alexb76

I respectfully disagree with others claiming there's no significant ride difference. Not sure if people who claim these have had both 18s and 19s on their cars?!

I got 19s for Summer and 18s for winter, and there's a HUGE ride difference between the two. I admit, it's winter tires vs. summer, but the larger sidewall is significant to absorb the bumps on the road, and obviously the sidewall is softer too (being winter tires), albeit it's a Z-rated 300KM/h+ tire (PA2), and it actually handles very well.

So, if you are really after better ride (not primary purpose of a sports car), get a set of *used* 18inch OEM wheels (I bought mine under $1500) and put some all-season tires on, your ride definitely will imrpove.

Alstoy

I have a set of 19s (CS). I just got a set of 18s (C3), after much consideration. The approximate weight difference is about 14lbs total. I found out, from this site, that the rotational weight is 6:1. So, my 14lbs is now the equivilant of 84lbs. Without becoming a runway model, I cannot loose that much weight. I also drove a friends car with 18s (tires & car model were the same). We both noticed a difference-the 18s felt softer and a bit nimble, while the 19s felt sharper & dare-I_say heavier. Like most things, it can be a bit subjective and open to differing opinions. I would suggest you drive a car with 18s and make up your mind. Cheers.

w00tPORSCHE

I definitely feel that the ride is softer on my winter 18 inch wheel/tire set up but will not spend 4K just for ride comfort as the only basis to switch between 18s and 19s.

Ynot

I had both, there isn't much difference with 18's and 19's with the same tires, it's not so much the size but your choice in tires. However there is a major difference between 17's and 19's.

Betternotbigger

I run 19"s summer and winter but switch to winter tyres Nov-Mar. The difference in comfort between the tyre compounds and softer sidewalls is chalk and cheese. The winters are way more comfortable and I often tool around on pretty rough rough roads with PASM set to Sport, something I couldn't consider on the the summer tyres. So my contribution would be to confirm that tyre type, compound and sidewall makes a massive difference before you start worrying about wheel sizes.

sizquik

Let me know if you wanna swap. My wife says my car is too harsh so I figure that I up the ante.

stevepow

I agree that what you probably notice is the difference in tire, not wheel size. At least I found that wheel size was not noticeable on my car.

That said, how is the wear on the all-season tires you suggest - PA2s? Can we run those in hot summer months too or will that kill them?

utkinpol

i ran them in summer and they do hold fine but, well, it is not a high performance tire. it was better than any all-season out there was, like, 3 years ago, nowadays i think conti extremecontact dws is a better all-around tire than PA2 for winter.

for summer, one can run on those tires I guess, I do that when I take my car to long trips, for regular close driving I use r-comps - had v700 kumhos, now it will be r888 toyos. i had 19" rims but sold them as I spent whole last season not using them even once.

NA011

I just did an alignment & replaced my original 19" Michelin PS-2s with a new set of PS-2s. The car is now smooth & quite like a Panamera.

Bruce R

Carrera Classic's are one of the nicer 19" 997 wheels out there, you'll find a ready market for a nice used set.

I too run 19" Carrera Classic's and am about to pick up a set of 18" Carrera III's with Michelin PS2's already mounted.
I'll use the 18's on the track, 18" rubber is cheaper with more/better options. I may also paint the 18" wheels (blue or gold) and swop them out for fun and a different look.

alexb76

PA2 are Winter tires, not all-season. So, I don't really run it in summer times, besides, I track the car so need proper performance tires.

The wear so far has been great, two seasons without much wear at all but I swap out of them latest in March.

stevepow

Typo? Or just the newness thing?

Edgy01

If anyone wants a set of 18 inch wheels I have a spare set of 4 available for sale. In nice shape, sans rubber. $800

alexb76

What exact wheels are they? OEM?

Edgy01

If anyone wants a set of 18 inch wheels I have a spare set of 4 available for sale. In nice shape, sans rubber. $800

OEM, factory 18s off a 997.1 Carrera. I believe they were called Carrera Classics or something like that. Just never got around to using them, and now need some spare room for more wheels.

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