Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course).

bahnstormer vrs · 15-01-2007, 16:14

I have test driven both the TFSI and TDI Octavia vRS recently and decided I would like to buy the TDI but tyre noise is something I picked up on.

Both cars had 18" upgrade wheels, the TFSI had the OE Zenith wheels that I think are 7.5J but the TDI had OE accessory 'B14' style that are 8J (D*** B******* for style). Both had Conti Contact Sport tyres.

I didn't particularly notice anything for tyre noise on the TFSI, but then It was only a short drive at slow speeds and the salesman and I kept talking.

However, in the TDI I went out for about 30 mins on open roads and cut the chat. Road roar/tyre noise was something I particularly noticed from 40mph upward to the extent that it was the dominant noise from the car unless I gave the engine FULL throttle when engine roar took over. The other aspect is that the ride was really quite, almost too, firm.

This is something that has been nagging me and I wanted to ask; are the 18" wheels an upgrade too far and is the car quieter and softer on the standard 17"s? Is there any benefit to the handling/grip on the 18s or are the 17s (with 225/45s) really quite good enough?

Tyre choice I know from experience can often be critical.

I fitted my present Fabia (1.4mpi) with vRS 16" wheels with OE 205/45 Michelin Pilot Primacys. I later swapped the Primacys for Michelin Pilot Exalto 2s in 195/45 (to get the gearing nearer to that of the 185/60 14s that are OE in the 1.4). Even though the 195/45s have shorter sidewalls they are quieter and more compliant than the 205/45 Primacys. Also, even though they are narrower 195 not 205 they grip better particularly in the wet.

SO; on balance, is the 18" wheel upgrade worth it or is it better to stay on the standard 17s and spend the £450+ saved on something else (Superchip upgrade to 205 bhp/310 ft lb on the TDI perhaps)?

Bagpuss · 15-01-2007, 16:48

Hi bahnstormer,

I'm currently facing the same dilemma, and personally I think the 18" wheels are a waste of money. I'd much rather spend my cash on something like Xenon headlights (£550), which I think will be far more beneficial in the long run.

My previous car to the Superb was an Evo 6 RSX (320bhp), and it handled very nicely on 17" rims with 225/45 R17s. I certainly think there is something to be said for having 18" wheels if you are likely to be driving at or on the limit regularly (say, at trackdays), where the lower sidewall height is likely to have a beneficial impact on the handling.

For everyday driving, I reckon the 17's are perfectly good enough. From what I can see, it's not even true that the 18's fill up the wheel arches any better. To maintain the correct rolling radius, the 18's must use a lower profile tyre so that the overall radius of tyre and wheel is the same as on the 17" rims.

Then we come to the issue of ride quality. I've now driven the vRS with both 17 and 18" wheels, and I found the ride on the 18's much too 'crashy' for my liking. Potholes and the like just weren't soaked up as well on the bigger wheels. As my vRS will probably spend most of it's time transporting the family around, ride quality is an important factor.

Bagpuss.

bahnstormer vrs · 15-01-2007, 17:03

Hey Bagpuss,

Someone talking sense, for once! I often feel the trend for larger wheels is purely for style rather than function.

The 17s on the Octavia with 225/45 are surely a low enough profile already that 40 profile on 18s is not needed. It is not even as if the tyre on the 18 is fatter, it is still a 225 so the basic 'contact patch' is the same; if the 18s let you go to, say, 245 then the increased grip could be beneficial, but they don't. Mind you, as I've already said, I think my 195/45 Pilot Exaltos are a better tyre than 205/45 Primacys.

Every day driving and ride comfort, is also an issue for me as there are plenty of roads I use daily with broken up road surfaces, manholes, potholes etc.

Another factor is that the 18s upgrade is £450. Having done some sums the cost to Skoda (larger wheel and tyre with a small differential in price for each) can be no more that £200 - so that £250 CLEAR PROFIT the them!!

Bahnstormer

dan123 · 15-01-2007, 17:11

my vRS has 17s, when i bought it I would have liked 18s but wanted to keep the cost to an absolute minimum.

Last time I picked it up from the dealers it was parked directly in front of another red vRS with 18s. It gave that rare chance to view the car at the same time as another identical(including colour) car but with different size wheels. the gap between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch was identical so I didn't feel it gave that filling the wheel arch effect you may expect.

I was glad I had saved the money.

Bagpuss · 15-01-2007, 17:45

Another factor in all this (which is often not considered) is the choice of tyre. This can have a much more dramatic effect on the handling and ride quality than the size of wheel ever does.

I've even discussed this whole 17/18 issue with the dealer, and he was the first to admit that they spec. the 18's on their demonstrators solely because it's what the punters seem to look for when they come to dispose of the cars.

Bagpuss.

sull · 15-01-2007, 17:48

I ordered my octavia vrs with 18 inch alloys,tthey were only about 500 euro extra

bahnstormer vrs · 15-01-2007, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by sull

I ordered my octavia vrs with 18 inch alloys,tthey were only about 500 euro extra

At 500 euro = £329 getting nearer to a fair price; all goes to show that £450 is too much!!

bahnstormer vrs · 15-01-2007, 18:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan123

my vRS has 17s, when i bought it I would have liked 18s ...... parked directly in front of another red vRS with 18s. It gave that rare chance to view the car at the same time as another identical(including colour) car but with different size wheels. the gap between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch was identical so I didn't feel it gave that filling the wheel arch effect you may expect.

I was glad I had saved the money.

The 17s with 225/45 are near as dammit exactly the same size (rolling radius) as the 18s with 225/40s. This keeps the gearing the same, it is not meant to change the amount the wheel/tyre fills the wheelarch - you have to go into lowered springs for that.

You do though have the visual effect of a larger wheel, and the dynamic effect of a tyre with a shorter and thus stiffer sidewall.

MrkyMrk · 15-01-2007, 18:36

18s used to be £300 option.

They don't fill the arch more than 17s (as has been pointed out) but they go a little way to making the wheels not look too small - which 17s do on a vRS. Ironically, the optional 17s when combined with sports suspension on the "cooking" models don't look too small.

I'd like to see official specs on ride height. Autocar's review states a vRS sits 12mm lower than standard. The sports suspension option on standard models lowers the car 30mm. Perhaps this is the difference? If the vRS were another 18mm lower (it could do with it, looks wise) the 17s would be OK. Golf GTis look fine on 17s. Octavia vRSes don't. IMO. Eye of the beholder and all that

I find the ride on 18s better than that of my MK1 which sat on 17s.

Jonno VRs · 15-01-2007, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrkyMrk

I'd like to see official specs on ride height. Autocar's review states a vRS sits 12mm lower than standard. The sports suspension option on standard models lowers the car 30mm. Perhaps this is the difference? If the vRS were another 18mm lower (it could do with it, looks wise) the 17s would be OK. Golf GTis look fine on 17s. Octavia vRSes don't. IMO. Eye of the beholder and all that

The suspension on the VRs and the sports suspension option on standard models are one of the same.

I was told this when I queried whether there were any lowering springs / dampers available for the VRs.

MrkyMrk · 15-01-2007, 18:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonno VRs

The suspension on the VRs and the sports suspension option on standard models are one of the same.

I was told this when I queried whether there were any lowering springs / dampers available for the VRs.

Must be the chunkier wheel design on the other 17s, then

Makefish · 15-01-2007, 18:53

17's just look lost on the vRS, way too small imho.

As for the fitment of 18's I do not feel that the ride of the car is compromised in any way but the Conti tyres that Skoda fit have not been to the liking of many on here. I am on my second set of tyres and currently running Michelin PS2's which are way better than the originals, others have tried Goodyear Eagle F1's, Toyo Proxes TR1's and Dunlop Sport 9000's (which I believe Skoda now fit as standard on the 18's) all of which have proved to be better than the Conti's to varying degrees.

In summary my preference is for the 18's on looks alone and put up with the Conti's (if they still fit them!!) then change to a better alternative when the time arrives.

RSIT · 15-01-2007, 19:37

Picked up my 170 last Tue with 18 inch.

How to discribe my first week in the new Oct 170.It goes like S**te of a shovel.Loads of road noise,And plenty of bumps.

And I think it s the best car I have driven in 17 years as a rep just love it the 18,s are a must they just add to the car.(irish roads as well so plenty of road noise and bumps)

dan123 · 15-01-2007, 19:44

I'm not trying to say the 17s look better than the 18s, obviously they don't as there is more alloy to "strike the eye".

Remember it's only a couple of years ago BMW 3 series and VW Passats came with 15" wheels and I can remember upgrading to those stunning telephone dial alloys on my new Alfa 156 in 2001....they were 16".

I suppose what I am saying is that imho the 17 is a good size wheel;both the 17s and 18s look lost in the large, bulbous wheel arches (as defined by the gap between the tyre and wheel arch).

Dan

Shifty · 15-01-2007, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makefish

17's just look lost on the vRS, way too small imho.

As for the fitment of 18's I do not feel that the ride of the car is compromised in any way but the Conti tyres that Skoda fit have not been to the liking of many on here. I am on my second set of tyres and currently running Michelin PS2's which are way better than the originals, others have tried Goodyear Eagle F1's, Toyo Proxes TR1's and Dunlop Sport 9000's (which I believe Skoda now fit as standard on the 18's) all of which have proved to be better than the Conti's to varying degrees.

In summary my preference is for the 18's on looks alone and put up with the Conti's (if they still fit them!!) then change to a better alternative when the time arrives.

Word for word what he says ^^

IANFABIAVrs · 15-01-2007, 19:57

18" WHEELS ARE A MUST. EVEN THOUGH THE REAR IS ALL JACKED UP LIKE ADRAG CAR.

**VRStu** · 15-01-2007, 20:16

Considering that according to your profile you are 39, you don't act it.

Is there really any need to use the finger in every post and slag Skoda's off?

Ok so you may have a TVR, doesn't mean everyone else's Skoda is cr@p.

dan123 · 15-01-2007, 20:18

Do Not Feed The Troll

JustinCider · 15-01-2007, 20:57

I have a wheel fetish! On both my Mk1 vRS's I uprated the wheels to 18's from 17's. Mainly for the looks, as they filled the arch much better. The 17's handled much better due to the weight being less. Coming from a motorcycle background I understand the importance of unsprung mass and I am sure the same rules apply for cars.

On my new Mk2 Octy, It already had 18's fitted and I considered it a must. Due to the higher door line of the car 17's would have looked tiny. However the ride is harsher and noiser, both of which I am more than willing to put up with. And after a couple of weeks I didn't even notice it anymore.

So it all comes down to if you want the comfort and possible handling benefits of the 17's, or the better looks of the 18's.

Whichever you choose, it'll still be a great car!

15-01-2007, 16:14	#1
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,481 Thanks: 42 Thanked 131 Times in 120 Posts	Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). I have test driven both the TFSI and TDI Octavia vRS recently and decided I would like to buy the TDI but tyre noise is something I picked up on. Both cars had 18" upgrade wheels, the TFSI had the OE Zenith wheels that I think are 7.5J but the TDI had OE accessory 'B14' style that are 8J (D* B*** for style). Both had Conti Contact Sport tyres. I didn't particularly notice anything for tyre noise on the TFSI, but then It was only a short drive at slow speeds and the salesman and I kept talking. However, in the TDI I went out for about 30 mins on open roads and cut the chat. Road roar/tyre noise was something I particularly noticed from 40mph upward to the extent that it was the dominant noise** from the car unless I gave the engine FULL throttle when engine roar took over. The other aspect is that the ride was really quite, almost too, firm. This is something that has been nagging me and I wanted to ask; are the 18" wheels an upgrade too far and is the car quieter and softer on the standard 17"s? Is there any benefit to the handling/grip on the 18s or are the 17s (with 225/45s) really quite good enough? Tyre choice I know from experience can often be critical. I fitted my present Fabia (1.4mpi) with vRS 16" wheels with OE 205/45 Michelin Pilot Primacys. I later swapped the Primacys for Michelin Pilot Exalto 2s in 195/45 (to get the gearing nearer to that of the 185/60 14s that are OE in the 1.4). Even though the 195/45s have shorter sidewalls they are quieter and more compliant than the 205/45 Primacys. Also, even though they are narrower 195 not 205 they grip better particularly in the wet. SO; on balance, is the 18" wheel upgrade worth it or is it better to stay on the standard 17s and spend the £450+ saved on something else (Superchip upgrade to 205 bhp/310 ft lb on the TDI perhaps)?

15-01-2007, 16:48	#2
Bagpuss Briskodian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cornwall Posts: 567 Thanks: 12 Thanked 39 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). Hi bahnstormer, I'm currently facing the same dilemma, and personally I think the 18" wheels are a waste of money. I'd much rather spend my cash on something like Xenon headlights (£550), which I think will be far more beneficial in the long run. My previous car to the Superb was an Evo 6 RSX (320bhp), and it handled very nicely on 17" rims with 225/45 R17s. I certainly think there is something to be said for having 18" wheels if you are likely to be driving at or on the limit regularly (say, at trackdays), where the lower sidewall height is likely to have a beneficial impact on the handling. For everyday driving, I reckon the 17's are perfectly good enough. From what I can see, it's not even true that the 18's fill up the wheel arches any better. To maintain the correct rolling radius, the 18's must use a lower profile tyre so that the overall radius of tyre and wheel is the same as on the 17" rims. Then we come to the issue of ride quality. I've now driven the vRS with both 17 and 18" wheels, and I found the ride on the 18's much too 'crashy' for my liking. Potholes and the like just weren't soaked up as well on the bigger wheels. As my vRS will probably spend most of it's time transporting the family around, ride quality is an important factor. Bagpuss.

15-01-2007, 17:03	#3
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,481 Thanks: 42 Thanked 131 Times in 120 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). Hey Bagpuss, Someone talking sense, for once! I often feel the trend for larger wheels is purely for style rather than function. The 17s on the Octavia with 225/45 are surely a low enough profile already that 40 profile on 18s is not needed. It is not even as if the tyre on the 18 is fatter, it is still a 225 so the basic 'contact patch' is the same; if the 18s let you go to, say, 245 then the increased grip could be beneficial, but they don't. Mind you, as I've already said, I think my 195/45 Pilot Exaltos are a better tyre than 205/45 Primacys. Every day driving and ride comfort, is also an issue for me as there are plenty of roads I use daily with broken up road surfaces, manholes, potholes etc. Another factor is that the 18s upgrade is £450. Having done some sums the cost to Skoda (larger wheel and tyre with a small differential in price for each) can be no more that £200 - so that £250 CLEAR PROFIT the them!! Bahnstormer Last edited by bahnstormer vrs; 15-01-2007 at 17:04.

15-01-2007, 17:11	#4
dan123 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 409 Thanks: 5 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). my vRS has 17s, when i bought it I would have liked 18s but wanted to keep the cost to an absolute minimum. Last time I picked it up from the dealers it was parked directly in front of another red vRS with 18s. It gave that rare chance to view the car at the same time as another identical(including colour) car but with different size wheels. the gap between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch was identical so I didn't feel it gave that filling the wheel arch effect you may expect. I was glad I had saved the money.

15-01-2007, 17:45	#5
Bagpuss Briskodian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cornwall Posts: 567 Thanks: 12 Thanked 39 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). Another factor in all this (which is often not considered) is the choice of tyre. This can have a much more dramatic effect on the handling and ride quality than the size of wheel ever does. I've even discussed this whole 17/18 issue with the dealer, and he was the first to admit that they spec. the 18's on their demonstrators solely because it's what the punters seem to look for when they come to dispose of the cars. Bagpuss.

15-01-2007, 17:48	#6
sull Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). I ordered my octavia vrs with 18 inch alloys,tthey were only about 500 euro extra

15-01-2007, 18:36	#9
MrkyMrk Briskodian Join Date: May 2003 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 912 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). 18s used to be £300 option. They don't fill the arch more than 17s (as has been pointed out) but they go a little way to making the wheels not look too small - which 17s do on a vRS. Ironically, the optional 17s when combined with sports suspension on the "cooking" models don't look too small. I'd like to see official specs on ride height. Autocar's review states a vRS sits 12mm lower than standard. The sports suspension option on standard models lowers the car 30mm. Perhaps this is the difference? If the vRS were another 18mm lower (it could do with it, looks wise) the 17s would be OK. Golf GTis look fine on 17s. Octavia vRSes don't. IMO. Eye of the beholder and all that I find the ride on 18s better than that of my MK1 which sat on 17s. __________________ *Mark*

15-01-2007, 18:53	#12
Makefish Ex-Moddy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hampshire Posts: 8,178 Thanks: 174 Thanked 234 Times in 175 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). 17's just look lost on the vRS, way too small imho. As for the fitment of 18's I do not feel that the ride of the car is compromised in any way but the Conti tyres that Skoda fit have not been to the liking of many on here. I am on my second set of tyres and currently running Michelin PS2's which are way better than the originals, others have tried Goodyear Eagle F1's, Toyo Proxes TR1's and Dunlop Sport 9000's (which I believe Skoda now fit as standard on the 18's) all of which have proved to be better than the Conti's to varying degrees. In summary my preference is for the 18's on looks alone and put up with the Conti's (if they still fit them!!) then change to a better alternative when the time arrives. Last edited by Makefish; 15-01-2007 at 18:55.

15-01-2007, 19:37	#13
RSIT Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). Picked up my 170 last Tue with 18 inch. How to discribe my first week in the new Oct 170.It goes like S*te of a shovel.Loads of road noise,And plenty of bumps. And I think it s the best car I have driven in 17 years as a rep just love it the 18,s are a must they just add to the car.(irish roads as well so plenty of road noise and bumps) Last edited by RSIT; 15-01-2007 at 20:14.*

15-01-2007, 19:44	#14
dan123 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 409 Thanks: 5 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). I'm not trying to say the 17s look better than the 18s, obviously they don't as there is more alloy to "strike the eye". Remember it's only a couple of years ago BMW 3 series and VW Passats came with 15" wheels and I can remember upgrading to those stunning telephone dial alloys on my new Alfa 156 in 2001....they were 16". I suppose what I am saying is that imho the 17 is a good size wheel;both the 17s and 18s look lost in the large, bulbous wheel arches (as defined by the gap between the tyre and wheel arch). Dan Last edited by dan123; 15-01-2007 at 19:49.

15-01-2007, 19:57	#16
IANFABIAVrs Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CHESTER Posts: 51 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). 18" WHEELS ARE A MUST. EVEN THOUGH THE REAR IS ALL JACKED UP LIKE ADRAG CAR. __________________ [size="7"][list=1][*]mmm i'm lovin it!

15-01-2007, 20:16	#17
VRStu Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,439 Thanks: 116 Thanked 925 Times in 830 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). Considering that according to your profile you are 39, you don't act it. Is there really any need to use the finger in every post and slag Skoda's off? Ok so you may have a TVR, doesn't mean everyone else's Skoda is cr@p. __________________ Stu - Freedom Pimp Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - Hmm, Have a guess...... SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

15-01-2007, 20:18	#18
dan123 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 409 Thanks: 5 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). Do Not Feed The Troll

15-01-2007, 20:57	#19
JustinCider To be Confirmed Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Barnet/St Neots Posts: 68 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia vRS - 18s vs. 17s (wheels of course). I have a wheel fetish! On both my Mk1 vRS's I uprated the wheels to 18's from 17's. Mainly for the looks, as they filled the arch much better. The 17's handled much better due to the weight being less. Coming from a motorcycle background I understand the importance of unsprung mass and I am sure the same rules apply for cars. On my new Mk2 Octy, It already had 18's fitted and I considered it a must. Due to the higher door line of the car 17's would have looked tiny. However the ride is harsher and noiser, both of which I am more than willing to put up with. And after a couple of weeks I didn't even notice it anymore. So it all comes down to if you want the comfort and possible handling benefits of the 17's, or the better looks of the 18's. Whichever you choose, it'll still be a great car!

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