front 17x7.5 225/45/17
Rear 17x8.5 245/40/17

VS.

front 17x8 225/45/17
Rear 17x8 245/40/17

Real question is, Does rim width matter when the tires are the same size? How would these 2 differ in handling characteristics?

thx for the responses

 

little more info plz?

tire brand. wheels offset (will tell us what kind of camber you will run)

Add those two and youll get a better answer

 

This is a hypothetical question. Trying to run it like a science project. Everything the same, changing 1 variable at a time. Rim Width

 

lulz. ill take a stab at it. yes and no. it depends on the relative width of the "245" tire; there is a point beyond which an increase in wheel width does not enhance the contact patch of a given tire.

if it is a relatively wide 245, then the wider rim will enhance the actual contact patch. if it is a relatively narrow 245, it wont matter.

but generally, yes. the wider the better until the point the tire is so stretched that the center tread is caving inward, requiring inordinate amounts of tire pressure.

 

If the tires are the same and the only variable is the Wheels you are not going to get much difference in the handling of the tires. The only thing it will change is the wider wheels are going to be .2" wider section width.