How different is handling with heavier/rep wheels?
 

I know there's a different in how the car would feel comparing something like RPF1's to heavier bigger wheels, but I want to hear on the smaller scale comparisons, how different does it feel for you guys?
I'm really debating whether to get RPF1's due to their price and light weight, but really like some reps that look great and are price-friendly, but are heavy.
I like the way the car rides as is (stock, lol)
Anyone wanna provide their info on their experiences?

Do you want us to get started with the differences between an authentic wheel and a rep wheel or should we just skip to the point..? If so, you will notice a difference, I can bet the rpf1's will make you notice that difference.

I would go for the real deal just for the peace of mind of knowing it was "better built" (supposedly for that kind of money). I've seen OZ, BBS, etc. wheels break, but I've seen a far larger number of knockoffs bend or break.

I know there's a difference, I'm asking how it feels in terms of handling due to weight comparing a light wheel to a slightly heavier than stock wheel. I'm using reps as an example.

Majority of enthusiasts will be able to tell the difference; vast majority of serious racers/enthusiasts will be able to tell the difference; average guy may not be able to tell the difference. There you go.

^^^^^ This
What are you planning to use them for? If just a DD then you may be able to tell a difference but it really won't matter if tracking then the difference may matter!

Comparing reps to real wheels isn't a good argument when talking about weight. Theres tons of "real" wheels out there that go from super light to pretty heavy. and theres probably tons of "reps" out there that are lighter than real wheels. You also have to factor in most reps are different widths and offsets than the real version which can change the weight dramatically too.

Grassroots Motorsports tested different weight wheels on a Miata (lighter, so even more sensitive to rotating mass), the difference would easily fall into the category of "statistical noise."


Just buy whatever you want and don't worry about it.

The problem is the fact that a lot of average drivers confuse tire characteristics w/ overall wheel/tire weight.

The only way to truly compare is to run identical tires on same wheels, which usually doesn't happen.

When I had my VS-XX (18x9"/18x9.5") the entire setup was probably a good 10lbs heavier than stock on each corner. But the tires (Toyo T1 Sport) were great and the car did not feel any different in terms of going over bumps. Handling was never an issue, because I didn't get those wheels for handling.

-alex

I notice more difference in upsizing wheels/tires than simply increasing wheel weight. On my 240sx it was a huge difference in road joint bumps and road noise going from the stock 16x7 with 205/50 to 17x9s with 245/40. Whenever I put my snow tires on it felt like switching to luxury mode.

But going from 17x9 mustang reps (22-24lbs) to 17x9 rpf1s (16-17lbs) and the same tires I couldn't really tell any difference.

I've only ever driven stock wheels on the BRZ.

I think you can feel it if you pay attention but a stop watch won't really measure it.

In autocross I went from 17x9 Rota Grid-V to 17x9 RPF-1. I cannot tell a difference and to be honest, I didn't expect it either. Statistical noise is right, at those weight differences. I'm just a sucker for the gunmetal RPF-1's.


Also, I ran 17x9 with grippy 245/40/17 as a daily wheel/tire and even though they weigh the same as the stock wheel/tire, they "feel" heavier. I decided I don't want all that grip on the street and I love how playful the stock Bridgestone's on stock wheels feel.