So, last year a got a crazy deal on a set of OZ Superleggeras. They were something like $200 for the set with tires, delivered. They were 18x8 and weight about 18 pounds each. I threw them on my A6, and was shocked at the transformation. They made the handling, braking, acceleration, improve drastically. I swore at the time I would never go back to heavy wheels again.
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb9509126/p4pb9509126.jpg
Then, I purchased my S6. It came with factory six spokes that I really liked.
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb9210376/p4pb9210376.jpg
However, when I had the shop install my Brembo 18z, they notified me that the wheels would not clear the brakes. So, I had to pick up something quick. I already had a set of 20 inch tires in the garage. I did a search of Kijiji and found a set of OEM 20x9 peelers. Mounted them on the car and they looked amazing.
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb9670745/p4pb9670745.jpg
In the eight months since then, I have had nothing but problems with them. First, hit a raised manhole cover and bent one of the wheels. Then, a screw/nail in the sidewall took one out when I was at the cottage. Barely made it back to Toronto, and found the last 245/30/20 with a 95 load rating in the entire city. Now, one of them has a slow leak. After these problems I finally had enough of 20s on this car. They look great, but are unreliable.
So, I decided to go back with lightweight wheels. I ordered some 18x10.5 Enkei NT03. I just mounted the winter tires on them and I am amazed. The car screams around like a race car. Just like on the A6, the braking, accelleration, and handling all improved drastically. Plus, no clunky, noisy, jarring ride. I can’t believe what a difference it made. Who would think that swapping to winter tires would give you a better handling car?
It is really hard to compare to the 20s in the looks department. And the NT03 look is not the prettiest wheel to begin with. But, I no longer care. It is 100% worth it for the improved feel of the car, and reliability. The 20s are up for sale, and I’m already looking for another lightweight set of wheels for next spring.