Quote:
Originally Posted by mwebb
as per the auto speed article
wider is better , for FE and every thing else as well
except drag
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I'm pretty sure drag = lower FE.
The rims are heavier, due to being wider. Also, the weight is farther from the center, which has a CUBIC effect on drag. Ignoring the spokes and extra width, 17" rims have 20% more inertia resisting your accelerating force, compared to 16" rims.
I'd guess these are "sport" compound tires, good for grip but bad for FE. My brother's Mazda3 ran through the OEM tires in about 25,000 miles, which is a good sign of soft sticky rubber.