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abshnasko · 06-11-2008, 11:37 PM

Hi, I've always wondered this, but I haven't been able to figure it out by pure intuition, so I'm wondering if someone KNOWS the answer.

I have 97 civic ex with 200k miles, runs great... anyway, it has the 15" stock steel wheels. You know how all the kids (im 19, but im not one of THOSE kids) put huge rims on their civics because they think it makes them faster... well I'm about 6 months away from new tires, so I'm wondering if I should get new wheels while I'm at it.

So which is lighter: Large rims and thin tires, or small rims and fat tires? What about steel vs. aluminum vs. whatever else?

Note: Cost isn't really an issue. For me, FE means fuel efficiency, not fuel economy.

06-11-2008, 11:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
abshnasko EcoModding Lurker Join Date: May 2008 Location: blacksburg Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tires and Rims Hi, I've always wondered this, but I haven't been able to figure it out by pure intuition, so I'm wondering if someone KNOWS the answer. I have 97 civic ex with 200k miles, runs great... anyway, it has the 15" stock steel wheels. You know how all the kids (im 19, but im not one of THOSE kids) put huge rims on their civics because they think it makes them faster... well I'm about 6 months away from new tires, so I'm wondering if I should get new wheels while I'm at it. So which is lighter: Large rims and thin tires, or small rims and fat tires? What about steel vs. aluminum vs. whatever else? Note: Cost isn't really an issue. For me, FE means fuel efficiency, not fuel economy.