I've got the 18" wheels and have no complaints. I preferred the way they looked, honestly and thought the tires would be less expensive to replace over the four years I'll be leasing this car.
While ride quality and fuel consumption can be a variable of tire profile, load rating and sidewall stiffness will determine "pothole" survivability for the tire. In this case they are both adjusted to essentially be equal. What WILL be more of a "pothole" survivability variable will be for the wheel itself, which in the case of the wider lower profile tire, would edge in favor of the 18" wheel. However in this case THAT is offset by the fact that the 19" wheels are forged rather than cast (as are the 18" wheels), which makes the 19s much stronger - and hence the biggest difference towards the added cost.
Wear (which is not a profile variable but rather one of compound and pressure) is out of the comparison as I expect there is more difference in compound or even manufacturer between these options. And I feel "pothole" survivability won't practically vary much between them either...
Just my 2¢ -
As a general statement this is true however as the lower profile/larger rim diameters have become more mainstream there are more and more tire offerings. If you look at the UTQG ratings you can find tires that will give you the tire wear that you may be looking for but will probably be trading a bit of performance to get it. Cost if definately a factor but again the costlier tire will more likely be the performance tire. Hey all tire are getting expensive these days....the largest thing to factor in is tire costs. Lower profile rubber wears faster and is costlier to replace...
Fun!Bottom line: If more money for more bling(and likely pricier tires) is your thing...go 19".
19" on a Q3 is kinda like putting 22"-ers on my work truck, i.e., what's the point?![]()
You have a point but we like the height for ease of entry and the view. The good handling is a pleasant side benefit. We can be staid old foggies one minuteNot to argue, as I'm sure you are right, but if 'fun' is high g force cornering, choosing a car with hi po tires that's up on stilts is a funny way of getting there.![]()
I'm on the same page as Nick on this one. Really depends though, 18s still look good an perform the almost the same as the 19" but in a long run when your tires get worn 19s will cost you significantly more. Otherwise if you have the case and want to fill in the wheel gap then go ahead.I've got the 18" wheels and have no complaints. I preferred the way they looked, honestly and thought the tires would be less expensive to replace over the four years I'll be leasing this car.
I had never compared prices, but now I see tire rack quotes 25% more for OEM 19 inchers over 18. $277 vs. 220I'm on the same page as Nick on this one. Really depends though, 18s still look good an perform the almost the same as the 19" but in a long run when your tires get worn 19s will cost you significantly more. Otherwise if you have the case and want to fill in the wheel gap then go ahead.
Words of wisdom from my late father in law.I had never compared prices, but now I see tire rack quotes 25% more for OEM 19 inchers over 18. $277 vs. 220
Those with very sensitive bottoms can likely feel the difference in handling. If you cannot tell, go 18 and save the cash.
I assume that my Sport package suspension is tuned for the 19's. But maybe not. The first Q3 I drove had the 20's which I thought was too extreme. And pricey.