85 Cutlass Brougham said:
Okay, the whole form>function thing ( just remember, you asked for opinions! If you are afraid of hearing divergent opinions, don't ask people what they think). Rotational mass has a far greater impact on vehicle performance than static mass. It is both more difficult to accelerate, and more difficult to decelerate. This places additional loads on the axle shafts, U joints, transmission, etc. Additionally, lifting a vehicle raises the center of gravity affecting both handling and stability.
My cars do get modified with cosmetics in mind, but more so that I don't stick out too much, hence my cars are understated and not ostentatious. The exterior for me is less important as compared to how the mechanical aspects of the car performs. Thus, I try to optimize the mathematics of vehicle dynamics rather than draw attention to myself. I'd probably spend the money that the 24's cost on a 6 speed manual transmission swap instead. My car is oriented towards corner burning, overall driveability, fuel economy, and occupant comfort. I am an engineering student, so I do tend to get pedantic with the mechanical details. I try to get the best performance out of the car without compromising other things to get there. That's me. You are free to disagree with me, this is an open forum.
BTW, I would never be caught dead driving any of the cars in the above pictures. Not my style. All the local cops would think I was a drug dealer and harass me non-stop.
You know, I was completely aware of EVERYTHING (literally) that you stated. Of course, a 24" wheel is going to have more weight than a 15" wheel, so rotational mass is greater, thus putting a strain on everything from the brakes, to the engine/transmission, etc...
...BUT, that's why I said these cars have numerous upgrades. Nothing remains stock on them. Literally. A lot of these cars have the same parts that ya'll do, BUT...as soon as ya'll see the "big wheels", they immediately get thrown under the bus.
But, you know...it's cool. You'll obviously never see my point, and I doubt anyone else will. Normally, I'm always up for a good debate, but only if it actually leads somewhere. Otherwise, you're talking just for the sake of talking.
As far as opinions go, like I've stated before, I could seriously care less what anyone thinks...do you. Nobody...not even 2 best friends think like on everything. As long as your opposing opinion is respectful, that's all I care about.
As far as being mistaken for a "drug dealer", that's strange, seeing where you're located from. There's a ton of these cars in Tampa and South FL.in general...that's where it originated from. Besides, I'm 28...if I was going to get pulled over, it wouldn't make a difference if I drove one of those cars, or I spent $60,000+ on a Benz...both are stereotypes, except the Benz screams "how did he afford that at his age?"
