So, what are the strengths vs weaknesses of the steel wheels vs the 16" alloy wheels that are options on the Scion website? With which configuration are people getting a nicer ride? More fun handling? Better gas mileage? Any differences?

 

wheels dont affect ride comfort, handling and gas mileage tires affect those things

softer rubber allows for better ride at the same tire pressure. stickier compound rubber allows for more grip and better handling. and narrower tires that are designed for less rolling resistance will give you better gas mileage but takes away from grip.

 

As far as the 16" alloys vs the stock steelies go, the main difference would be how it looks, that's about it. However, if you slap some bigger, heavier, wider wheels/tires on there it would affect your ride, handling, and gas mileage. The optional alloys on the SCION website won't help/hurt your ride, handling, or mpg's. You can upgrade to a bigger wheel/tire combo and improve handling without really affecting your gas mileage and ride though. As long as they're not much heavier than stock,...(I think that's around 40-44? lbs), and you keep the tire diameter as close to stock as possible your ride should'nt change too much and your handling will improve. Obviously with the bigger wheel the tire will have a shorter sidewall and usually a less comfortable ride. More sidewall usually gives you more comfort, less usually gives you better handling. If you decide to go with different size wheels/tires try using a "tire calculator" there's alot of links to them on here or just GOOGLE tire calculator.

 

They most certainly do.

Read here: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...jsp?techid=108

 

wheels do affect ride, not as much as the tires, but they do on their own. The reason I said WHEELS and not TIRES was because I am going to be deciding which of those wheel options I want, and depending on which wheel i get, I will in turn get different tires. So, I was curious as to what people had for experience with ride, handling, and mileage with each of these configurations. Sorry I was not more specific lol

 

i fail...

i did forget about unsprung weight reduction is far more effective than sprung weight reduction.. my bad by bad..