Is there a significant handling difference between 17 and 18 inch wheels?

 

they say 17 for racing 18 for show

 

Not much really

 

Only difference would really be the weight of the rim and if would differ with the wider or slimmer you go.

 

18 inch tires cost more i believe.

 

way more lol.. and other than weight i highly doubt there is any difference between performance.. when it comes down to it weight is the only facter other than tire choice

 

You will be using a smaller sidewall with an 18" which could help in the stiffness of your handling. There is less sidewall to flex.

 

i think 18's look sexy and 17's look boring. But performance wise I don't think it matters too much. Just my personal opinion.

 

With the 17s the car almost needs to be lowered just because of the spacing from the fenders to the tire is HUGE but with 18s and some meaty tires the car looks mean and looks lowered.

 

If anything you should lower it just as much with 18's. The overall diameter of the tire will not change if you get the right size. The wheel may be larger but the sidewall of the tire is smaller which makes up for it.