How bad does the 6 drive on 18" rims? - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 / Mazda Atenza Forum

MikeyD · 06-10-2007, 12:13 AM

I really like the look of 18" rims on 6's, 19's are too big, 17's are nice, 16's are just to small IMO.

and i really have this dilemma between choosing 18 & 17' rims.
but i understand performance will be decreased a little.

i do want to run either a 17x8 or a 18x8 set of rims so i can run some nice preformance tires on those. What do you all think?

I also understand putting 18x8 would be almost hypocritcal but i just want to at least try to keep as much performance i can do with my car .

2poor4MS6 · 06-10-2007, 12:38 AM

If you get a light enough wheel, some 18's are lighter than the stock 17s. Also, keep in mind that some 18's look like 17's when you put them on so make sure you are happy with the wheel style first.

Definitely do your research. I think wheels are the best thing you can do to set off any car. Make sure you get pic the ones that make you happy.

valiance · 06-10-2007, 10:57 PM

I have 18"s on mines and it feels fine. Though I have POS tires so I'm just waiting till I get new tires.

ccreek · 06-11-2007, 12:08 PM

I've got stock 18s on my '06 Grand Sport, and aside from a bit harsher ride and slightly more risk of blowouts there's very little difference.

17s can be plenty stiff to handle really well - my 18s have to be pushed pretty hard to exhibit any drift.

Tire choices for the 17s would be a bit better. It took me all day to track down a local (30 miles away) shop with my size in stock when I had a blowout.

zoomnbyu · 06-11-2007, 01:53 PM

On 18's for over a year now. No problems. It does follow grooves/imperfections in the roadway a little more, but that is likely due more to the tire size and design. I have 225/45-18's on my wheels.

RoX · 06-12-2007, 12:20 AM

Go atleast a pound lighter on the wheel, and a pound lighter on the tire and you'll have roughly the same performance. Go more and you'll be gaining at that point.

Awong124 · 06-12-2007, 12:37 AM

18s ride fine.

06-10-2007, 12:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
MikeyD Rally Racer Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: WHO DEY BENGALS!!! (cinci) Posts: 1,549 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	I really like the look of 18" rims on 6's, 19's are too big, 17's are nice, 16's are just to small IMO. and i really have this dilemma between choosing 18 & 17' rims. but i understand performance will be decreased a little. i do want to run either a 17x8 or a 18x8 set of rims so i can run some nice preformance tires on those. What do you all think? I also understand putting 18x8 would be almost hypocritcal but i just want to at least try to keep as much performance i can do with my car . __________________ '06 Lapis Blue 6spd ATX Sport

06-10-2007, 12:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
2poor4MS6 Rally Racer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Broomfield, CO Posts: 1,010 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	If you get a light enough wheel, some 18's are lighter than the stock 17s. Also, keep in mind that some 18's look like 17's when you put them on so make sure you are happy with the wheel style first. Definitely do your research. I think wheels are the best thing you can do to set off any car. Make sure you get pic the ones that make you happy. __________________ -2poor4MS6 AKA: Mazdaspeed Accessory Guy Onyx Black '05 ATX 6s Sport Garage goodness right here! New Mazda 6 Test Driven! Colorado Road Trip Pics! // Mazdaspeed Exhaust // Mazdaspeed CAI // Mazdaspeed Hatch Springs // Mazdaspeed 18" Wheels & Kumho Ecsta ASX 225/40/18 // Red G2 // Clear Side Markers // Interior blue LEDs // Euro Tails // Audiolink // 30% tint

06-10-2007, 10:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
valiance Rally Racer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,685 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	I have 18"s on mines and it feels fine. Though I have POS tires so I'm just waiting till I get new tires. __________________ <div align="center">For Sale CPE MAFci for 2003-2005 6i !!! Click This! 2005 Glacier Silver Metallic 6i ATX Current - <strike>Air Box + Resonator Mod</strike> Injen CAI : Tint - 15% Fronts, Limo Backs : Gunmetal PIAA FR-S 18" : JDM Grill : Tein H-Techs : Sharkfin : Door Guards Removed : Atenza Black Tails : Clear Side Markers : OEM Spoiler w/ LED Brake Light : HIDs 35w w/5000k w/ Anti-Glare Mod : Painted Head Light Bezel : Accolade Eyelids : Tranny Cooler : Racing Beat Front & Back Sways w/ AWR Front Links & Racing Beat Rear Links : Red Corksport SS Brake Lines : Calipers Painted: Red w/ Mazda Decals : Pending - OEM Fog Lights (95% Done) : Wish list - Shift Kit : Racing Beat Exhaust System : CPE Lightweight Battery Tray : NRG E-PAC Voltage Stabilizer : NRG Grounding Wire System : Cosworth Balance Shaft Delete Kit : Seibon Carbon Fiber Hood: EVO-Style : Tanabe Sustec Strut Tower Bar : Koni Yellows : Halos : Brembo GT Big Brake : GT28R : Appearance Package from Tiffany :

06-11-2007, 12:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
ccreek Drivers License Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bellwood, PA Posts: 56 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	I've got stock 18s on my '06 Grand Sport, and aside from a bit harsher ride and slightly more risk of blowouts there's very little difference. 17s can be plenty stiff to handle really well - my 18s have to be pushed pretty hard to exhibit any drift. Tire choices for the 17s would be a bit better. It took me all day to track down a local (30 miles away) shop with my size in stock when I had a blowout. __________________ <div align="center">

06-11-2007, 01:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
zoomnbyu Track Racer Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mid Atlantic Region Posts: 882 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	On 18's for over a year now. No problems. It does follow grooves/imperfections in the roadway a little more, but that is likely due more to the tire size and design. I have 225/45-18's on my wheels. __________________ No matter where you go, I'll be zoomnbyu! My M6s

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06-12-2007, 12:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
RoX Rally Racer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,760 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	Go atleast a pound lighter on the wheel, and a pound lighter on the tire and you'll have roughly the same performance. Go more and you'll be gaining at that point. __________________ Freelance Artist: Portfolio 04' Mazda6 V6 MTX: \| CP-E Intake and Maf Customizer \| Clear side markers \| Sports Grille \| Polyurethane Eyelids \| Mazdaspeed Short throw shifter \| Mazdaspeed Springs \| Tinted (22% all around) \| Debadged \| BR lip Upcoming: Wheels, HID kit, Rear sway bar, Black tails

06-12-2007, 12:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
Awong124 Mazda Guru Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vancouver, B.C., Canada Posts: 2,759 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	18s ride fine. __________________ 2002 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 AT My Cardomain 2006 Mazda 6 Sport GT-V6 MT My Cardomain, My Garage