#. That is lighter than an 18" Axis 18x8" wheel which weighs about 21# (depending on style, it might be +-0.5# difference).

4) Tire sidewall height has an impact on performance. A smaller sidewall (larger dia. wheel) can be more responsive due to less sidewall flex.

and most importantly.......

5) Tires have far more impact on actual performance (lap times) than the wheel.

But, really, we need to take a step back. We are talking about street cars here. I bet I could put on "light" stocker 17s and then swap to "heavy" 20s and very few people would actually notice a difference. What difference they might notice is minimal and probably would not effect the feel of daily driving.

 

Not sure what either of those cars will be "dominating", other than some stripe and body kit installer's timesheet.

 

Since both cars have intercooled pro-chargers, long tube headers and suspension & brake upgrades on them... they will be dominating more than you think!

 

Love 'em!!!!

 

Ahh interesting