17" vs 18"

[Bboy]

Hi Folks

A few years ago whilst living in Australia I owned a Mk5 GTI with 17" wheels.  The condition of the roads over there was pretty good so the ride felt very comfortable.

I am looking at another GTI over here and most seem to have 18" wheels on them.  I appreciate that the handling must be better but how much firmer is the ride?  Given the state of the roads over here I am not keen on a spine jarring ride every time I go out. 

Has anyone driven GTI's with 17 and 18 inch wheels?  Is there a big difference in ride quality?

Thanks in advance for your feedback

[Top Cat]

The difference is noticable, but if you get good quality tyres on the 18's it should ride just fine for UK roads. 

[Coe]

Hi there, you will not have a 'spine jarring' ride using 18's. I have owned my Gti for two years and it uses 18's (monza 2s). The ride is excellent. Yes it's firm compared to the standard golf but its not harsh or uncomfortable in any way. My car is on standard suspension.

Given, I've never driven a Gti on 17's. IMO that the 17" monzas don't look nearly as good as 18's. 19's look even better though ;)

[itismebigd]

Yes there will be an obvious difference from 17" to 18" wheels on the gti or any car for that matter,due to the lower profile involved on the side wall but imo the slightly firmer ride given by the 18" well outways the comfort of the 17" in performance and looks,the gti should never of came from the factory with anything other than 18" monza 2 and should of had the option to upgrade to 19"monzas imo that is.

Dougie

[ianv5]

I run 17" monzas on my GTI and they are absolutely fine for everyday driving and cheaper too

[Polo6n1600i]

I run 18's on my Jetta on 225/40/18. I get quite a lot of road noise unless the tarmac is glass smooth!

[graeme]

I run 18's on a daily basis and run 17's for 1/4 mile (hopefully track action soon) ... cheaper tyres