Ride/handling difference between OEM 19's and OEM 20's (A/S) on non-PP SHO?

[jim1274]

Anybody have comments on their experience with the differences in ride quality and handling between the OEM 19's and OEM 20's on non-performance package 2014 SHO?  (or earlier models--probably same comments apply in general?)

The reason I ask is am giving strong consideration to trading my 2012 base model stripper SHO for a new 2014 (with the options I regret not getting on the 2012) and am trying to determine the pros and cons of the standard 19's vs the optional 20" 10-spokes.  I really like the 10-spokes look--what can I expect in the "feel" part?  Will going with the 20's give me anything more than a little more grip and feel with the trade-off in less isolation from bad roads?  I suspect plenty of people have replaced their stock 19's with 20's--any regrets?

[BiGMaC]

I got the 20" flower wheels.  I drove the 19s while searching.  Not sure I appreciated much beyond the appearance.  The rubber 0n the 20s still has enough sidewall that the ride is the same and doesn't get harsh. The handling seems a little better on rougher roads with the 20s.  Just my opinion.  Hope this helps.

[jim1274]

I got the 20" flower wheels.  I drove the 19s while searching.  Not sure I appreciated much beyond the appearance.  The rubber 0n the 20s still has enough sidewall that the ride is the same and doesn't get harsh. The handling seems a little better on rougher roads with the 20s.  Just my opinion.  Hope this helps.

Yes, that does help.  I do not want to give up ride quality unless there is a commensurate gain in handling.  Sounds like your experience was the 20's added more than they took away.

I am still vacillating between getting and not getting the PP on the 2014.  Really enjoy the nice smooth cushy ride, but every time I get frisky on a clover leaf or some such the base suspension is a bit lacking.  Maybe I am expecting too much from upgrade to a PP car--the just sold SRT8 Challenger was what I have been comparing the handling to.  Doubtful a PP is gonna get me in that league for handling....miss the handling and brakes on that car more than the power....

[SHOdded]

I think BPD would be able to compare the Gen4 SHO and the Challenger directly, having owned both!  But the PP does offer upgraded suspension among other things.  H&R springs or Eibach springs are also available, as are Megan coilovers if you REALLY want control.

[jim1274]

I think BPD would be able to compare the Gen4 SHO and the Challenger directly, having owned both!  But the PP does offer upgraded suspension among other things.  H&R springs or Eibach springs are also available, as are Megan coilovers if you REALLY want control.

Good point and suggestion, but didn't he have a Charger (probably drives similar to Challenger though) that started life as an R/T and not SRT8?  The R/T and SRT8 are complete different animals, but the two versions probably are pretty similar in both the Challenger and Charger.  When I test drove the SRT8 after the R/T, it took about 10 seconds to realize that it was going to cost me about 15 grand more--told them to put the R/T away and get the pencil out for the SRT8.  It was not even the extra 100HP or so with the big block SRT8, it was the handling, steering, and braking--huge jump over the R/T version.

[SHOdded]

Good point and suggestion, but didn't he have a Charger ...

I do believe you are right!    But hoping he will still chime in

[jim1274]

Good point and suggestion, but didn't he have a Charger ...

I do believe you are right!    But hoping he will still chime in

Have not fully checked available SHO's on the local dealer lots, but there's a chance I can find a PP (with STD 20's) and non-PP with optional 20's configured cars to test drive.  Those compared to mine with 19's should cover the bases on ride/handling permutations (if that is the right word).

The dealer I bought the 2012 from has found a 2014 configured the way I want in the non-PP option config but with the 20" 10-spokes, so just a matter of getting the right deal if going that route.

[MeanKS]

comparing a Challenger to a SHO really doesn't make sense (like you said).  the Challenger is a Mustang competitor.  from my limited experience the PP SHO certainly has sharper reflexes and better braking than the non-PP cars, but there is a cost in ride quality.  although i think the SHO-PP actually rides noticeably better than a Charger RT and much, much better than a SRT8.  Ford essentially used what they learned in building the Interceptor and made it available for 'civilian' purchase with the PP...

[IHeartGroceries]

I haven't ever driven a SHO, sans 20 inchers. I have, however, driven a new SHO with PP and one without, but BOTH with 20's.

I did notice a considerable difference in ride quality between the two. The PP equipped car is certainly not bad, in regards to NVH. Just not nearly as supple.

I agree that I believe there is still enough sidewall on the 20" tire, so that ride quality isn't hugely compromised.


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[QuickSilver]

I went from the stock 20's with a 50 series sidewall to a 19 with a 55 series sidewall just to get the ride quality I wanted. It made a world of difference, adding that 1" of sidewall. Handling is much better as is lateral grip but it's apples to oranges there, the stock Hankooks are very 'OE quality' (uh not great, cost is everything to the manufacturer) and the Michelin Latitudes are high end rubber as well as 20mm wider.

[REDSHOCGO]

I to am deciding between 19 inch or 20 on my non pp sho.

[BiGMaC]

I have driven both and with a softer sidewall (softer than OEM Michelin mxm4s) there is no difference.  Maybe Lanson will weigh in as he's an expert on tires and wheels.

[DJE624]

I think that 20's are the perfect looking size for SHO's.  Can't comment on ride differences. I had 19's on the Limited with stock springs.  That was mushy compared to the 20's with Eibachs.

[curry67]

do the 2013-14 have 255 for a standard width? when i had the sho on a comparison chart it said the wheel width was 255.

[BiGMaC]

'13s came with 245/45 R20s