To 18 or not to 18?

**Gti Dave** · 03-12-2008, 01:37 AM

Just been looking at my polo gti recently and noticed that the factory alloys seem a bit small particularly with the body panels being relatively flat it kinda makes the wheels look small. So, I've decided to upgrade the wheels to something larger and quite liked the 17" R-Line VW wheels but apparently are not available in Australia through VW dealers. Although the Exor wheels are alright, they're just too expensive from the dealers (quoted around $2200 plus tyres and fitting). So, I set out the the various wheel and tyre retailers and came across a set of 18" VW style multispoke rims that looked awesome. Only problem is I have yet to take my car to them to see if it will fit and the type of tyres and alternative sizes of 17 inch if available in that style. Could anyone offer me any suggestions as to whether I should go 18 or 17 inch sized wheels? I rekon 18 might look nice as it fills up the wheel wells better and won't need to lower the car but not sure if it would look too big.

Cheers.

**Bubu** · 03-12-2008, 05:25 AM

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=19257

Have a look at this thread it may help you make a decision.

Some people here think that 18's are not suitable for Australian roads. I personally think they look awesome. But I dont have 18's so I dont know if I could live with them on my daily driver.

**Blitzen** · 03-12-2008, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by Gti Dave

Although the Exor wheels are alright, they're just too expensive from the dealers (quoted around $2200 plus tyres and fitting).

Jesus, thats rich...When I ordered my Polo, I had to pay $2100 with tyres for the Exors...Which ended up not getting delivered with the car anyway.

Saying that, I am very happy with the look of the 16's, and they have grown on me, although I will be getting 17's at christmas.

**VW GTI** · 03-12-2008, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Blitzen

Jesus, thats rich...When I ordered my Polo, I had to pay $2100 with tyres for the Exors...Which ended up not getting delivered with the car anyway.

Saying that, I am very happy with the look of the 16's, and they have grown on me, although I will be getting 17's at christmas.

I got them for $1750 with tyres fitted (but them keeping my stock wheels).

I wouldn't go 18, they throw the proportions of the car out.

**Chipped** · 03-12-2008, 09:36 AM

17", 18" will kill your ride comfort. I find even with 17", H&R Springs and Bilstien shocks, the ride suffers a bit from 16". BUT I reckon if your prefer the look of 18" DO IT!! You want be lowered tho.....

**fuzion** · 03-12-2008, 10:59 AM

forget ride
forget comfort

realise they are bigger wheels, larger wheels take longer to rotate, therefor your take off will be slower + you will definitely feel the weight on a small car.

so think about if you want to lose a bit of pull at the start for the look your after

**blutopless2** · 03-12-2008, 01:41 PM

we bought our polo gti in jan 07.. had 17" R-Line wheels fitted by dealer. love them.
not sure how 18's would go but 17's are great.

**RhysQ** · 03-12-2008, 01:58 PM

look at the amount of cars rolling around australia with rubber bands for tyres.....i'm talking ridiculous 30 and 35 profiles. if it was that much of a problem, not that many cars would do it.

when i was in south africa (referring to the linked post) the roads were noticeably worse than ours and i did not see 1 car with REALLY low profile tyres.

Originally Posted by fuzion

forget ride
forget comfort

realise they are bigger wheels, larger wheels take longer to rotate, therefor your take off will be slower + you will definitely feel the weight on a small car.

so think about if you want to lose a bit of pull at the start for the look your after

you've got a good point there fuzion....it a pose vs power decision. i really like the look of 18's but for me to get them i would also get an FMIC fitted to counter the extra weight....