My question is more about wheel size than specific tires. I have read that the larger wheels (16" and 17&quot are heavier, especially with the runflats. They have even been referred to as "boat achors". So, is the 15" wheel a better option for performance? What advantage does the larger wheel give assuming equal tires? What is the best balance?

 

I had the 17" s-lites with runflats and swapped out for 15" R81's (they just look right on a MINI). I also opted for running a set of Eagle GTPS with a bottle of fix a flat.

Now I can tell you that the weight of one s-lite with tire is MORE THAN that of two R81's with tires! The difference, the car is more responsive to throttle, breaking and transitions. Why, you don't have all that rotational mass sliging around and torquing on the suspension.

The 17" wheels give the most feedback and HARD response to imput
The 16" wheels seem to be some sort of compromise to style and ride
The 15" wheels (with proper tire size) simply make this car feel lighter on it's feet.

Also please note that for normal to insane road driving in Atlanta the 15" wheels have yet to leave me skidding off a ramp.

My point was that the 15"'s were:
easily available
cheap to buy
cheap to shoe
had good proportion to the car's classic look

And damned if they don't preform!

 

The stock 15" wheel measures 15x5.5, which is a little thin for the autoxers considering their other options with the MINIs is a 16x6.5 size. The additional width has been considered more of an advantage. Add to that the aftermarket availibility of lightweight 16x6.5 rims, the stock 15"ers lose their edge... almost.

See, most of us don't, and probably will never be able to tell a difference between the contact patch of the two. Then the light 16s run expensive considering you can pick up a set of 4 15" rims on ebay for $200/set. Like Gris notes, the 15"ers are cheap to shod too.

Another thing to consider is tire flex. When tires are pushed to their traction limits, the sidewall flexes. If we consider tires with similar roll-out and outside diameter, the 15" rim/tire will display more flex in the sidewall than a 16". The result of the stiffer sidewall on the 16" will give a more crisp feel and reaction. Notice I didn't say more traction. The "best balance" can only be determined by you and your driving style.

Now if you plan street use, I hope you save the "pushing to limits" for the track. On the street, you'll never notice a difference.

_________________
-goin440 IB/IB MC

 

So what are you saying... I shouldnt put those 22" Freespining Ghetto rims on my mini?????

 

mini58,
You ask:
So, is the 15" wheel a better option for performance?

Strictly speaking, other than weight being lighter in general, No.
There are 16 and 17" rims that are as light as some 15" rims and as strong or stronger but they will cost alot more.
Appearance wise the larger rims are subjectively more appealing if not less stock looking. More sporty.
The larger rims allow wider sizes up to 7 or 7.5" and that allows for wider tires that increase the size of tire patch and more grip on corners. All depends to on the sidewall height.

What advantage does the larger wheel give assuming equal tires?

The wheel outer diameter itself is not larger and in fact can be smaller in the 17 than in a 15" wheel. The size 15" only refers to the diameter of the rim but the tire size that fits will determine the overall height of the tire hence larger wheel. The tires can be of the same brand and model but the size of the tires will affect their handling characteristics and their weight. Stiffer sidewalls and are lower such as in 40 and 45 series tires will corner better but be a bit bumpier on the road, they may also wear faster due to rubber compounds used in those tires. With 15" rims the tires tend to be 55 and 50 series tires with a much higher sidewall that allows for some cornering and at the same time some comfort and smoothness especially 55 series. For some the 55 series tire is too soft and squishy for a performance car like the cooper S. Should be fine for an urban Cooper CVT.


What is the best balance?

Depends on the car MC vs MCS and depends on the use- street, city, highways, track, autocross.

What does all of these well? Usually 16x6.5 rims lightweight and 215/45-16 tires for performance or 195/55-16 tires non runflat for comfort and everyday use. Not as expensive as the 17" options and still light enough but handles well. Still looks good, better than most stock vehicles.

For more info talk to Alex@tirerack
Some articles about tires-
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/030910.htm
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/at_010612.htm

_________________
ALOHA

 

Wow, Thanks for all the info everybody! :smile:

 

15" all day long.

17" tires with runflats are really heavy.
For track use and or auto-xing I would reccommend a cheap and light combo.
Kosei K1 wheels,they come in white and silver, with Falken Azenis will net you
a lightweight,cheap, and very sticky combination.