19 inch wheels?
 

I'm looking at a Cayman with 19" OEM wheels. Obviously ride quality is an issue, but how is cornering effected? Is tread depth shallower than an 18"? Do they need replacement more frequently?

Any thoughts/warnings most appreciated.

BTW...GAWD do they look sweet.....

Some thoughts off the top of my head...

All other variables equal, cornering should be better since the shoulder of the tire is shorter and less prone to flex. Tread depth should not be affected.

If tire diameter is larger than OEM then the speedo should be calibrated accordingly.

0-60 times may suffer.

Since the tire shoulder is shorter the tire's ability to absorb shock is lessened. This results in a harsher ride and exposes the wheel to more shock and possibly damage.

aside from a harsher ride and negligible gains in cornering the larger diameter wheels will transmit more road noise into the interior and be more susceptible to road damage from pot holes etc. They will also take away some of the cushion at the point where the tires break loose under hard cornering, meaning you will get less warning or feel when this will occur because of the reduced side wall. These are of course nitpicky reasons and a true evaluation must of course occur by the seat of your pants trial and how good the roads are where you will most often be driving.

keep in mind my opinions are free and only worth that much:)

enjoy your dilema, life is good

If your area is subject to potholes, they can make driving miserable and destroy wheels (bend/crack) and tires(bulging on the sidewalls).