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19" vs 21" Wheels Pros and Cons
- Thread starter rlawson4
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- Driving Dynamics Model S
Adm
Active Member
The 19" wheels to me are MUCH better in person than I thought via the pictures. I previously thought the wheel well was way too big and it just looked silly ... but it doesn't look like that in person. Now I'm kinda wondering about going with 19's... (NE winter, potholes, etc)
I didn't drive or ride in one with 19's though ...
I didn't drive or ride in one with 19's though ...
digitaltim
Sig737 VIN628
@cinergi - I drove a non-performance w/ 19" wheels...I thought it felt sloppy and loose in high speed turns...that said, I have the performance w/ 21" wheels on order and expect that to behave better when I want to be aggressive.
Compared to what vehicle(s)? I'm trying to calibrate your commentary for my mental model. Thanks.
Really difficult to compare cars without also knowing what tire pressures were set to which can make a huge difference in road feel. The 19" wheels are equipped with all-season tires, too. Having the same tire mounted on each wheel would also minimize any difference.
Really, a sport oriented 245/45 tire should not feel floppy - but an all-season tire could definitely squirm a bit in comparison.
digitaltim
Sig737 VIN628
@brainman M3 most recently for me, but also compared to other German-based sports-tuned vehicles I have driven on occasion (Audi S & Benz AMG)...they felt much tighter to me and more firmly grounded. I am chalking it up to tires and tuning - still bullish that the Model S performance version will compete, but honestly not buying it that reason. I just like the idea of getting all of the eco, styling and performance aesthetics in one package.
NigelM
Recovering Member
digitaltim
Sig737 VIN628
@NigelM...you know, I have actually always read it as "brain" versus "brian" until now...dyslexia must be setting in.
I have a similar dilemma. I'm getting the non-performance Signature Model S and selected the 21" wheels when I configured the car. Just couldn't bring myself to leave yet another $3500 on the table. I just wonder whether my being cheap about the downgrade will cost me even more money because I'll have to buy and store a set of 19" wheels.
I've only ever had all-season tires and never thought twice about them. I know how to drive in snow though rarely have to actually do it, living in Maryland. But I wonder if the 21" tires will be so bad that I'll want to get the winter wheel package rumored to be available. My company doesn't ever have snow days. I also wonder about durability of the 21" wheels and tires, as I live in downtown Baltimore and daily traverse pot holes and cobblestones. Still toying with the idea of swapping wheels with a regular reservation holder and splitting the $3500 with them...
I've only ever had all-season tires and never thought twice about them. I know how to drive in snow though rarely have to actually do it, living in Maryland. But I wonder if the 21" tires will be so bad that I'll want to get the winter wheel package rumored to be available. My company doesn't ever have snow days. I also wonder about durability of the 21" wheels and tires, as I live in downtown Baltimore and daily traverse pot holes and cobblestones. Still toying with the idea of swapping wheels with a regular reservation holder and splitting the $3500 with them...
I could swear there was rumor that Tesla would have an harsh climate option so you could get two sets of rims. Did I imagine that? I never looked, do the rims have anything Tesla specific on them (e.g. a logo)? If so, I can certainly seem some value in getting both sets of rims from Tesla.
I wouldn't need that option here in Portland, OR, but there's a big chunk of folks in other areas that would.
I wouldn't need that option here in Portland, OR, but there's a big chunk of folks in other areas that would.
Discussions with some reps during the canadian beta tour, amongst others, generated this rumor of a planned 'winter package'.
No details from Tesla to date, but IMHO it is likely to happen, at least in certain markets (for example here in Quebec winter tires are mandatory by law during several months, and many people have two sets of wheels for their vehicles).
While I am still not 100% sure about my wheel choice, I am leaning more towards getting the perf with 21' rims for the summer (short as it may be) and a set of 19' for winter tires. I may change my mind if others have negative comments on the low profile tires on our post-apocalyptic roads, but as is the case with many here losing $3,500 with a downgrade to 19' rubs me the wrong way.
Of course, canadian pricing will also affect my choice, but that is a different topic...
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There's no reason for Tesla not to offer to sell us extra rims with our cars. I'm sure they can find a price where they earn a nice profit.
Indeed, of that I have no doubt! I was referring to a designated cold-weather package, alluded to but yet to be confirmed.
Sure there is - supply.
As for offering to sell them "sometime later"... Well, yes, that's a no brainer.
On a non-performance, non-sig Model S the 21" wheels are a $3500 option. The 21" wheels are included with all Signature and Performance cars. You just don't get any credit if you would prefer to have the 19" wheels.
There is no such rebate (yet, anyway!). I was referring to the perceived loss of $3,500 when buying a performance S but opting for 19' wheels instead of the included 21' low-profiles. This has already been the numerous discussions /polls.
teslasguy
MSP P#1117
These high performance, low profile tires are not only bad for snow and ice, but according to product overview of them on Tirerack, not advised for temps approaching freezing either.
This is from the Tirerack.com site... "The ExtremeContact DW (DW for Dry & Wet) is Continental Tire's Max Performance Summer tire developed for the drivers of sports cars, sports coupes and performance sedans. The ExtremeContact DW is designed to deliver good ride quality and serious performance on both dry and wet roads. Like all summer tires, the ExtremeContact DW is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice."
teslasguy
MSP P#1117
After thinking more about it, I think a relatively easy solution to the 19" 'downgrade' issue for many Performance and Sig folks might be for Tesla to find and offer a 19" wheel that looks like the 21" turbine wheels that come standard with our cars.
At least something that differentiates from the standard 19" wheels and looks really sharp would, I think help most of us feel a bit better about moving down to 19". They should be an upgrade for standard version buyers and an even swap for Perf and Sig Res holders.
Actually, there have been a number of pics of such wheels posted over at the "Would you buy 19 inch turbine wheels?" thread
Would you buy 19 inch turbine wheels?
At least something that differentiates from the standard 19" wheels and looks really sharp would, I think help most of us feel a bit better about moving down to 19". They should be an upgrade for standard version buyers and an even swap for Perf and Sig Res holders.
Actually, there have been a number of pics of such wheels posted over at the "Would you buy 19 inch turbine wheels?" thread
Would you buy 19 inch turbine wheels?
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