What's Better 16", 17, or 18" Wheel

I have a 2010 Legacy Premium with the 16" factory wheels, I am trying to determine for normal use in the East Coast what is better.

I am going for Eagle GT Tires 225/55/16

Is there any advantage over getting new rims in 17" or 18" and then getting that tire in that size. I hear so many things, but the only thing that seems to be consistent with the bigger wheels is that the tire gets more expensive.

Is there truly a reason to change from what I am planning to buy, or just stick with what I have and that is 16" wheels.

Less cornering roll, the higher the wheel size= better performance, which our 5th gens need. Also if you are going for looks, 18" with a 225/45/18. A 245/40/18 for a more aggressive look. Depends on what you are trying to accomplish?

Well since I am sporting this high powered 2.5i 170 HP engine with CVT, I am just trying to make sure it is a quiet and comfy ride, and that it handles well on the dry and wet roads, and of course handles well in snow.

This is why I was thinking of sticking with the 16" factory rims and just going with a Eagle GT 225/55/16

I figured it would handle well and give me a little more of a stance then the stock 205/60/16 Bridgestones

I too have been struggling with the 17 vs. 18 (or even 19, because they look so damn good) since the day I purchased my car. The problem is, as a 3.6 owner, I'm obviously right in the middle between great gas mileage (2.5i) and performance (LGT). No offense, but if I had a 2.5 I wouldn't worry about going bigger and heavier, because increased performance would not really be a factor. If I had an LGT, I wouldn't be overly concerned about the extra weight either, because there are so many other options for improving performance. However, as a 3.6 owner, reducing unsprung weight when it comes to wheels is one of the only ways to improve acceleration for our cars. So there in lies my dilemma. UGH!

19" ftw!

Originally Posted by acumenhokie

19" ftw!

Easy for a LGT owner to say! As for a 3.6 guy, not so much. Unless that whole reducing unsprung weight to get better acceleration is just BS in the first place.

If you don't care about a little loss in acceleration 18s or even 19s on the 5th Gen are the way to go.

They just balance out the big car so much better.

19's all the way on the 5th gen

The owner has a thread here
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthrea...ls-162045.html

At least 18", but 19's is pure sex! I doubt you would notice any difference in weight killing performance. I would use the 16's strictly for snow depending on where you live of course.

i'm definatley thinking 18's or 19's for summer, factory 16's for winter.

<-----2.5i Premium w/ MT.

Unsprung weight IS an issue on all cars. Not just for acceleration, but braking as well. When I had a big heavy wheel on my BMW with a 320+ hp V8, I could tell the difference. Needless to say, it wasn't long before they got swapped back to a smaller wheel.

17" with the widest tire it will fit and in a lightweight design is a good compromise, but it doesn't look as good as an 18" or 19" on this big vehicle. 17" also gives you better options for winter tires than 18" (although 16" is best in this category)

Originally Posted by Rhett

Easy for a LGT owner to say! As for a 3.6 guy, not so much. Unless that whole reducing unsprung weight to get better acceleration is just BS in the first place.

My aftermarket 19x8 rim is lighter than the OEM 18x7.5

Originally Posted by acumenhokie

My aftermarket 19x8 rim is lighter than the OEM 18x7.5

True, but I was looking at the 17 Enkei RPF1 for my aftermarket choice. There is a substantial difference in weight and price compared to the 18's in that same wheel, and I would imagine that would be the same in regards to tires as well.

I'm very happy with my 18" wheels, which have a more aggressive offset - they fill the wheel wells safely without worrying about rubbing.

I agree 17 or 18 are much nicer, however considering the cost of the 4 wheels and tires for 18 or above, I think 16 for winter and 17 for the rest of the year.

I am also dealing with a Stock 2010 Legacy Premium with CVT, so with the 2.5i there is not much I can gain in performance, however if I had the LGT which I originally wanted, but they stopped making, I can see the 18 or better with good tires.

I bought this CPO and plan on giving it to my 17 year old in 2 years, then hoping to find a good 2012 CPO LGT for myself. Done buying new, and CPO Subaru's are a good deal, this way someone else takes the hit on $ the first 2 years, and I can get a new car every 2-3 years and not feel guilty, or lose my shirt.

I think I will replace the Bridgestone tires on my 16" wheels this year, then next year look for a good 17 wheel, but right now I can not see spending nearly $1500-2000 just for tires and wheels for performance I will never notice on a stock Legacy