17" Sidwall Stiffness

[edevlin]

Well I just got my worn-out Pirelli's replaced with 4 new Michellin's. The Michellin's give a noticably smoother ride on my Boxster. While I was waiting for the tires to be put on at the dealer, I got to test drive a 2006 Boxster S with 19" wheels, wow.

I was amazed at the smooth ride and the very quick handling of the new car with 19" wheels compared to my 2000 2.7L with 17" wheels. When I would turn the steering wheel in the 2006 Boxster S, it would go there - right now. In comparison, my car felt sluggish and soft when I would do the same amount of turning. I was wondering how much of the "sluggish" stearing in my car is due to flex in the sidwalls of my 17" tires and how much is differences in suspension.

I was also impressed that the ride was smoother even in "sport" mode in the new Boxster S. I thought the 19" tires would give a rougher ride. Any thoughts?

Ed

2000 Boxster
48K, stock suspension
17" stock wheels,