What is the difference between r16 and r17 tires?
3 Answers
The differences between r16 and r17 tires are as follows: Specification differences. The r16 tire indicates that it is compatible with a 16-inch rim, which is relatively smaller in size; while the r17 tire indicates compatibility with a 17-inch rim, making it larger in size compared to the r16. Aspect ratio differences. Generally, the larger the tire size, the lower the aspect ratio. Tires with lower aspect ratios provide better feedback on road conditions and stronger lateral load-bearing capacity during driving. Conversely, smaller tires have higher aspect ratios, offering greater comfort for the driver but weaker feedback on road conditions and lateral load-bearing capacity. Visual differences. Larger tire sizes naturally provide a stronger visual impact, making the vehicle appear more imposing. Smaller tire sizes can make the wheels look less substantial, giving the vehicle a simpler and less striking appearance. The outer diameter of the tires for the same vehicle is usually very similar, meaning the same car can use either r16 or r17 tires. The difference between these two rim sizes is reflected in the aspect ratio, meaning the thickness of the tire when viewed from the side varies. Differences during driving. The r16 tires have thicker sidewalls, providing better cushioning on bumpy roads. The r17 tires offer more responsive handling at high speeds but perform poorly on bumpy roads due to weaker cushioning ability. In the event of a tire blowout, the larger diameter of the r17 rim results in less body tilt, reducing the likelihood of sudden steering changes. With improvements in road quality and changes in aesthetic preferences, larger tires are becoming a trend.
I've been into car modifications for many years, and the difference between R16 and R17 tires is quite noticeable. In terms of wheel size, R17 is one inch larger than R16, and the most obvious change is that the car sits higher with R17 wheels, giving it a more aggressive look. However, the trade-off is a lower tire aspect ratio—for example, dropping from 55 to 45. Thinner sidewalls mean a bumpier ride over speed bumps and more direct road feedback. When modifying, you also need to consider wheel arch clearance to avoid rubbing the inner fender when turning. My advice for those wanting to go with larger wheels is to measure the wheelbase and offset in advance and recalibrate the speedometer, or else the speed display might be inaccurate, leading to unintentional speeding.
For daily driving, R16 tires are generally more practical. With smaller rims and higher aspect ratio tires, the thicker sidewalls provide better comfort over bumps and improved small vibration absorption. R17 tires do offer more stable handling, especially with better roll resistance during high-speed cornering. However, larger tires also have higher rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption by about half a liter. Additionally, R17 tires tend to produce more noticeable road noise, particularly on rough surfaces. If you mainly drive in urban areas with poor road conditions, R16 tires are actually more worry-free and cost-effective.
