17 or 18 inch on GTI MK6

[alphabeatsco]

currently have a stock set of detriots on a mk6 gti...
since i'm changing rims, is it better to keep the existing 18 tyres and chuck it on the new rims?
or buy a set of 17s wth new tyres?

I do believe 17 have more traction and speed, as well as more affordable for tyres?

[walbjj]

currently have a stock set of detriots on a mk6 gti...
since i'm changing rims, is it better to keep the existing 18 tyres and chuck it on the new rims?
or buy a set of 17s wth new tyres?

I do believe 17 have more traction and speed, as well as more affordable for tyres?

be a man and get 19's

[alphabeatsco]

If I was to replace with 18 inch rim, I should be able to just fit the existing tyres on, right?

[Martin]

I do believe 17 have more traction and speed, as well as more affordable for tyres?

No - the outside diameter of the tire remains the same - hence no change in traction/speed

17" wheels will give more ride comfort over sub optimal road surfaces due to higher profile

Aftermarket alloys are a lot lighter - improved suspension performance over rough stuff

18" is likely to have better turn in performance due to lower profile (especially if you run higher pressure)

If I was to replace with 18 inch rim, I should be able to just fit the existing tyres on, right?

Yes

[Dutch77]

I think this has been posted before, but there have been various tests down overseas that generally show the 17s will outperform the 18s in things like acceleration and lap times when everything else is roughly equal.

Some of the articles are on here:

Objective comparisons on 17 vs 18" wheels/tires - VW GTI MKVI Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVI Forum / VW GTI Forum - Golfmk6.com

Having said that for day to day work the 18s will definitely look better, but will ride harsher.

I believe a lot of the R guys who track swap their 19s for 18s.. same sort of principle.

[Lemonskin]

17" are way cheaper for tyres. Will ride a little softer too.

Might not get the look you want through.

[Martin]

0.1 seconds faster on a flat out 0 to 60kmph run does not mean anything in terms of overall performance
Especially given front wheel drive cars are disadvantaged on standing starts

The 17" tyres are generally cheaper in the $180 to $200 region

The 18" 225/40/18 tyre is a common size and highly available
Here are Continental Contact Sport 3 in 225/40/18 for $208
CONTINENTAL 225/40R18 92W SPORTS CONTACT 3

A Michelin PS3 or Goodyear Eagle F1 in 225/40/18 will set your back ~$300

[Dutch77]

No I agree it's fairly incremental, I can't find it now but I am sure I've read (even on here somewhere a few years ago) that the Denvers lapped slightly quicker than the Detroits (ignoring any gains perhaps with light weight 18s and so on).

However for most people that is a moot point, it boils down to cost/ride v looks generally. For the OP given I already had the 18s I'd be inclined to stay with them, especially if you are fine with the current ride and if you have good mileage left on them.

I did look at some 19 options at one point for myself, but was more inclined to stick with the same sized 18s and just chase a different design/lighter weight. However I changed again and will probably keep the stock wheels and look at other things to change!

[Martin]

Yes, I also looked at 19" but can't bring myself to go below a 40 profile due to ride comfort and possible wheel damage from pot holes

[Dutch77]

Yes, I also looked at 19" but can't bring myself to go below a 40 profile due to ride comfort and possible wheel damage from pot holes

This.. 100% agreed, and then another step up in tyre cost all over again.

One day if I win lotto..