Not entirely. There are two factors to consider. Rolling diameter (determined by the tire) and weight. The weight matters because it takes more energy (read power) to spin a heavier wheel/tire than a lighter wheel/tire. AND, WHERE that weight is distributed makes a difference. Weight at the outer circumference takes more energy to spin (or stop) than weight concentrated at the hub. When you go to a larger wheel you usually are adding additional weight to the wheel/tire, but you are also changing the weight distribution, usually by moving more of the weight away from the inner hub. This all affects acceleration times. A longer circumference is harder to spin, and a heavier circumference (even at the same size) is harder to spin. I certainly noticed it going from steel 14" wheels (205/70R14 tires) to alloy 15" wheels (215/75R15 tires).
On Thursday, April 17, 2003, at 08:48 AM, John Rodgers wrote: > I haven't actually driven on any 15 inch rims yet, but all my reading > on > the subject indicates little significant change. It't going to depend > largely on the 15 inch tire actually selected. |
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