14"/ 16" what's the difference off road

Post by **mud** » 24 Apr 2007, 07:14

I can imagine that the extra wheel diameter makes a little difference but what are the advantages with a 16" over a 14" ??? Also does it make a difference off road
if you put 15" wheels on a 14"??? apart from looking a bit cooler

Please help-I am trying to wean myself off a long standing Land Rover addiction

Post by **matt** » 24 Apr 2007, 07:44

with the right driver, 15" rims, on correct rubber, very little
If or when I had the cash, I'd go with a standard 14 rhd
on 15" rims, with a lifting kit......

Someone far more knowledgeable will be along shortly.....

Post by **Mudlark** » 24 Apr 2007, 07:54

More ground clearance off-road, an extra inch or two can be the difference between getting over or turning back.

Post by **Mick & Tracey** » 24 Apr 2007, 12:09

Arguably better choice, pricing and availability for 16" off-road pattern tyres.

Post by **syncroand101** » 24 Apr 2007, 12:46

Mick & Tracey wrote:Arguably better choice, pricing and availability for 16" off-road pattern tyres.

True enough, but pretty much anything you get in 16, will come in 15", thanks to Mitsubishi's/Toyotas/Suzuki's etc... Apart from maybe some military tyres..

Definately a whole world of better choice in 15/16 than in 14. In fact, I think you could fit the 14" offroad tread pattern choice list on the back of a postage stamp.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 24 Apr 2007, 13:02

There are a few 14" tyres for off roading, but difficult to get in the UK, one of only a few things easier to get here in France

.. but the 15" rims give better clearance and a much wider overall choice..

I run a 14" with 14" rims for the road and 15" rims and 205/70 off road tyres..

Post by **mud** » 24 Apr 2007, 13:10

Are there any other handling differences apart from the
ground clearance and presumably wider turning circle?

Post by **syncroand101** » 24 Apr 2007, 13:16

Handling - a larger side wall will not perform as well for on road handling conditions - but is better offroad. By the same token anything Beyond an AT as far as tread pattern is concerned will start to feel a little unsure in the wet and at speed around corners - if you push it.

I haven't really consider the turning circle thing, I guess it is fairly low on my list of prorities as IMO the standard turning circle is impressive for the size vehicle, can be very useful on tricky Trials courses...

Post by **mud** » 24 Apr 2007, 13:27

I have been running around in a Land Rover Defender with agressive 900 MT's for a good few years so am used to a bit of 'drift' in the wet

Post by **syncroand101** » 24 Apr 2007, 13:34

Having said that, with the right engine, and a light Caravelle - Syncros can be fun in the wet, fun if you like driving sideways that is...

Post by **mud** » 24 Apr 2007, 13:36

Bring it on

Post by **HarryMann** » 24 Apr 2007, 21:12

Find my 15" Machos (quite severe mud tyres) are very good on tarmac, once they are cut in and once you you know where you stand with them - certainly don't do anything dramatic and unexpected wet or dry - or not yet anyway

Think you do want 15's or 16's off-road, every little helps...

Post by **Ye Olde Syncrospares** » 25 Apr 2007, 08:25

mud,if your used to driving a defender on mud terrains your gonna be dissapointed with the capability of a syncro,cj.

Post by **mud** » 25 Apr 2007, 09:02

SYNCROSPARES UK wrote:mud,if your used to driving a defender on mud terrains your gonna be dissapointed with the capability of a syncro,cj.

I have been running around in Land Rovers for the past decade but am after a Syncro for more reasons than just off road capability. Sure I will be looking to take it off the tarmac to explore byways and green lanes, to take it to pay and play days, to do a big overseas expedition and of course to go to Syncro events . Looking at the clips on You Tube the main difference betweeen a Syncro and Landy off road is that in a Syncro you have to rev the nuts off to get up a hill

To me the important part is to be able to go places where a standard vehicle won't and to be able to switch off the engine and have a brew or climb into bed if I want to. I spent 3 months driving down to Africa and around Morocco in a bog standard Mercedes 307 white van with a mattress in the back after all of 5 days planning and got to some places where even the locals were surprised (including getting very stuck in the Sahara desert!)
Land Rovers are a good bit of kit but they are very heavy and 'clunky' and not very comfortable to sleep in. Whatever Syncro I end up with it will get mods along the way to make it more capable. Looking through the garage the Syncro closest to what I aspire to is the modified Westy belonging to syncroand101 (I'm SO jealous Jake

)
I don't expect miracles from a Syncro, just reasonable off road ability and a decent level of comfort when I switch off the engine and get in the back. Hope to meet some of you later this year when the right Syncro comes along.

Post by **matt** » 25 Apr 2007, 09:16

Syncro you have to rev the nuts off to get up a hill Laughing

only if I'm driving

derv's tend to get up owt, esp the modern 1.9 upgrade
havin said that Syncrow petes sub bra roo climbed owt with out a heavy foot