Hi all.
I understand (I think) that the 19 inch wheels are more efficient than the 21's. How much more efficient and why? This is a short conversation if they really aren't more energy efficient.
Why I am asking: I've been lurking on the Aero wheel thread, 19" cyclone wheel threads, and have some theories. Some of this is motivated by my not liking either wheel option, and considering After Market rims (I use the term "wheel" and "rim" interchangeably, knowing that is incorrect). I don't want to shoot myself in the foot range wise though.
My thoughts:
Help!
(P16302)
I understand (I think) that the 19 inch wheels are more efficient than the 21's. How much more efficient and why? This is a short conversation if they really aren't more energy efficient.
Why I am asking: I've been lurking on the Aero wheel thread, 19" cyclone wheel threads, and have some theories. Some of this is motivated by my not liking either wheel option, and considering After Market rims (I use the term "wheel" and "rim" interchangeably, knowing that is incorrect). I don't want to shoot myself in the foot range wise though.
My thoughts:
- Seems that the weight and rotational mass of the wheel+tire matters. Less mass is more efficient than more mass. Hence, the 19's are more efficient.
- The 19's have less rubber on the road than the 21's. Hmmm.. they are both 245/xx/yy, so should have the same amount of rubber on the road. Probably a wash on those two. However, if you use 265 (like Elon), do you end up with more friction, or does it not matter since the weight of the car is distributed over a wider area.
- How much does the spoke pattern matter? The stock 19s are very open, the stock 21s are far more 'closed'. I would have figured this is irrelevant, but The Aero thread indicates a potential for 6-8% using true aero wheels. However, my sense is that this is binary---either you are Aero and you get Cd benefits, or you are not and you don't. Two wheels in the "not" category would be similar, so that doesn't affect the 19 vs. 21 efficiency debate.
Help!
(P16302)