I just saw a Scion xB on the street and was surprised by how small the wheels were. It occurred to me that larger wheels not only go more smoothly over irregularities in the road (look at shopping cart wheels -- a stray wood chip is enough to lock them up), but also that smaller wheels revolve more times per minute, meaning more wear and tear on both the tire and the axle. Sure, the wheels and rims (and maybe brake pads, rotors, etc.) weigh less, but I can't imagine the total weight savings over larger wheels is more than, say, 100 pounds, because the transmission still has to be robust enough to handle the weight of the car.
So, car experts, what's the deal with small wheels?
ID:43157
 May 20 2008, 8:44 am
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The Scion brand seems to me to be all about looking "cool", which to an old fart like me, really means looking stupid. I believe non-functional is cooler than functional these days. Just look at the hottest fashion trend of the last several years.
Damn kids, get off my lawn! | |
Small wheels:
1.) Lower the car, giving it a lower center of gravity and thus better handling. 2.) Are easier to turn, resulting in slightly better acceleration and possibly better gas mileage. 3.) Decrease the amount of unsprung weight on the car, meaning it'll give you a softer, smoother ride on bumpy roads. 4.) Are less inclined to bend out of shape when encountering curbs or potholes. 5.) Are cheap to replace. 6.) Are easier to put on, if you're changing them yourself. The only real advantages to big wheels are good looks, more responsive controls and a possibly a higher top speed. As if any of those things really matter in a Scion xB. | |
Mike H wrote:
hottest fashion trend of the last several years. I don't think anyone really sees that as being so much "cool" as a "statement". Which can itself sometimes be cool, of course, but usually most ordinary people just laugh at people who do that. What I like is the one shopkeeper up here who refused service to the people like that, and the kids were all up in arms, claiming that it was wrongful discrimination and crap. The shopkeeper should've hit back with an indecent exposure suit, since showing your underwear in public can be considered very indecent. | |
As foomer noted, the main reason is because they make the car sit lower.
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Hmm, I guess there are some decent reasons after all! Thanks for the feedback.
As for the saggy pants... like the old Far Side cartoon, this is just nature's way of saying "Do not touch!" | |
*Also it might have something to do with the layout of the car inside being more roomier with smaller wheels. That was their main advertisement when they first released it.