I am in the market for new wheels and trying to decide between 17 and 18 inch wheels.
Is there any ride quality or handling difference between the two?
What do you guys recommend?

Thanks

 

18s should theoretically ride harsher, since there's less rubber btw you and the pavement. I've had 17s and 18s though, and I couldn't tell a difference in ride quality. Handling-wise, 18s should theoretically be better too, b/c there's less room for the tire to flex (b/c less tire) ... I would believe that the 18s would make your car handle slightly better, but ride slightly rougher. However, you have 17s on the car from the factory, so any difference going up to 18s would be negligible.

Besides that, it's all personal preference. I used to think that 18s were too big on an S2000, but it depends on the wheel for me. I have a set of 18" Volk CE28Ns on it right now, and they look great IMO. I've seen a lot of 18s that look great, but 17s are definately a more popular size on S2000s. Also, if you plan on racing, it might be better to just go for 17s since you can stay in certain classes with them.

 

18's ftw

 

It depends on what you want in your car. I also agree with zbrewha863

1. Performance wise, right now your OEM front wheels each weighs at 17lbs, rear at 20 lbs each. As long as the new wheels dont weigh more than the OEM you're good. I guess 1lb or 2lbs heavier isnt bad. Therefore, you can find 17's with less weight than OEM easier. The only lighter 18" wheels I know are VOLK RE30. They're very light, extremely strong but pretty pricey.

2. If you just want bling bling and don't care about performance, I guess any goes. However, heavier wheels will make your car sluggish, less gas milage, etc. But you can also remove then spare tires for less weight, get racing seat for the driver's side also reduce 40lbs on your car.

3. I would look into Enkei RPF1 as they are very light as well, and they're very affordable. Tires also play a major factor in your handling. Soft sidewall FTL. Don't put cheap tires on your car, it's a sport car and need quality products.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

 

17's

 

17 - handling/performance
18 - looks/show

IMO.

 

Another thing to consider which doesn't get mentioned a lot is that there is a significant price difference between 17" and 18" tires. It's very important to keep good tires on this car, so if budget is an issue, I'd stick with 17's. I spend about $1600 a year on tires, if I was running 18's that would be several hundred $ more