i would like to add one more comment about 15¨ wheels. Obviously modern tire technology has been concentrating on larger diameter wheels for a number of good reasons, but do not discount the performance potential of the old 15 incher. Larger wheels are dominating because,
A- They look cool
B- They allow room for the larger brakes necessary for heavier cars (the Dodge Challenger is a good example of a very heavy car)
C- With a properly set up suspension they work very well due to the stiff sidewalls
But there are the negatives as well.
A- Some of us like the old-school big rubber look
B- Greater unsprung weight and rotational mass (the farther a metal rim is from the centre of rotation the greater its negative effect on braking and acceleration, a flywheel effect, so 20¨ wheels are much harder to rotate and to stop rotating than a 15"wheel) This requires more power and bigger brakes.
C- Look at a Formula One wheel and tire, they use huge tires on 13¨ diameter wheels on the highest performing road course cars. You don NEED the bigger wheels to go fast.
My point is that the only real negative of the smaller wheel right now is the lack of performance tires. As larger wheels have gained in popularity it has become more difficult to find performance tires less than a 17¨ diameter. Too bad really. I am not an aggressive driver so all I require is a good rain tire so I am still able to get tires that work for me. Maybe I will eventually have to upgrade but not for a few years I hope.
Final word, larger wheel diameters are not an instant performance boost, just buy the best available tires for the smaller wheels and enjoy.
__________________ Ira Crummey
1999 base model V6 5 speed | 
