jetfixr

When I initially bought my G37 coupe, I loved the look of the 19 inch sport rims. When I took the test drive in the car I really loved the way it drove. Of course, the test drive was mostly on freeways, took a few cloverleaves pretty fast, but everything was pretty smooth pavement. Around my house the roads are pretty nasty, I find the ride a bit rough on the 19s, and the stearing wheel is very jittery on rough surfaces...... really keeps you on your toes. I was wondering if the ride is much better on 18s with a little extra tire sidewall to suck up all the bumps?

I know, everyone always goes the other way for the increased handling. I am no spring chicken, and I am willing to give up a bit of handling for some ride comfort. I just don't know if the difference between the 18's and 19's is noticeable enough for me to justify swapping out rims and tires?

1cleanG

iTrader: (53)

it will literally almost be the same. You really aren't stretching tires much or giving up much wall height from 18's to 19's.

Your suspension setup and spring rates will have more of an effect when it comes to these wheel/tire sizes.

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Another option might be a softer tire. That is, perhaps all season vs summer only.

sniper27

iTrader: (2)

You will feel a slight difference in ride, but don't expect something drastic. If you went down to 17s, then yes. I went from 17s to 18s to 19s. Each is marginally different. But 17s to 19s is a pretty big difference in my opinion.

jetfixr

hmm...... never thought of 17s. They were never an option on the coupe. Wonder if they would look too out of place on the coupe. I guess it is an option, could probably pick up a pair of 17 take-offs from a sedan fairly cheap.

Doggy

iTrader: (12)

I went from 19s to dropped on 20s with a stretch and didnt notice anything... But im not picky at all

Neal@tirerack

iTrader: (2)

You will feel a slight difference, but not night/day. You'll have more response out of the 19's but tad stiffer ride.

soundmike

iTrader: (6)

I agree with these folks. I swap between my 18s and 19s several times a year. It's not a drastic change. Both my wheels are lightweight and both are on Hankook V12's.

The 18s will feel ever so slightly slow with response, and have a tendency to feel floaty while soaking up smaller bumps. The 19s are a bit more responsive, feel more connected and soaks up small bumps equally well. If you're not accustomed to minute changes in how your car drives, you'll be hard-pressed to notice the difference.

Try some softer tires.

Gee37S

iTrader: (3)

I go from 19 hankooks v12s to 18" winter setup and the difference is noticeable. Like others have mentioned it has a lot to do with the tire itself, the ride on my 18s is softer and absorbs bumps more than my 19s. It has a lot to do with the softer compound of the winter rubber.

JEBperformance

iTrader: (9)

When Japanese car manufacturers design, test, R&D their suspension, and finally test drive on their perfect asphalt roads. Stiffer suspension are very good. gives you better high speed cornering abilities. NOW VS. European car makers would test drive Japanese suspension and will go crazy. Since most roads in Europe are worse than what we see here in United States.

This on goes to aftermarket suspension manufacturers. I will list suspension for our G37 in comparison of ride comfort only. 1 being the best and later as they get stiffer. Some brands I have omitted please do not even think of buying. No No No.......

#1 KW IMO on middle setting or the factory setting is softer over bumps, and night and day high speed cornering.
#2 HKS
#3 Tanabe
#4 please do not consider for your own good.

Now regarding the tires. If you allow more movement for example 275-35-18 vs 275-40-18 you will have softer but faintly noticeable change. It is suspension not your tires.

CaptainObvious

Also note, not all 18" rims will clear your sport brakes which I assume you have since you have the 19 sport rims.