I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use
Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts":
1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire sidewall (increased flex)2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased flex)
3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?)4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, why?)
5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are more readily available6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?)
Would appreciate someone verifying these "facts" or setting me straight...
PLM