13inch wheels

[Nigel Fox]

Why do we all use 13 inch wheels? Just watching the Monte Carlo rally and they all use a bigger diameter wheel. Would there be a performance improvement for us sprint and hill climbers?

[Shaun_E]

Big wheels are required to go around big brakes which are required for heavy cars. Our little lightweights don't need big brakes so we can have small wheels.

Small wheels (usually) weigh less than big ones which reduces unsprung mass giving better ride and handling. You also get better braking and acceleration due to reduced rotational inertia.

Finally the choice (and price) of tyres for our sport seems to be better in 13".

[robmar]

I also wonder in the regs for WRC they state tyre size etc

 

I think it is the latter mostly that Shuan highlights why we choose smaller wheels

 

rob

[NoLimits]

Marketing ❗

 

Cars look good generally with bigger wheels. Manufacturers sell cars with big wheels.

 

How could they then drive on small wheels and say it was because they were better. They would never sell you a big wheel upgrade then.

[Nigel Fox]

Thanks for that, it all makes sense now.

[andy couchman]

F1 cars all use 13 inch wheels. Caterham makes a F1 car. So the roadgoing version also runs 13 inch wheels.

 

Nah, not a serious reply. F1 uses 13 inch to restrict performance. But lightness is a benefit in many ways. Look at any contemporary roadtest of quick road cars and see how much better they are on the smaller wheel option.

 

Andy