19" vs. 20" Wheels on GranTurismo | FerrariChat
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19" vs. 20" Wheels on GranTurismo

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by JoeG54, Sep 12, 2009.

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  1. JoeG54

    JoeG54 Karting

    Aug 24, 2004
    183
    Bay Area, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe G
    #1 JoeG54, Sep 12, 2009
    I have a GT with the 20" birdcage wheels, with the standard Pirelli tires. I'd prefer a smoother "everyday" ride if possible (as I always have the Sport mode as an option) and am considering both changing to the 19 inch standard wheel, as well as tire brand changes.

    Can anyone offer their subjective opinions as to the difference in ride between the 19" vs the 20" wheels? Also, I've heard that the 20' wheels are prone to pothole-induced damage.

    Also, I've read a number of tire reviews on the TireRack and Discount Tire web sites, and it seems that there is substantial difference in opinions with respect to different tire brands. For example, many people feel that the Bridgestones and the Michelin tires offer a smoother and quiter ride than the (standard Maserati-issue) Pirellis and Continentals. (Note that none of these reviewers are driving a Maserati GT.) I assume this difference would be due to different rubber compounds in both the sidewall and the tread. Having said that, it seems reasonable that the larger tire sidewall on the 19 inch wheels would offer a smoother ride as well.

    I'm also wondering if it would be possible (and safe) to change tire size to the next larger sidewall size, although I'd definitely prefer to not do this.

    Thanks in advance for any help.

    Joe G
     
  2. The Palerider

    The Palerider Formula Junior

    Sep 11, 2008
    463
    Miami, Florida
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #2 The Palerider, Sep 14, 2009
    My 2008 GT came shod with Bridgestones (not Pirellis or Continentals) on 19" wheels. I too drive mostly in Sport mode and I find the ride to be very comfortable. I have driven a GT with 20" wheels and I can say that there was a noticable ride difference - slightly harsher.

    As for the pothole issue, I'm not so sure it has so much to do with the compound as much as the side wall height and the type of rim. I can say that I have hit potholes (unavoidable sometimes in heavy traffic) with the 19" rims/Bridgestones and have suffered no damage to the rims.

    My 2 cents - swap to 19s and put on 4 Bridgestones, manufacturer-recommended size....but first...

    I am not sure if you bought your car from a dealer or a private party, but if you have access to a Maserati dealer, you might want to drop in and see if they have a GT with 19s available. Take it for a spin to experince the difference first hand.
     
  3. JoeG54

    JoeG54 Karting

    Aug 24, 2004
    183
    Bay Area, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe G
    #3 JoeG54, Sep 14, 2009
    Thanks very much for your insights, Palerider. Which specific Bridgestone model tires do you have on your GT? I looked on TireRack, and they only list the Pirellis and Contis as OEM tires.
     
  4. Pitpass

    Pitpass Karting

    Apr 2, 2009
    77
    #4 Pitpass, Sep 15, 2009
    Joe,

    The Bridgestones on a GT are the Potenza RE050A, 245 40 19 on the front and 285 40 19 on the rear. Part number 140548 (fronts) and 140565 (rear). These are OEM also.
     
  5. JoeG54

    JoeG54 Karting

    Aug 24, 2004
    183
    Bay Area, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe G
    #5 JoeG54, Sep 15, 2009
    Pitpass -- I assume that these Bridgestone tires are NOT run-flats?

    Thanks to you and Palerider for your help!
     
  6. Pitpass

    Pitpass Karting

    Apr 2, 2009
    77
    #6 Pitpass, Sep 15, 2009
    Correct, they are not run flats.
     

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