Jsuter wrote: ↑Mon Apr 23, 2018 8:23 am
I ordered the 18' Inscription 'standard' wheels because of ride confort with the 4C adaptive suspension. What disadvantage might I have having smaller wheels ? I am concerned about my choice now ....
Very basic description, but:
Smaller wheel = bigger tyre
Bigger wheel = smaller tyre
A smaller wheel/bigger tyre combo is going to put more air between the road and the alloy wheel, this is going to smooth out road imperfections and bumps. The fact there is more air between the wheel and the road means that air in the tyre is going to absorb more of the energy from the bumps, isolating them from the rest of the car. However, in situations where you are cornering fast you are likely to feel more 'wallow', and you'll get less feedback on what is happening between the road and the tyre, e.g. did it just slide a little or did you imagine it?
A Bigger wheel/smaller tyre combo is going to allow you to 'feel' the road better, giving you more feedback on what is happening both with the surface of the road and the results of your steering inputs. This will be an advantage going round the bends, especially if going fast, the car will feel like it is holding the road much firmer, and you will be much more aware if the car starts to slide. The down side is that the ride is likely to be much firmer and, although others on here say they didn't notice any difference, you are likely to feel more from bumps and potholes you hit.
Give me a small wheel/big tyre combo anytime, comfort over looks wins for me. If the FE was available with an 18" wheel I'd have gone for that option.
Bob
Ordered 24th February 2018: XC40, FE, T5, Crystal White, Lava Interior (additional black carpets), 19" wheels, mud flaps, Tow Bar, Polestar, was expected June/July, then 1st October.
Finally took delivery on 16th October 2018.