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I'm currently shopping for a 2nd Gen IS. My first instinct was to go with RWD for slightly quicker acceleration and marginally better gas mileage. But, fact that RWD runs a staggered setup got me wondering - what would be cheaper in the long run, AWD with its square tires setup and lower gas mileage, or RWD with staggered tires and higher gas mileage?
Are the larger rear tires on the RWD more expensive than the front? How much more quickly does the staggered setup go through tires?
It's not that much more expensive to run a staggered setup on RWD. Last year I bought a set of Michelin Pilot Sports (AS) for under $700 with a $100 rebate from tirerack. If you go with continental ExtreameContact's they are even cheaper. I'm 18", if you go 17" prices go down. Also from what I understand, you can go squared on RWD. I prefer Staggered. After 1 year and 15K I still have at least 2 more years on these tires
Running a square setup on RWD would require different wheels on the back, correct? I suppose that wouldn't cost all that much but I'm trying to keep my costs down.
Running a square setup on RWD would require different wheels on the back, correct? I suppose that wouldn't cost all that much but I'm trying to keep my costs down.
No, a squared setup would be the same size wheels front and back. Not sure what size you would use, someone who has done it can answer that. Also not sure if you would need to use different RIMS that come with the car for front & back. The tire configuration I posted in my answer is for a staggered setup with 18" tires.
Yes you can run a square setup on the RWD, even if it came factory with a staggered setup.
Unless you're tracking the car or driving really aggressively, you won't notice change in handling. Stock wheels are 18x8 and 18x8.5 You can put 235/40/18, alternatively 235/45/17 on all four corners without any problem.
Yes you can run a square setup on the RWD, even if it came factory with a staggered setup.
Unless you're tracking the car or driving really aggressively, you won't notice change in handling. Stock wheels are 18x8 and 18x8.5 You can put 235/40/18, alternatively 235/45/17 on all four corners without any problem.
FWIW - OEM 18x8.5 rear wheels (F-Sport stagger option) do not clear 350 front calipers without spacers. 6mm does it but 10 would be better choice. Make sure to retain hub center support.
Yes you can run a square setup on the RWD, even if it came factory with a staggered setup.
Unless you're tracking the car or driving really aggressively, you won't notice change in handling. Stock wheels are 18x8 and 18x8.5 You can put 235/40/18, alternatively 235/45/17 on all four corners without any problem.
Just to clarify, this would mean buying two new 18x8 wheels to replace the rear wheels, right?
Just to clarify, this would mean buying two new 18x8 wheels to replace the rear wheels, right?
Or another wheel of choice that offers 9" width to fill the fenders. If you grab a wider tire to make a nice foot print it will be spendy though... 225's are pretty cheap though if that's your path.
It all depends what you plan on doing with the car. If modding is your thing then look for aftermarket wheels, tires, suspension etc. Keep in mind that staggered wheels on these cars are for cosmetic look mainly. Having said that you can get factory spec'd tires and call it a day.
Alternatively people install one size tire on staggered wheels, mainly for a winter use, since staggered winter tires may not be widely available.
It all depends what you plan on doing with the car. If modding is your thing then look for aftermarket wheels, tires, suspension etc. Keep in mind that staggered wheels on these cars are for cosmetic look mainly. Having said that you can get factory spec'd tires and call it a day.
Alternatively people install one size tire on staggered wheels, mainly for a winter use, since staggered winter tires may not be widely available.
235/40/18 on 18x8 wheel
235/40/18 on 18x8.5 wheel
235/40/18 on 18x8.5
I've heard that the stock suspension setup for RWD is tuned for a staggered setup. I've also heard that a squared setup would affect performance in certain situations, such as tracking and aggressive driving
I think I've changed my tune. After reading a bit more about AWD vs RWD, I'd rather do RWD - a bit lighter, a bit faster, slightly better gas mileage, quieter (someone said the AWD system makes more noise), simpler mechanically, and tire costs doesn't seem to be drastically higher. But honestly noise and weight are my biggest concerns. I test drove a RWD IS 250 today and it already felt heavy and underpowered, so I'd rather not go even slower/heavier.
And maybe eventually if someone's getting rid of a pair of stock 18x8 wheels, I'll make that switch for the benefits of a square setup.
11-18-20, 08:31 AM
Staggered tires cost of ownership (AWD vs. RWD)
