Wheel Choices for the Mk7 TSI

[Diesel_vert]

So, in the end, you cancelled your order for the Highline and got the Comfortline instead - but for reasons of interior aesthetics, it would seem to appear.

Anyway, having since driven the Highline (225/45 R17), albeit briefly, do you feel there are any differences in compliance on poor road surfaces compared to the Comfortline (205/55 R16)?

[Ryan_R]

I honestly didn't notice any difference in comfort when I drove the Highline last week.

[Kevin87]

My partner and I have just ordered a comfortline but I really want the 17 inch dijons wheels. If anyone wants to swap I'm all ears

[Buller_Scott]

Hi Cuthbert, I'm an away-VAGger at the moment, but if I might interject...

Tyre choice and tyre pressures play more of a part in ride comfort, than the size of your wheels, to an extent (IMO).

Tire choice will obviously take a backseat to things until it comes time to replace your from-the-showroom-floor set, but in the meantime, go to Autobarn and get a digital tyre pressure gauge for a piddly $30, and measure all four corners - the gauges at the servo can't really be trusted.

Different sized tyre, but I would run mine at 40.5 front and 37.5 rear hot, and then for the trip to sydney, let 'em right down to around 35.something front and 33.something rear, after a few clicks on the highway.

Makes a world of difference.

My 2c.

[kaanage]

Sorry Scotty but I have to disagree - the rim diameter and tyre width determines the profile for a given rolling diameter and the profile has the largest bearing on tyre compliance. Plus low profile tyres pretty much force you to run higher tyre pressures to protect the rims so compliance is further reduced.

[Cuthbert]

I ended up getting the 90tsi Comfortline. I found the 16 inch wheels marginally more comfortable than the 17 inch versions. But there is hardly anything in it - both versions ride very smoothly. What really converted me to the Comfortline in the end, was my aversion the the glossy piano inlay on the Highline. But this is just a matter of personal taste; I prefer the understated look of the brushed aluminium.

I would like to stress, however, that both the Comfortlne and the Highline are brilliant cars. I imagine that the forthcoming GTI and R models will raise the bar even higher.

[exzibit]

I ended up getting the 90tsi Comfortline. I found the 16 inch wheels marginally more comfortable than the 17 inch versions. But there is hardly anything in it - both versions ride very smoothly. What really converted me to the Comfortline in the end, was my aversion the the glossy piano inlay on the Highline. But this is just a matter of personal taste; I prefer the understated look of the brushed aluminium.

I would like to stress, however, that both the Comfortlne and the Highline are brilliant cars. I imagine that the forthcoming GTI and R models will raise the bar even higher.

Did you find the additional kw's on the Highline make much difference compared to the Comfortline? I've only driven the 90TSI and it was surprisingly zippy and quiet with a sporty note when you floor it. I can only imagine what the GTI must be like!

[Cuthbert]

From my comparison test drives of both cars, I really don't think there is much in it - both cars felt sufficiently powerful with good torque. I have had my 90TSI for two weeks now, and never once has it felt underpowered - even on a steep hill while overtaking. Indeed, it is quite zippy. If it is power you want, of course, I would skip the Highline and go straight for the GTI where the difference would be stark.

[pologti18t]

Indeed, it is quite zippy. If it is power you want, of course, I would skip the Highline and go straight for the GTI where the difference would be stark.

Or just get your 90TSI chipped.

[exzibit]

Or just get your 90TSI chipped.

Sorry complete noob question incoming.. How much does it cost to chip and would it void insurance? What sort of improvement in power could you expect to get?

[Ryan_R]

You might get some clues from looking in the tuning subforum (where others have asked those questions) and also see what gains people had with the Mk6 90TSi as a rough guide.

[exzibit]

You might get some clues from looking in the tuning subforum (where others have asked those questions) and also see what gains people had with the Mk6 90TSi as a rough guide.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction don't think I'll be doing a chip mod after having a read, not really worth the potential hassles with insurance and warranty..besides, I'm pleased with the car as it is for a daily driver.

[Arnold]

The other thing to bear in mind is whether one might need to fit chains and so what the Golf owner's manual might say about the compatibility of different wheel sizes with chains.

In the Mark V GTI manual, VW states that chains are not compatible with the 17" rims although there is a $650 solution from Rud of Germany (with an Australian branch in Brisbane and sold through, inter alia, Roofrack World).

[hoi polloi]

Have a MkVI 103TDI with the sports pack... Have had no issues with the ride quality whatsoever... Given the MkVII should be an improvement in the ride/handling department I'd say "no"...

Regards,
- Anthony.

[krish344]

Anyone thinking of changing the rims on their golf?

I have a Golf 90TSI and I was wondering if it would be worth my while to change the rims. Has anyone else changed their rims on their car? Did it make the ride better or worse? I was thinking if I was to change my rims I would probably go for some BBS rims as most of the Golfs look pretty sweet on them.