smaller wheels for winter

[puckaveli]

I will most likely drive my Impreza in the winter since it's so much fun but i would like to get a set of smaller wheels to throw some snows on for the Kizashi. Has anyone experimented with using smaller wheels from other Suzukis or figured out how small of a wheel will clear the calipers? I use Nokian Hakka's and they are not cheap so if I can save some money by getting 16's vs. 18's i will.

[chazyouwin]

Welcome to the site. Actually, I purchased some nice 16" wheels for the winter from Tire Rack and put TR's Blizzaks on them with new TPMS. But given the driving experience I would recommend staying with at least 17" wheels unless you're going to be driving in snow quite a lot. There is a noticeable difference in the handling. If you look through my posts you'll find a picture or two of them. Can hardly wait to get the stock 18" wheels and Dunlops back on the car.

[vapor2]

I have a set of steel 16" with Michelin X Ice 2. the ride is smoother vs. the 18" with Potenza (??). however, it look ugly, imo.

[jute2003]

We put 16's with snows on for the winter. I actually like the look of them better then the 18's and haven't noticed much difference in terms of handling. I admittedly don't really push it much though.