Wheel size

[Idlewild]

Apologies for the rather boring question, but does wheel size on the Cayman make a huge amount of difference?

 

I've read some accounts saying that only 17" is comfortable and drives much better, some that state that there is no problem with 19".

Plus the PS4S is only available in 19" sizes, and I personally think that they look better.

 

Maybe it's only the older gent that needs the comfort of the 17" ones? As a 26 year old I could probably live with the firmer ride of the 19" I expect (especially since I currently have 17" wheels on a Polo and don't suffer).

 

Any thoughts?

[JohnConners]

The Gen2 suspension is somewhat more compliant than Gen1 and I certainly didn't feel passive suspension with 19" wheels to be too firm. I'm 42 so not as young as I used to be but never at any point felt the ride was too hard (even on pothole covered roads around where I live). I also have 18" Winter wheels and yes, they're certainly more compliant and take the edge off a bit. I've heard one advantage with the smaller wheels is actually improved steering feel as well as a less harsh ride, but Winter tyres have less feel than Summers so I've never been able to do a direct comparison myself.

[Andy L]

I've got 19 inch wheels on my gen 1 987 S and I don't have any issues with the ride at all. I don't have PASM either which is supposed to soften the ride slightly in comfort mode. The Cayman is a sports car though so you have to expect it's going to have a firmer ride than most cars on the road do. My 5 Series also has 19 inch wheels but that's silky smooth in comparison to my Cayman. But I've also driven a Lotus with 16 inch wheels and that was really harsh...

[Bushman]

tyres play a big part too, my 19s are currently booted with Bridgestones  that are renowned for having concrete sidewalls. the Sport 4s tyres that I am saving up for should be much more compliant.

[Beanoir™]

I don't not believe the theory, I went through the same process with my MX-5s.  I suspect it's even more noticeable on them, but bigger heavier wheels certainly dull the feel and reaction to inputs.  

 

I've not been minded to change my CR to different wheels to be fair as I don't find the initial experience at all poor, that's not to say though that I don't believe it couldn't be improved.  The aesthetics I'm ashamed to say do come into it, I'd prefer to keep my car looking stock.  

 

Having said that, moving from the CS on 18s to the CR on 19s (neither with PASM) didn't manifest any discernible difference though, in fact if anything the CR feels more alert than the CS.  But I suspect (without googling stats) the 19" Spyder wheels probably weigh no more or maybe even less than the standard 18s on the CS.  

[twopointnine]

18 hours ago, Idlewild said:

...Maybe it's only the older gent that needs the comfort of the 17" ones? As a 26 year old I could probably live with the firmer ride of the 19" I expect (especially since I currently have 17" wheels on a Polo and don't suffer).

 

Any thoughts?

 

I am the older gent. I have a set of 17"s and 19"s for my Cayman. I use the 19"s  because I think they look better but they do give a slightly harsher ride than the 17"s but not enough to make me want to switch them.

I've not done any spirited road driving or competition driving with the 17"s so cannot comment on what feel they may give but I have hillclimbed with the 19"s and have total confidence in them.

[Idlewild]

Many thanks all. I'm convinced that I won't really lose anything by having 19" wheels and they aren't going to break my spine either!