I have a 2007 Toyota Yaris with OEM steel wheels and 185/65R15 tires.
I’m going to sell my 05 Scion Xa with Aluminum Vision Boost wheels and 185/60R15 tires.
For highway driving, would be wise to switch out the wheels before selling the Xa? (Putting aluminum wheels on an 07 Yaris)
The Yaris (OEM steel 185/65R15) drives and feels NIGHT AND DAY better than the Xa (Aluminum 185/60/R15) but want opinions on the practicality differences between steel and aluminum wheels.
The Yaris drives and feels NIGHT AND DAY better than the Xa
Are you sure this is not due to the taller sidewall tyres themselves on the Yaris? Are they the same tyre on both vehicles?
would be wise to switch out the wheels before selling the Xa? (Putting aluminum wheels on an 07 Yaris)
I wouldn’t do it.
For starters, your speedometer error will be 2.8% (speedometer over-reads), the sidewall height will reduce by 9mm which will affect ride comfort (but you may have better handling). Your ground clearance will also be reduced.
Maybe swap them for a week or so and see if you like the new driving dynamics. If you don’t, swap them back to OEM.
All the best!
Personal choice
With respect to ride quality ... aluminum is very rigid whereas steel has some "give". Cyclists know this well. Not sure how noticeable this would be in a car.
Aluminum is lighter, providing slightly quicker acceleration/deceleration.
Steel will eventually rust
Aluminum doesn't rust, but it's usually coated in a clear finish, which eventually chips/peels causing them look like garbage. (which is where most people end up putting them).
With a hard impact, steel will bend. Aluminum will fracture. The wheel is garbage either way, but the steelie is more likely to hold air and get you home. In extreme cases, the aluminum wheel will even depart from your vehicle.
The wheels have only a 5% of 185mm difference in the sidewall height - so a 0.3 inch difference.
And even then, you can probably just swap the tires,
As the width and diameter of birth rins match.
I doubt that it’s the wheels, probably different suspension setups / condition.
It’s pretty much whatever you like more (and if you’re not going to swap tires, also to wether you’re willing to reprogram the Yaris’ ECU in case you need an accurate speedometer)
Personally I’d stick to steel, it’s durable, it’s cheap to replace, the tires on it have a bigger tire sideway.
But if you really want to fancy looks and the best possible good ride, you can swap both wheels and tires.
