Steel wheels are generally heavier. For example, the stock Vanagon 14x6 alloys
weigh about 16lbs each. While my new Winkler 14x7 chrome steel rims are about
20lbs each.

There are two types of alloy wheels - cast and forged. Most "cheaper" alloys are
cast and, as such, when they are stressed too much simply fracture. Steel
wheels, on the other hand, "give" more (they are not as "stiff" as aluminum) --
they will simply bend if stressed too much.

This is why serious off-road types use either steel or forged alloys (tres cher,
mon ami). While street racers generally always use forged alloys due to the
"slight" reduced weight.

John Anderson wrote:

> >All this talk has got me wondering about the pro's and con's of alloy
> rather
> >than steel rims.
>
> Alloys are usually stiffer (yep I'm not lying, although aluminum is a third
> the modulus, typically you got much more cross section, and moment of
> inertia of the cross section), and are often, but not always (I've never
> weighed a Vanagon rim) lighter which reduces unsprung weight making your
> suspension work less, and more efficiently.  When it comes to the Vanagon
> OEM alloy versus steel rim, I'd guess them about equally prone to being bent
> as the alloy is a monstrous thing, not always true, early Corrado alloys
> bend if they sit in the sun too long (well nearly).  Alloys look real cool
> and trendy, but when you gouge one, it looks like crap and is hard to fix,
> when you scratch a hub cap, who cares (it's a hub cap), alloys are generally
> expensive, and require care (not hard to care for, just require some care,
> washing, waxing, etc to keep them looking good.)  Alloys are available in
> many sizes and fitments, even quite a few aftermarket for the Vanagon.  And
> the OEM vanagon is a bit wider? than the steel rim, so perhaps a teeny tad
> better at supporting a wider tire against rolling, but that is likely
> trivial.  So there you have it, is one better than the other, probably not
> as far as origional Vanagon fare goes, despite what people may like to
> believe, it ususally comes down to looks and cost.  I wouldn't go running
> out killing yourself to find a set, now if you want a bigger diameter via
> Audi or aftermarket, that's another issue altogether.
>
> John
> vwbus@mindspring.com

--
Michael J. Sullivan
Director of Catalog Design
Open Market Inc.
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   work: http://www.openmarket.com
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