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18" or 19" wheels
- Thread starter octoad
- Start date
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- Driving Dynamics Model 3
Sandiegodoug
Active Member
I think 19s will handle better but 18s will give a less harsh ride, and a little longer range on the freeways
gg_got_a_tesla
Model S: VIN 65513, Model 3: VIN 1913
Sure, but how much better handling? I've driven in a car with 19's, but how well does it handle with 18's?
Sandiegodoug
Active Member
EV-lutioin
Active Member
Drivers are reporting 5 % gain in range with 18" aero wheels and Tesla engineers are claiming up to 10% more range.
The ride with 18's is already choppy so I'd be reluctant to have 19's. The cornering even with 18's is phenomenal, I can't imagine needing 19's as the car with 18's already sticks to the road like glue.
Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. I briefly drove in an M3 that had 19's, and the ride and cornering reminded me of my days when I drove a sports car many years ago. I'm hoping 18's deliver the same.
The 18s (vs 19s):
1. Don't cost extra (save $1500+tax now, small extra annual license, insurance).
2. Come with the aero wheel covers which are much more efficient.
3. Likely ride better. As said above, ride is already stiff.
4. Handle great. 19s could be better, don't know.
5. Will probably last longer with Michelins vs Contis.
6. Have the unusual looking aero wheels but they are growing on me. Could easily remove the covers for a different look (came with a tool in the glove box), haven't felt the need and don't want to lose efficiency.
7. Are higher profile so less subject to wheel damage from road hazards. But likely not an issue with either choice.
I've had my model 3 now for 4 weeks and am happy with the 18 inch choice.
1. Don't cost extra (save $1500+tax now, small extra annual license, insurance).
2. Come with the aero wheel covers which are much more efficient.
3. Likely ride better. As said above, ride is already stiff.
4. Handle great. 19s could be better, don't know.
5. Will probably last longer with Michelins vs Contis.
6. Have the unusual looking aero wheels but they are growing on me. Could easily remove the covers for a different look (came with a tool in the glove box), haven't felt the need and don't want to lose efficiency.
7. Are higher profile so less subject to wheel damage from road hazards. But likely not an issue with either choice.
I've had my model 3 now for 4 weeks and am happy with the 18 inch choice.
I have both, well stock 18's and 19's from TSportline with the same OEM Continentals. The ride is very similar, the 18's are already firm riding and the 19's feel nearly the same. At first I felt the 19's felt a bit smoother than the 18's but after a while the 19's are little more jarring when there are large potholes or large bumps in the road.
On everyday streets and freeway they don't feel drastically different from both a comfort and road noise perspective.
On everyday streets and freeway they don't feel drastically different from both a comfort and road noise perspective.
I just picked up my wife's model 3 from the factory (18 aeros) and compared it to the ride in my 19 aero (which I picked up in late Jan--so it has the newer springs)....driving the cars back to back on same roads, you can tell the 18 in definitely has smoother ride. The ride is not as harsh, but you also don't feel the road as much for handling. All in all, I really like the 18 aero ride quality. I am looking to get the unplugged springs to possibly soften up the ride without compromising the handling.
I don’t like how the rim extends beyond the protection of the tire with the 18’s. Do the 19’s also have this flaw?
Several days ago I saw a new model 3 in Redondo charging with both right side rims badly rashed. I may look for some aftermarket rims if they are all this bad!!
Several days ago I saw a new model 3 in Redondo charging with both right side rims badly rashed. I may look for some aftermarket rims if they are all this bad!!
EV-lutioin
Active Member
It's pretty easy to avoid curbs, I've never understood how people rash their rims so often. The tilting side mirrors help immensely.
DR61
Member
I would not call this a design flaw; a wide rim is an advantage for steering precision and transient handling. Some tires have a rim protector of rubber near the bead which helps protect the rim somewhat, but the Michelin model they chose (for low rolling resistance and quietness) does not have this feature. Something to think about when it is time for new tires.
EV-lutioin
Active Member
She wears out the side walls before the tread! Rims are the least of her worries.
John Beans
Member
Go with the 18" Aeros if you need every mile of range you can get, and/or prefer the look.
Go with the 19" wheels if you value max traction during cornering, and/or like the look.
I have the 19" sport wheels on my Model 3 and do NOT think they are harsh, nor has anyone who has ridden/driven my car (VIN 9371). Very sweetly tuned suspension.
Go with the 19" wheels if you value max traction during cornering, and/or like the look.
I have the 19" sport wheels on my Model 3 and do NOT think they are harsh, nor has anyone who has ridden/driven my car (VIN 9371). Very sweetly tuned suspension.
valkeriefire
Member
No doubt the 19” look better. I have the 18s. The hub caps are ugly, but the efficiency is hopefully worth the slight eye sore. If I wasn’t a cheapskate, I’d have gotten the 19s.
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