Submitting Build Order next week - Talk to me about the 19in vs 20in Rims
09-23-2013, 02:06 PM
#11
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First off, having previously lived on CO for over 20 years, I know the snow can get pretty deep at times. If you're planning on driving in more than 4" of snow with the A6, all seasons will not be ideal - dedicated snow tires would be advisable. If you go that route and decide on having them mounted on different wheels, 18" would probably be the best choice for winter w/dedicated snows. Then you could run with the 20" summer tires for the rest of the year.
Note that with the 20", there will be a moderate decrease in ride comfort compared to the 19" due to the decreased sidewall rubber. As I recall, the roads in Colorado, for the most part, don't have too many potholes but be aware, the larger the wheel, the less the tire sidewall and pothole avoidance becomes important. Benefit going with 18" wheels for snow tires is better handling in deep snow, less chance for road damage, lower cost for both tires and wheels and less chance for wheel damage changing the tires with one set of wheels twice a year.
If you decide you don't want two sets of tires and wheels and prefer the 20", consider the Conti DWS UHP all seasons. They are available in the A6 OEM 20" size, are highly rated and seem to come out with the best overall rating for moderate snow performance.
Note that with the 20", there will be a moderate decrease in ride comfort compared to the 19" due to the decreased sidewall rubber. As I recall, the roads in Colorado, for the most part, don't have too many potholes but be aware, the larger the wheel, the less the tire sidewall and pothole avoidance becomes important. Benefit going with 18" wheels for snow tires is better handling in deep snow, less chance for road damage, lower cost for both tires and wheels and less chance for wheel damage changing the tires with one set of wheels twice a year.
If you decide you don't want two sets of tires and wheels and prefer the 20", consider the Conti DWS UHP all seasons. They are available in the A6 OEM 20" size, are highly rated and seem to come out with the best overall rating for moderate snow performance.
If I were the OP, given they do not like the look of the 19" (neither did I, which is why I added on aftermarket 19" wheels) I would either order the A6 with the 20" wheels and use them in the summer, or order it with the 18" wheels and put winter tires on them then order a set of 19" or 20" wheels in a style you like for summer
09-23-2013, 03:19 PM
#12
AudiWorld Member
I struggled with this very question when I ordered my car. The 20s looked great and I didn't care much or the 2013 19 inch rims. However the 20s road a little harsher, and the P zeros where much louder.
I actually liked the new 19 inch rims for the 2014 model year (although they are still no visual match for the 20s) which solved my problem. I am very happy with my current 19s with the stock Contis. They ride great and are quiet...quiet being a really important attribute for me.
If you are going to replace the P zeros anyway then you can better optimize the tire for what you want which might be a consideration in getting the 20s, but I am happy with my choice of the 19s.
I agree with everyones suggestion of dedicated winter tires.
I actually liked the new 19 inch rims for the 2014 model year (although they are still no visual match for the 20s) which solved my problem. I am very happy with my current 19s with the stock Contis. They ride great and are quiet...quiet being a really important attribute for me.
If you are going to replace the P zeros anyway then you can better optimize the tire for what you want which might be a consideration in getting the 20s, but I am happy with my choice of the 19s.
I agree with everyones suggestion of dedicated winter tires.
09-23-2013, 05:31 PM
#13
AudiWorld Senior Member
I have 19 's on both winter and summer set ups. Didn't like the look of 18's on the car, too much rubber. since Oct-March is a good bet for snow in the mountains ,get a set that you can live (aesthetically) with for 1/2 the year. 18's make more sense if you drive up for skiing often.
09-24-2013, 04:02 AM
#14
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thanks Keithl and Snagit for the responses. Both are very helpful. I was trying to avoid having 2 sets of tires, but considering the winter road conditions here in CO, it would make sense to have 18in Winter Tires and 20 with Summer Performance tires.
Now as far as building the car, I assume I would build the car with the 20 inch Spots package/tires and go out and purchase 18 inch wheels with Winter tires and a fitment kit, correct? Is this something I should do through the dealer or independently online?
Now as far as building the car, I assume I would build the car with the 20 inch Spots package/tires and go out and purchase 18 inch wheels with Winter tires and a fitment kit, correct? Is this something I should do through the dealer or independently online?
BTW, what interior trim are you ordering? I have the alum. and love it with the black/black interior.
09-27-2013, 03:10 AM
#15
AudiWorld Member
Thanks Keithl and Snagit for the responses. Both are very helpful. I was trying to avoid having 2 sets of tires, but considering the winter road conditions here in CO, it would make sense to have 18in Winter Tires and 20 with Summer Performance tires.
Now as far as building the car, I assume I would build the car with the 20 inch Spots package/tires and go out and purchase 18 inch wheels with Winter tires and a fitment kit, correct? Is this something I should do through the dealer or independently online?
Now as far as building the car, I assume I would build the car with the 20 inch Spots package/tires and go out and purchase 18 inch wheels with Winter tires and a fitment kit, correct? Is this something I should do through the dealer or independently online?
09-27-2013, 09:14 AM
#16
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Mind sharing how you were to strike this deal? We've spoken with Sally at AoA and will sign up for the Lifetime ACNA. She's agreed to wave the waiting period and will send me the paper work so that I can get 6% off MSRP.
I'm wondering if it would be expecting too much to think someone would throw in an extra pair of wheels for me. I could always ask.
I'm wondering if it would be expecting too much to think someone would throw in an extra pair of wheels for me. I could always ask.
09-27-2013, 09:21 AM
#17
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What are your thoughts?
09-27-2013, 09:53 AM
#18
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Earlier trim discussions showed that the Ash was the preferred interior choice. There was one person that dented the aluminum trim.
09-27-2013, 09:55 AM
#19
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As with anything, it comes down to personal taste. I'm counting the days until delivery next month!
09-27-2013, 10:08 AM
#20
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