What is the difference between R16 and R17 car tires?
2 Answers
The difference between R16 and R17 car tires lies in their aspect ratio and rim diameter. The distinctions between R16 and R17 car tires are as follows: Size difference: R16 tires are designed for 16-inch rims, making them relatively smaller in size; whereas R17 tires are meant for 17-inch rims, making them larger compared to R16. Aspect ratio difference: Generally, the larger the car tire size, the lower its aspect ratio. Tires with lower aspect ratios provide better feedback on road conditions and stronger lateral support during driving. Conversely, smaller car tires have higher aspect ratios, which offer better driving comfort but relatively weaker road feedback and lateral support.
The R16 and R17 in tire sizes mainly differ in the rim size, with R17 being one inch larger than R16. This has significant impacts: Firstly, the driving experience feels more stable with better handling and more precise steering response, making it suitable for high-speed driving. However, acceleration is slightly slower due to the heavier wheels and greater inertia. In terms of comfort, R17 tires produce more noticeable bumps and noise on rough roads, making long-distance driving more tiring. Economically, R17 tires are more expensive, with higher replacement costs, and fuel consumption increases slightly by 1-2%. Regarding installation, they must match the aspect ratio (e.g., 55 series), otherwise, steering may be affected or safety compromised. Personally, I recommend sticking to the original factory design unless the vehicle supports an upgrade, as it saves both hassle and money.
