If everything else is equal, how much more harsh is the ride on a 17" rim vs on a 16" rim? Both would have the appropriate size tire to maintain the same overall diameter, so it's the sidewall that would change. Lets also assume the same kind (or brand/model) of tire, just different size. Significant difference in ride quality or not?
K

 

My 40-series tires made for a much harsher ride than my old 255/50/16s. If youre concerned with ride quality, Id probably stick with the 16s.

 

umm when i went with newer rims the car liked to "suck" into potholes, and liked to move around left or right alittle more on those roads that are not straight and have crowns.

 

The following of the grooves in the road is due to the wider tire.

 

yeah and i dont really like it but since when have thirdgens had ride quality

 

that'll be the day.

 

Aw, don't give in that quickly!! With some thoughtful tuning, I think you could get a really nice riding 3rd gen - if you wanted to. Just seems like with all the chassis and suspension upgrades or improvments out there and with the huge variety in wheels/meats there have to be some combinations that work significantly better than others to improve ride.

I was mainly wondering how much the wheel size affects ride quality........

 

Mine is worse, trust me

I went from 215/50r15 front and 275/50r15 rear to 275/40r17 all the way around and noticed very minimal increase in ride harshness. It rides a little rough to begin with... 16" should be less dramatic if noticable at all.

 

When I went from 245/50s to my current 17s with 245/40 front and 285/40 out back, I only noticed a rougher ride in areas that were already pretty rough. Train tracks suck. Road work areas suck. Other than that, I have really enjoyed the added grip of the stickier, less flexing tyres...