stock steel wheel weight vs. aluminum

[dennyrex]

A friend asks if I am not adding to the weight of the vehicle by buying with the stock steel wheels, rather than the aluminum wheels.
I read the following online and it made me wonder.

"There are multiple examples of steel wheels with weights essentially equivalent to aluminum wheels, including:

The Chrysler PT Cruiser uses a 15 x 6 wheel that in steel weighs 17.0 lbs. while their aluminum counterpart is 16.9 lbs.
The 16 x 6.5 base steel wheel for the GM Cobalt/Ion is 19.2 lbs. while the aluminum counterpart is 18.9 lbs.
The 16 x 6.5 steel wheel for the Chevy Malibu weighs 19.2 lbs. while the aluminum counterpart weights 18.9 lbs.
The 16 x 6.5 steel wheel for the Renault Megane weighs 15.9 lbs., while the aluminum counterpart weighs between 16.5 and 17.6 lbs.
As shown in the above examples, styled steel wheels do not necessarily have a weight disadvantage and in some cases can be lighter than aluminum counterparts. It is important to recognize that wheel weight is very dependent on the specific styling. The OEMs are now directing stylists to control wheel weight by giving mass targets for wheels to the styling studios. "

http://www.steel.org/AM/Template.cfm...ONTENTID=16133

Does anyone have the weight of the stock wheels compared to an alloy wheels such as offered on the Passion configuration. Thanks.

[smartier]

Was wondering the same thing re: pure vs. passion wheel weight. Anyone know?

[SmartPassion]

Haven't had time to weigh the wheels yet. But from what I've seen, steel wheels are generally not lighter than OE alloys. Compared to some aftermarket wheels, the "may" be. All depends on how the allow wheel is made. Less expensive wheels tend to be heavier because of their manufacturing techniques.

[jonnysan]

In the above examples where there is such a minor difference (like the difference of whether you weighed before or after lunch.....LOL!
Why the concern?

[dennyrex]

wanted to confirm to the inquirer (my friend) whether the smarts are using the latest tech steel, I guess. or whether I was smarter than he...

[phunkfarm]

acting as if a few ounces of wheel weight is going to make any difference on a car that can barely hit 90.

Areodynamics, sprung wheel weight, air filter replacement are all such nominal issues when dealing with a sports car in city driving let alone an econo-box. Get the wheel you like the looks of....geez

And please dont let me catch you with a scarf and racing gloves on driving your Smart...I may take a video of you and post it on youtube

[smartune]

Wheels are unsprung...

And filters make a difference, take a look at what is happening overseas.

-Dan

[smartier]

So has anyone had the opportunity to compare the weight of the passion vs. pure wheels?

[jkirsch]

Yeah, I'd like to see that info as well.

Nice to have some quantifiable values around here - just as a baseline, if nothing else. It would be handy to be able to compare aftermarket wheel weights (which are readily available) with the stock units (which seem to be state secrets) when making purchasing decisions.

Jeff in Atlanta

[Wheel Specialists]

Here is what I know on weights on Passion wheels
O.E. Alloy wheels
15x4.5 front 10.5 lbs/ 24.5 lbs with tire
15x5.5 rear 14.5 lbs/ 31.5 lbs with tire

I believe most people are buying the car for now as a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th car and just want it because it is different and want it to look cool. So just find a wheel that fits good and looks great and call it a day. I don't believe the majority will mind if you lose 10 mpg because of heavier wheels and or tire packages all though some will. For those of us who don't we will Drive it and enjoy it and try to help both sides!

Darren (WSI) 480-222-7213