On small cars...less is more (IMO)

[MarkB]

I personally can't stand when people put really large wheels on very small cars. It looks tacky to me. I understand bigger wheels are all the rage right now, but sometimes I think people get so caught up in the size of the wheel they forget to think about what really matches the cars attitude. I know it's hard for people to get around it, but I think a good example is to look at the original Austin Minis. They look really nice with the tiny ralley wheels. Look at these pics below and be honest, which looks better (i.e. tastefully).




I'm not the biggest fan of those particular wheels, but you get the idea. A smaller wheel looks much more sporty and less "wannabe" to me. Does anyone in this modern world agree with me?

[jwight]

We have 12 inch wheels on our Mini, up from the original car's 10 in. The later models (before the BMW takeover) went to 13 in. Stock setup, the 10 in wheels are the best handling; as the diameter goes up the car gets more "tippy", if that's a word. Can't imagine how the one in your first photo keeps from rolling over in the turns, unless it's had a complete suspension change to coil overs or the like.

[SmartyPants25]

I couldn't agree more! That and giant spinners on a 1980 honda accord with rusted paint. Just plain... ghetto.

[SmartPassion]

Originally Posted by MarkB

Look at these pics below and be honest, which looks better (i.e. tastefully).

The top one with the oversized wheels looks like a giant HotWheel. My Mini will look like that one day.

[GHammerly]

Agree, I like smaller diameter wheels better too.
My only gripe is that tire companies are not making high performance street tires decent enough for my standards in any thing smaller than 15.
Yes there are some race compound tires smaller than 15 but they are expensive and rough.
My favorite performance tire is Bridgestone RE-01R, I race my Miata on street tire class on 195-50-15, this are the dominant tires on SCCA street tire classes.

[SmartPassion]

As much as some of use likes smaller diameter tires and older cars, the fact is the market doesn't care for them. There are lots more Honda Civics and SUVs with giant wheels than there are early Mins - at least in the US.

Originally Posted by GHammerly

Agree, I like smaller diameter wheels better too.
My only gripe is that tire companies are not making high performance street tires decent enough for my standards in any thing smaller than 15.
Yes there are some race compound tires smaller than 15 but they are expensive and rough.
My favorite performance tire is Bridgestone RE-01R, I race my Miata on street tire class on 195-50-15, this are the dominant tires on SCCA street tire classes.

[SmartAzz]

I agree with the idea, small cars small proportionate wheels, but all in all can't say any general rule will always apply - some car designs will just look better balanced with the wheel wells filled out more. All in all though I'm not a fan of giant wheels for giant wheel's sake, esp as it degrades car performance. Same goes for too wide wheels/wrong offset, I think when they poke out of the fenders it looks silly.

[dennyrex]

I agree with "appropriately" sized wheels. 13" for the R5 was good. I do remember getting 12" tires was difficult in the 70s for the Crosley, though. I think the Subaru 360 had 10" wheels ...
15" for the smart was an early sticking point with me, as I associated them with big american sedans. I've gotten used to it. or resigned to it. ;-)