Anyone think aluminum rims will give me better fuel economy?

[ericem]

Hey guys. I currently have 14" steelies on a little bit bigger tires then normal not much. Anyway found a good deal on some impreza RS 16" alloys in gunmetal with kumho tires almost like new tires. (around $300 for 4). Only reason I can get my dad to get these wheels would be fuel economy. I am looking at it from a handling perspective and appearance. Showed him a pic of the ones on TheSubaruJunkies but he still thinks it's a waste unless it saves him money lol. Any ideas thanks.

[ciper]

Find the weight of the rims then look up the tire weight on TireRack. I'd help but "16 inch Impreza rims" could mean anything! Whats the tread depth on the Kuhmos? 300 for 16 inch wheels and worn tires is not a very good deal...

[ericem]

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeI ... _id=1C4000

Well got better info he said 2 tires were slashed by his GF. I guess now ex gf lol. Anyway the other two tires are almost new according to him 1 month old. He said something kumho one direction something all season wheels.

[ciper]

Ok so you only get two new tires? 300 isn't a very good deal since you will have to pay another 250 to get the other two tires!

From what I can tell the wheels are 16.5 pounds, 7" wide and 53 offset. The stock size is 205/55-16 which is a larger diameter than the stockers. You might rub on the rear spring perch. Kumho makes about 10 tires in that size and the average weight is about 21 pounds. Take off one of your current wheels and see if it weighs more than 38.5 pounds (I doubt it)

If the tires have better traction that also probably means more forward rolling resistance. Weight only effects acceleration so you may in fact get WORSE mileage!

[evolutionmovement]

If they're a larger overall diameter, you'll effectively be raising your gearing, so you would go further for every engine revolution, increasing you mileage. BUT, that can be negated by the greater rolling resistance of wider, stickier tires, as ciper suggests. However, you may be able to get some squeelies to fit.

[ciper]

He already has slightly larger than stock wheels, I assume he meant diameter so it should be no difference in gearing right?

[ericem]

He already has slightly larger than stock wheels, I assume he meant diameter so it should be no difference in gearing right?

Yes correct. He sold them before I got there so w/e.

Although he relisted them today so if he wants to lie and think I am would give him a super duper offer he's got it all wrong.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... dZ56124013

I saw these

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... dZ55073242

I don't mind them as they still beat whats on the car now, still $150 + tires rims are really pricey! Seems like aftermarket is a better deal, just like the OEM sort of look though.

[BXSS]

I paid $120 for a set of '05 Rs (look WRX rims) Rims/Tires off a buddy - he took them off when he got his car so they were mint.

Put them on the Wifes car & noticed better economy vs. the 17x7.5" rims we had on there.

You can find a set of these with tires CHEAP - I did not know he had them until he listed them for sale..