Smaller Wheels= Faster ETs?
In the May 2010 issue of Car and Driver there was an interesting article entitled, "Plus-Size Models- Testing the Performance Effects of Upsizing Wheels and Tires." In their test, they took a Volkswagen Golf 2.5 (auto) and installed wheel and tire combinations from 195/65R-15 to 235/35R-19. They then ran the car from 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph and 1/4 mile. As expected, the bigger and heavier wheel/tire combinations proved slower. here are the results:
195/65R-15= 0-60 mph= 7.6 sec; 0-100 mph= 22.3 sec; 1/4= 15.9@88 mph
205/55R-16= 0-60 mph= 7.7 sec; 0-100 mph= 22.6 sec; 1/4= 16.0@87 mph
225/45R-17= 0-60 mph= 7.8 sec; 0-100 mph= 22.7 sec; 1/4= 16.0@87 mph
225/40R-18= 0-60 mph= 7.9 sec; 0-100 mph= 23.3 sec; 1/4= 16.1@86 mph
235/35R-19= 0-60 mph= 7.9 sec; 0-100 mph= 23.4 sec; 1/4= 16.1@86 mph
C & D summarized their test as follows: "The 19" wheels definitely look the coolest. But the 17 and 18-inch setups offer a better compromise of grip, acceleration, price, and ride harshness...If it's acceleration you're after, stick with the smaller, lighter wheels and tires...Stay away from extremely low-profile sidewalls and massively heavy wheels."
This test illustrates why Dodge chose lightweight Alcoa forged 20" aluminum wheels on the SRT.