I am looking to get a set of wheels. A lot of the aftermarket wheels weigh 20+ lbs. Will there be any noticeable loss in power in going to a 21lb 28lb wheel over the stock 16.5 lbs?

Yes. There are all sorts of different opinions as the the correct ratio between rotational weight and static weight as far as performance goes. Some say 4:1, some say 10:1, and I've heard several numbers in between (meaning adding 10 pounds overall to your wheels/tires is equivalent to carrying around anywhere from an extra 40 to 100 lbs in the car).

I can definitely feel a difference between my 12 lb SSR summer wheels and the 16 lbs factory wheels I use in the winter. If you went with 21 lb wheels, I'm guessing it would feel roughly like you're always carrying a passenger around, and 28 lb wheels would probably feel close to always having 2 passengers in the car.

If you look around, you can find some nice light wheels that are reasonably priced. SSR Comps are extremely light, but are also pretty pricey. Rota makes several wheels that are pretty light and also quite reasonably priced. I don't know what wheels you were looking at, but 28 lbs for a wheel is insanely heavy. You should be able to find quite a few choices under 20 lbs, even in fairly large sizes if you try.

There's also the issue of "unsprung weight" affecting handling. Basically, the heavier the wheel/tire combo, the less well the tire can follow all the ups/downs of the road surface, so on anything other than a perfectly smooth road, the tires don't grip as well.

Yes. There are all sorts of different opinions as the the correct ratio between rotational weight and static weight as far as performance goes. Some say 4:1, some say 10:1, and I've heard several numbers in between (meaning adding 10 pounds overall to your wheels/tires is equivalent to carrying around anywhere from an extra 40 to 100 lbs in the car).

I can definitely feel a difference between my 12 lb SSR summer wheels and the 16 lbs factory wheels I use in the winter. If you went with 21 lb wheels, I'm guessing it would feel roughly like you're always carrying a passenger around, and 28 lb wheels would probably feel close to always having 2 passengers in the car.



Tire weight makes a difference too.

But on the whole, you have a lot more unsprung weigh than just wheels-- tires, rotors, suspension bits, etc. are also unsprung. 20lb (5lb x 4 corners) difference on 250lbs of unsprung weight isnt a huge issue unless youre doing competitive racing (only 8% weight difference). Especially since the most important factor is the weight at the outmost area. (read: tires). So technically, a tire that is 5lbs heavier will make more of a difference than a 5lb difference in wheel weights.

Placebo effect > "unsprung weight handling disparities"

I don't know what wheels you were looking at, but 28 lbs for a wheel is insanely heavy.

I would like to know which wheels you are looking at as well :huh:

A lot of 18's are more than 20 pounds. I've got Technomagnesio Detriots that are about 22# each. I wouldn't worry about the weight. Unless you are Michael Schumacher, you are probably not going to notice a huge difference. - maybe minor butt-dyno feel.

If they are going to be your daily drivers - who cares.

Are you running the stock suspension?

I noticed 4pound/ea heavier tires as soon as I drove the car.

I am looking to get a set of wheels. A lot of the aftermarket wheels weigh 20+ lbs. Will there be any noticeable loss in power in going to a 21lb 28lb wheel over the stock 16.5 lbs?YES

Now ask yourself the next question, what is more important, they way your car looks or one tenth of a second at the dragstrip? This not a trick question, there is no wrong answer.

If you're going to get heavy wheels, at least try to minimize the damage to performance by buying light tires, the PZero Corsa's are a good choice, and you're shooing for under 45lbs a side.

'05 WRX = 38.5 lbs
'05 STi = 42.5 lbs

If you add 22 lb wheels, you're going to need 20.5 lb tires, which will be hard to come by with 18" tires. Again, I recommend the Corsa's.

UL has a point - tires will be a big part of the weight equation. Here a few examples all weighed on a digital scale the same day - nearly all full tread...

Volk CE-28 17x7.5 - 225-45-17 Azenis Sport (heavy tire;) ) = 37.4#
Stock 16x6.5 225-50-16 Yokohama 032R (another heavy tire) = 41.5#
Technomagnesio Detroit 18x7 (! -skinny wheel) 225-40-18 Kumho MX = 49# - ouch

Unless you are competing in sanctioned racing events, a few additional pounds per wheel isn't really a big deal.

Now ask yourself the next question, what is more important, they way your car looks or one tenth of a second at the dragstrip? This not a trick question, there is no wrong answer. dbrier hit the nail on the head