Is 4.4 seconds vs 5.6 seconds alone worth $10k?

[Sig698]

Well the overall tire diameter is the 'same' for both cars. And in general wheels weigh less than tires. So going with a large wheel and smaller tire you may actually get overall weight savings. That being said you move the rim portion of the wheel further from the axis and increase the moment of inertia ... so in general I think it is a wash as far as acceleration goes. But talking about unsprung weight I think you would get less overall weight with the larger rims.

In addition to the above, acceleration and braking performance will likely be improved due to the increased grip of the stickier tires. Directional input will without a doubt be more direct with the 21" wheels due to the shorter and stiffer sidewall of the tires.

[rlawson4]

In addition to the above, acceleration and braking performance will likely be improved due to the increased grip of the stickier tires. Directional input will without a doubt be more direct with the 21" wheels due to the shorter and stiffer sidewall of the tires.

We need a thread on the advantages and disadvatages of 19" vs 21"

I am lost again. I am sorry but I don't care about the appearance. I think both look fine to me. I need to know the pros and cons of each wheel completely. That way I can make a decision. I am sorry in advance to the experts if this sounds obtuse. However, I have had 8 new cars in my life and have never made a wheel tire decision. I took the wheels that came with the car on the lot that I saw that day. Thanks.

[Sig698]

We need a thread on the advantages and disadvatages of 19" vs 21"

I am lost again. I am sorry but I don't care about the appearance. I think both look fine to me. I need to know the pros and cons of each wheel completely. That way I can make a decision. I am sorry in advance to the experts if this sounds obtuse. However, I have had 8 new cars in my life and have never made a wheel tire decision. I took the wheels that came with the car on the lot that I saw that day. Thanks.

Start one and I'll be happy to chime in! Long story short;

21": better all around performance
19": better comfort and longevity.

[onlinespending]

Start one and I'll be happy to chime in! Long story short;

21": better all around performance
19": better comfort and longevity.

That's assuming you're using the stock tires. Of course you could use performance tires on the 19" wheels that'd have similar issues of longevity due to the softer rubber. But in general I agree.

[dadaleus]

That's assuming you're using the stock tires. Of course you could use performance tires on the 19" wheels that'd have similar issues of longevity due to the softer rubber. But in general I agree.

And vice versa? Are there all season tires that would fit the 21" rims?

I'm also concerned about if the 21" wheels will be a bigger issue for using tire cables/chains in the snow. I haven't been able to get a confirmation from Tesla as to whether they will allow them on either tire size. Since this will be my only car that would be a big problem for my regular ski trips.

[Teslawisher]

And vice versa? Are there all season tires that would fit the 21" rims?

I'm also concerned about if the 21" wheels will be a bigger issue for using tire cables/chains in the snow. I haven't been able to get a confirmation from Tesla as to whether they will allow them on either tire size. Since this will be my only car that would be a big problem for my regular ski trips.

While the wheels are different diameter, the overall wheel/tire combination diameter is going to be fairly close to the same for the 19" wheels (larger sidewall) and 21" wheels (small sidewall). So, in regards to diameter, as long as you have chains to fit, there shouldn't be a problem between each. You will need to consider wheel/tire WIDTH though. There will more than likely be a difference there.

You can get 21" all-season tires, but they are harder to come by than those for the 19". Check tirerack.com or places like that to get a good general idea of what's out there at what price.

Sorry for keeping us off-topic. Maybe a new thread would be best.

[efusco]

checking prices on those tires the 19" are markedly less expensive, it seems.

[richkae]

Start one and I'll be happy to chime in! Long story short;

21": better all around performance
19": better comfort and longevity.

I disagree. Put the same tires on either wheel and you are unlikely to be able to tell a difference.
The shorter stiffer sidewall on the 21s will provide a tiny cornering benefit that would take a professional driver to detect.
The only real advantage of the 21s is cosmetic.

[ckessel]

Was there anything definitive on the impact of 19" tires on acceleration? I'm ok with losing a little (say, .2) with 19" tires, but I wouldn't want to lose a bunch or it'd make it pointless to get a Perf with 19" tires even though Tesla allows it.

[ggr]

... And in general wheels weigh less than tires. So going with a large wheel and smaller tire you may actually get overall weight savings. That being said you move the rim portion of the wheel further from the axis and increase the moment of inertia ...

But as you just pointed out, the tire is both heavier and further out, so I think it's actually a net win for moment of inertia too.