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Quote:

Originally posted by swamos
Ok,

Perhaps I left myself open for a little misunderstanding. I was comparing the 17" optional mini wheels to the standard fit 16"s (either of them). I've no doubt that in demanding applications a good pilot may be able to pick a difference between the standard fitment wheels, and a set of really good aftermarket wheels and tyres.

However, my contention is that the difference between the standard mini 16" and 17" on the road probably wouldn't be that great. Especially in Aus where we are ruled by speed Nazi's.

In the thread below some people are saying that the difference between wheels and tyres could leave one mini feeling between 200 and 400 kg heavier than another on standard wheels. That means that a set of light wheels and tyres could be expected to give a similar difference in acceleration that there is between a Cooper and a S. Hmmm, sounds a lot to me.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=10604

Now I have not been in a position to drive the two back to back as mini's are still a little scarce here. However I do have some experience with light cars with light wheels.

I have driven several Lotus, and currently own an Elan (original). Recently I had cause to drive a friends Elan that had a substantially heavier and grippier wheel/tyre combination. I must admit that at street speeds the main difference was more grip and better turn in.

As for strength, I guess it is conceiveable that the standard fit 17" mini wheels aren't any stronger than the 16"s. I know I've seen friends with very expensive forged race wheels bend them on minor pot holes.

All I was saying was we need a little perspective here.

Not everyone will be too concern or will even care about the difference in wheels weight. But believe me when I say you can tell the difference between a light set of wheels and a heavy set. I don't remember myself or anyone ever quoting 200-400kg weight saving (you sure it wasn't lb?), but if the saving of the wheels is extreme enough then yes that could be a possibility!!! I drove two Cooper S back to back, one with 16inch x-lite (about 16lb) and the other with 25lb S-lite. The tyres are reportedly about the same. I certainly felt the difference. We are talking 9 lb per corner here, yet it made a big enough difference to me. Next time you get a chance, drive the two combo I mentioned, do some slalom menouveur and see if it makes a difference to you. Also as Garfield said, the bumpier it is the more profound the difference. I did not like the handling characteristics of a car with S-lite on a bumpy road, but the next time I went back with the x-lite I loved it. Coincidence? I don't think so!!! Anyway, these are my views based on my experince.