When it comes to muscle cars and other high-performance vehicles, form and function go hand in hand. Getting the most speed and power out of the car often also means having a sleek, aggressive profile that commands attention. One of the best examples of this is when a car has staggered wheels, meaning the rear wheels are larger or wider than those in the front. This is a common type of modification that can bring a lot of enhancements to the way your car handles and performs on the road. Compare that to the standard, or square, fitment and you’ll see the difference immediately. But what is a square or staggered wheels setup, and which one would be best for your vehicle? Read on to learn more about your options and what your choice might mean for you.
What Are Staggered Rims vs. Square Fitments?
Most vehicles on the road today are built with a square fitment, meaning all four wheels are the same diameter and width. This ensures proper handling for most makes and models, as well as making it easier to rotate tires and replace them. So what is a staggered wheel setup, and how common is it? In a staggered fitment, the rear wheels are larger and/or wider than the front tires. This arrangement is found most often in performance cars that use rear-wheel drive, such as the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Corvette. That’s because staggered tires give better traction and offer better balancing in vehicles that output higher horsepower.
What Are the Staggered Tires Configurations Available?
There is no shortage of choices available when it comes to aftermarket rims, and shopping for staggered wheel fitments can be confusing at first. For example, there are a wide range of options in terms of wheel diameter as well as the width of your rims.
Selecting the wheels that make the most sense for your ride will come down to what you want to achieve along with your make and model. If all you want is to give your car a more aggressive look, you’ll be limited only by what it can accommodate. On the other hand, getting a performance boost means you’ll want to be more selective. Wider tires can give you more traction for laying down rubber and improving your 0-60 time, but you might be sacrificing your ability to corner. If you’re having trouble deciding, it’s always best to talk to a professional who can help you weigh the pros and cons of each setup.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Wheel Setup?
Before you make a decision about converting your car, it’s best to learn about what is a staggered setup. Consider all the advantages and disadvantages to staggered wheels vs. standard fitment:
- Performance — Staggered wheels can provide you with improved traction, which can be great on the straightaway. However, many times this fitment can lead to problems with understeer, which means you’ll have less control on turns. On the other hand, staggered rims also can provide better weight support for vehicles that put most of their weight over the rear axle.
- Aesthetics — There’s no doubt that a staggered setup gives your vehicle a different look. With larger rims in the back, the rear of your car will be lifted and give it a more dynamic silhouette. If you’re looking for a way to draw attention to your ride and have the car you always dreamed of while playing with Hot Wheels as a kid, this can go a long way.
- Cost — If you’re trying to save some money over the long run, staggered wheels may not be for you. Not only do the different sizes make it more challenging to buy tires, but you’ll be replacing them more often.
- Maintenance — Because staggered wheels can’t be rotated the same way standard-fitted wheels can, they wear down faster. This means you’ll be spending more time and money on your tires. There’s also a chance you could be putting additional strain on your drivetrain and other components.
What Other Customizations Are Available With Staggered Wheels?
Having a staggered fitment means you also may be able to add fender flares and/or wide body kits to your car. These can change the overall shape of your vehicle to better match its new profile and give you a sleeker or more-powerful look.
If you’re thinking about staggered rims, Kixx Motorsports has you covered. We have a wide assortment of aftermarket rims in various sizes. Follow the links to shop our selection of Velgen Wheels and Blaque Diamond wheels, or reach out to get advice from one of our experts before you buy.
SOURCES
https://factoryreproductions.com/blog/standard-vs-staggered-fitment-which-setup-suits-your-vehicle/
https://www.discounttire.com/blog/staggered-fitment-pros-cons
https://www.hpdwheels.com/blogs/news/staggered-wheels-and-rims-explained