OK. I have waited long enough. I have changed my mind 18 times. From Rays Revolver to HRE 546 to Fikse Aro to Weds Farmas to MAE to Auto-Couture to Andrews Racing V to L-Sportline Model 2 and on and on and on.

I'm getting Lowenhart BR5's. Machine finish with polished lip. Period.

The only open issue is 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 -- or -- 19x8.5 and 19x9.5.

Please help me decide by voting for what I should get. 18's or 19's? The 18's ride better, handle better, they're less likely to bend. The 19's look better. I'm 48 years young so I don't care about picking up chicks, but I do want it to look good.

I'm placing my order tomorrow. Please help me decide.

 

get 19''s

 

Go for the dubs!!!

 

Bob,

looking good goes hand-in-hand with getting attention from onlookers, especially fine babes. either 18/19s , it would be hard for them not to look at your ride and YOU.

if the road condition is ok, then you would be more happy w/19s.
i remember one time i was in my friend's Ferrari convertible , and these 2 fine female just lean over and ask us "where we(as in total of 4) going?"

will

 

get 19's, 19s handle equal

 

At least 19"

My 20s rode just as well as stock...so no worries...

 

I don't think it will make that much of a difference in terms of performance if you go 18s over 19s... via rotational inertia. If you want performance, do what I do... have a set of 17in roadrace radials (Falken Azenis)/wheels for the rear when you feel twitchy. If you're going to bend/damage 19 in rims you will do just the same to the 18s. If money is not a concern because 19in tires cost way more than 18s. 19s definitely look more "flush" on a GS. I totally agree with you on the staggered look.

 

Bobcat,
You thought deciding on the wheel was hard, the 18" vs. 19" vs. 20" thing is even harder

I thought about this over and over and over again before I decided on 18"s.

Here's a little quiz for you to help you decide:

1. How often you drive your car?

2. How good are the roads in your area?

3. How important is the WOW factor?


Answer key:
1.
Very very often (>30k per year) - get 18s. 18" tires are much cheaper and usually last longer than 19"s or 20"s. If you drive about 30k a year than you might have to spend $1.5k to get new tires every 6-8 months with 19"s and 20"s
Often (15k to 30k) - get 19"s
Weekend toy/show car - get 20"s

2.
You do lots of city driving / bad roads - get 18"s
50/50 city/highway - get 19"s
Mostly freeway / smooth roads - get 20"s

3.
You want your car to look clean - get 18"s
You want your car to look wow - get 19"s
You want your car to look BLING BLING - get DUBZ

No matter what size you'll get, you will definitely get attention and looks from people. Don't worry too much about that. Then on performance, 18"s and 19"s will pretty much perform the same. If you get 20"s you lose some edge on performance. Besides if you get 20"s you're probably not too concerned about driving fast anyways... you want to slow down so everyone can see you Bottom line get something that suits you and your driving style. No matter what other people tell you, you'll be the one that will have to live with your car.

 

Couldn't put it any better GSPOWER!!
Great analysis..

Personally on the GS I would do 19" because its the best compromise between looks and drivabilty if budget isn't a concern.. Either way you go Bobcat the BR5's are very sweet!! GREAT CHOICE!!

Side note:
I would of gone full chrome because a BLING BLING car deserves BLING BLING wheels.. Just my 2 cents

 

gspower:
Thanks for the in-depth pointers/advice !!

Thanks all for your votes.

Looks like 19's are in the lead !!

 

19's all the way!

 

18s!!!!!!!!!!

harder to crack, lighter (many cases.)

If budget isn't a problem then 19s. I don't think it'll be a problem for you. I would go 18s F and 19s R.

 

Bobcat

go with 20's

Maryland roads arent that bad at all
i havent had any problems..

You buying locally or online?

let me know

 

Go with 19's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(hint... that's 19 exclamation marks)

 

Bobcat...you FINALLY made a decision?! I DON'T BELIEVE IT! I WON'T believe it until I see pictures!

19's...19's...19's...just in case you didn't get it...