Why get larger wheels?

[Michelle_eriw]

For $1,500, you can get 19" wheels to replace the standard 18" wheels, and lose range. Other than the aesthetics, what advantages do these larger wheels offer in exchange for the loss of mileage?

 

[ULEWZ]

For $1,500, you can get 19" wheels to replace the standard 18" wheels, and lose range. Other than the aesthetics, what advantages do these larger wheels offer in exchange for the loss of mileage?

From what I can tell, nothing but looks. You could always drive a Prius if looks don't concern you. On a performance model 3, you are pretty much limited to 19 inch minimum to clear the brakes. I went from 20 inch to 19 inch (more tire options), but feel the 20 inch wheels look way better on my car.

 

[Michelle_eriw]

From what I can tell, nothing but looks. You could always drive a Prius if looks don't concern you. On a performance model 3, you are pretty much limited to 19 inch minimum to clear the brakes. I went from 20 inch to 19 inch (more tire options), but feel the 20 inch wheels look way better on my car.

According to the Tesla web site today, the only option on the performance model is 20". They're not giving you the option for 19" any more.

 

[Michelle_eriw]

From what I can tell, nothing but looks. You could always drive a Prius if looks don't concern you. On a performance model 3, you are pretty much limited to 19 inch minimum to clear the brakes. I went from 20 inch to 19 inch (more tire options), but feel the 20 inch wheels look way better on my car.

I disagree about the looks of the Prius. Regardless, I think the 19" wheels don't look $1,500 better than the 18" wheels. But hey, we each have a right to our own aesthetics.

 

[Clark_Kent]

According to the Tesla web site today, the only option on the performance model is 20". They're not giving you the option for 19" any more.

That’s not correct. Tesla is still producing the Stealth Performance model; however, it is no longer a user configurable option. If you search inventory across the country you’ll find a few Stealth Performance vehicles for sale with the 18” aero wheels.

The below screenshot is a vehicle within 200 miles of LA. There are quite a few out there.

 

[Michelle_eriw]

I'm referring to ordering on the Tesla web site. Sure there are some unsold inventory cars available with features not available now.

 

[Sunshine State]

I disagree about the looks of the Prius. Regardless, I think the 19" wheels don't look $1,500 better than the 18" wheels. But hey, we each have a right to our own aesthetics .

I vote for the 19’s being more than $1500 better looking and the 20’s look even better. I think the 18" wheels look terrible and the tiny size proportionally make the cars look anemic, but again as you said we each have a right to our own aesthetic opinions.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I'm referring to ordering on the Tesla web site. Sure there are some unsold inventory cars available with features not available now.

That’s also not correct. As far as I know the Stealth Performance vehicles have continued production long after the option was removed from the Tesla website. They’re actually in demand considering some folks want a Performance model but don’t want the larger wheels, brakes or rear spoiler.

 

[jjrandorin]

That’s also not correct. As far as I know the Stealth Performance vehicles have continued production long after the option was removed from the Tesla website. They’re actually in demand considering some folks want a Performance model but don’t want the larger wheels, brakes or rear spoiler.

I would be interested to find out how many people still buy those cars after they find out that there is absolutely no discount for taking the car without those items. Since the performance car both with those items, and with non of them cost exactly the same money, I bet a lot of people back out when they find that out.

It was a huge steal when you could get the "stealth performance" for only a 2k upcharge on the LR AWD car, and totally worth it then. Now, not so much, because if you were going to remove the wheels and stuff anyway, might as well take them for no charge and sell them or something, to partially fund the wheels you want on the car.

I am sure a few people buy them no matter what, but I doubt "in demand" is an accurate description, with them both being the same price.

 

[ULEWZ]

Buy the Performance with 20 inch wheels, buy aftermarket wheels in 19 inch, sell stock wheels, enjoy. That is what I did.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I would be interested to find out how many people still buy those cars after they find out that there is absolutely no discount for taking the car without those items. Since the performance car both with those items, and with non of them cost exactly the same money, I bet a lot of people back out when they find that out.

It was a huge steal when you could get the "stealth performance" for only a 2k upcharge on the LR AWD car, and totally worth it then. Now, not so much, because if you were going to remove the wheels and stuff anyway, might as well take them for no charge and sell them or something, to partially fund the wheels you want on the car.

I am sure a few people buy them no matter what, but I doubt "in demand" is an accurate description, with them both being the same price.

Not sure we’ll ever know the statistics. I understand the economics but one is in for a fair amount of work removing parts, replacing them and selling parts to claw back, what $3,000 max? Some could reasonably argue that’s not their highest and best use to save a relatively small sum of money.

 

[jjrandorin]

Not sure we’ll ever know the statistics. I understand the economics but one is in for a fair amount of work removing parts, replacing them and selling parts to claw back, what $3,000 max? Some could reasonably argue that’s not their highest and best use to save a relatively small sum of money.

The wheels and tires alone would sell for roughly 3k and would be like 30 minutes taking them off. Thats sort of like saying that someone wouldnt want a 3k discount on the car for 30 minutes work.

 

[Cipe]

Besides looks, larger wheels can also offer better performance/handling. Like everything though, there are tradeoffs like ride comfort, noise, weight, etc.

 

[Clivew]

Besides looks, larger wheels can also offer better performance/handling. Like everything though, there are tradeoffs like ride comfort, noise, weight, etc.

Why do you think a larger wheel offers better performance and handling?

 

[Cipe]

Why do you think a larger wheel offers better performance and handling?

Generally the larger the wheel the smaller and stiffer the tire sidewall which can equate to less flex and better handling. A wider wheel will allow wider tires that offer a better contact patch.

 

[GLM3]

A wider wheel will allow wider tires that offer a better contact patch.

It offers a different contact patch which performs better with lateral forces.

 

[jjrandorin]

For $1,500, you can get 19" wheels to replace the standard 18" wheels, and lose range. Other than the aesthetics, what advantages do these larger wheels offer in exchange for the loss of mileage?

To answer the thread title, because many of us feel like the car wheel well needs larger wheels, to not look something like this:

 

[tlr1000]

To answer the thread title, because many of us feel like the car wheel well needs larger wheels, to not look something like this:

View attachment 574356

That looks awesome!

 

[john5520]

For $1,500, you can get 19" wheels to replace the standard 18" wheels, and lose range. Other than the aesthetics, what advantages do these larger wheels offer in exchange for the loss of mileage?

The OEM 19s with the Hankook tires offer noticeably better handling than the Primacy MXM4s that come with the Aero 18s. And the look of the 19s grew on me to the point that I switched out my Aeros for them. At the same time, I stuck with the OEM Hankooks and couldn't be happier.
If you want great handling on the Aeros, you'd have to switch to another tire like the Pilot sport 4 or P Zero Nero GT. If handling isn't that important, the OEM MXM4s will get the job done.

 

[XLR82XS]

I vote for the 19’s being more than $1500 better looking and the 20’s look even better. I think the 18" wheels look terrible and the tiny size proportionally make the cars look anemic, but again as you said we each have a right to our own aesthetic opinions.

Agreed. Huge improvement over the 18s.