Big sidewall or big rim??

[yukondiesel]

If I remember correctly: Larger sidewall equals more flex...That is good for shock absorbtion like potholes and off-roading. More flex also means more heat build-up (mostly at higher speeds read "highway"). More heat means reduced tire life. Note the higher speed rated tires seem to be in the 60-50- even 40 aspect ratio (the last number in the tire size) to keep flex/heat production lower.

I am NOT a tire engineer nor do I play one on TV...Just my observations and conclusions. It comes down to more than appearance to me...Good-luck...Joe

[Flipper1940]

Big wheels look better, but they use more energy to get them rolling and stopping them.

Even if the tire/wheel combo weighs the same....the mass is concentrated closer to the outside diameter and thus has more rotational inertia.

If the change in gas mileage and brake life doesn't bother you, go big, they do look much better.