why wider tires on rear of x5?

[Ranger]

Originally Posted by X5rolls

I understand your points – I think we can agree to disagree on some of them though. First, I should qualify that my answers were from a street perspective. You have a much better base of knowledge on the track than I do so I would defer to your experience.

My 4.8is is performance oriented - I'd not suggest it's because of the tires but because of the sum of it's parts. I'd have to go and check other tire and wheel sizes for other X5's but I'd bet (not a big $ number) my set up has a bigger footprint, shorter sidewalls and compounds (in the summer versions) oriented to more performance oriented street driving.

My buying bigger rear tires for one of my cars did make the car handle better - the sidewalls are shorter. It just holds the road better in turns and takes more power to swing the back end out, therefore I can come out of turns with more power/speed. I couldn't get the same tire size on the previous wheel used and these would not fit on the front of the car – so staggered is the only option.

Not sure I'd ever like the way even a performance front wheel drive car drives no less races. It's preference. Although I’ve not owned a performance front driver, I’ve had a few 200 + HP ones and I didn’t like them after a short time. I'm strictly rear or all wheel drive biased. Front, mid or rear engine based. Front wheel issues with torque steer, overloading the tires in the front and push all are not favorable characteristics in a car trying to race, take corners quickly etc. IMHO. I’m sure that is were the science, R&D and driver expertise combine to make these cars very competitive.

I have pushed my X5 pretty hard on the street, ABS engaging on dry pavement and hearing the great sound of Michelins howling on occasion. Having said all that however, I’d still enjoy the opportunity to drive one of these front wheel cars that been purpose built for racing. I have an open mind, especially if it involves going fast J

Your response is fair and reasonable. Like you I've owned a couple FWD cars but they don't strike me as ideal for performance driving either.

I see that you live in Maryland. There's a number of great tracks in your area that host "Driver's Education" events all the time. You show up with your sedan, are handed an instructor for the day, and have the greatest time of your life. It will almost make you swear off chicks and beer.

Next year's schedules will be posted soon. So in a couple weeks check out
www.MotorsportsReg.com
www.TrackSchedule.com