Left to right: 17" ARC-8, 18" EC-7R, 19" SM-10
Generally speaking, we prioritize performance over all else when it comes to recommending wheel and tire fitments. This means we often recommend the smallest possible diameter that clears the brakes. This minimizes weight, reduces wheel and tire costs, and has a very functional and performance-oriented look.
17" Wheels
+ Less weight
+ Lowest price
+ Can fit taller tire sidewalls for improved ride quality
- May limit brake upgrade options
- Fewer tire choices than 18"
The lightest wheels we make. Clears many OEM brake setups, but may limit upgrade options. Taller tire sidewalls can be used, which will improve ride quality and offer additional protection for the wheels against road hazards. Tire brands and sizes can often be limited as fewer and fewer new cars continue to use 17” wheels.
18" Wheels
+ Vast tire selection
+ Can accommodate more brake upgrade options
+ Largest variety of widths & offsets available
- Slightly heavier and more expensive than 17" wheels
- Higher running costs when compared to 17” wheels
Right in the middle. 18" APEX wheels clear a large variety of brake upgrade options available, and give you the best selection of tire brands, sizes, and compounds. Wheel & tire prices are slightly higher than 17" wheels, but typically far less than 19" wheels. Tire sidewall height is slightly smaller than 17" wheels and therefore ride quality and wheel protection are marginally reduced.
19" Wheels
+ Fills out the wheel wells
+ Can accommodate nearly every brake upgrade
- Most expensive of the the three sizes
- Requires shorter tire sidewalls which may compromise ride quality.
Sometimes larger wheels are preferred in order to fill out the wheel arches. Brake clearance won't likely ever be an issue, and the 19" tire availability and selection grows more each day. A 19" wheel and tire weighs about the same as an 18" wheel+tire with the same overall rolling diameter, so weight is considered negligible between 18" and 19" setups. 19" wheels and tires are more expensive than their 18" equivalents, and shorter tire sidewalls mean a more harsh ride and less protection for the wheels.