Why the difference?

[jk1]

Can anyone explain the reason for different wheel/tire sizes for the US cars vs. the non-US version? Specifically the 95-96 s4s which calls for 7x17 front, 17x8.5 rear for the US, and 8.5x17 front and 10x18 rear for the non-US.

Would there be any advantage/disadvantage to going to a size in between the two on a US car?

I am going to be needing new tires and possibly wheels and just trying to figure out my options.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Jim

[Skerd]

The non-USA cars had wheel flares to accomodate the much wider wheels. The alignment camber/toe is also different. If Lotus designed the car with a certain size tire, I would stick with it.

[karmavore]

Why? Everything else is the same???

[techspy]

I am also interested in this as I plan on an 18" upgrade. I would like to go with 18 x 9.5 rear, and 18 x 8 in the front. Does anyone know if this will cause any problems?

John
94 S4

PS these wheels: www.certifiedwheels.com/

[MikeyRide]

I've seen several 4cyl cars with V8 wheel sizes (or wheels directly from V8s). They fit fine, although I know that 'pre-S4 (S4s?) cars had smaller front wheel housings. madmike's car has 18X10 rears, right?

[madmike]

MikeyRide said: I've seen several 4cyl cars with V8 wheel sizes (or wheels directly from V8s). They fit fine, although I know that 'pre-S4 (S4s?) cars had smaller front wheel housings. madmike's car has 18X10 rears, right?

Yes, I do. But I will add I need to get a tunable suspension at some point, because there is way too much space in the wheels wells over the tires. The ride needs to come down a few inches!

I have no trouble with any speed bumps, and the tow-driver remarked it's the easiest Esprit he's ever put on the flatbed because of this.



Mike, 1993 Esprit SUV