Tyres and Wheels.

[vivandorron]

At present, I have a 4/5yr old 1.6 Seat Leon

I am now considering a smaller car and, not being badge conscious, am considering buying a 1.4 Seat Ibiza; either the 'Sport' with alloy wheels fitted with low profile tyres, or the 'Stylance' which has steel wheels fitted with higher profile tyre.

It's a double sided question but "What advantages have low profile tyres over high; and the same goes for alloys compared to steel wheels?".

Incidentally, the Ibiza Sport and the Stylance (petrol engined ) are identical in performance.(Nothing special, 0to62mph. 11.9 secs. )

[woodchopper]

Lower profiles will give better cornering traction if you are inclined to a bit of racing - other than a few minor things nothing much else - they give a harder ride as there is less rubber to absorb the shocks.

I personally dont see the point in alloy rims, and have never been inclined to get them even when someone near and dear was going to buy me a set for my birthday a few years ago. You can still put the tyres on appropiate size rims for leess money.
Alloys are expensive and more easily damaged than steel - the choice is yours.
If you want to be one of these boy racers that hasnt gone through puberty yet then they will be a must.

[vivandorron]

Thanks woochopper for answering my question. I'm passed any thought of being a boy racer, so it looks as if I'll be settling for steel rims with the higher profile tyres. Best wishes....Ron.