Actually it was 14" and 15". 14s were standard. You got the 15s with engines bigger than the 318.A lot of it is proportion. The Challenger is a big boy and needs a bigger wheel. 20" just seems to be the sweet spot. The 16s and 17s from back in the day were the correct proportion for the size of the Challenger at the time.
Can't be fuel economy as you would get better performance and economy with the 18's.Is it for fuel economy? Are they shoving series 40 tires down our throats to get another half mile per gallon to meet CAFE standards?
Aside from the 18" wheels on the entry-level SXT, all wheels are 20".
As far as looks, ride and tire replacement cost, I would much prefer 18". Why have 18"ers been all but eliminated? The only reason I can see is for oversized / Brembo brakes, but wouldn't more standard sized brakes be sufficient for the average driver? We typically had 16"-17" wheels in the 60s and 70s and brakes 40-50 years ago seemed to stop us adequately
Actually the first 16" wheels showed up in the early 80's I think, my first job was changing tires and oil at a Goodyear service center in 1984 and I remember seeing my first 16" wheel there on a police cruiser running Eagle tires and I remember thinking those were some HUGE tires!!! Most earlier cars had 13 to 15" wheels, my 74 Dart had 14's.We typically had 16"-17" wheels in the 60s and 70s and brakes 40-50 years ago seemed to stop us adequately
I can see a lot of people saying that. The proportions are right. But at the same time I don't think 18s look wrong. 18s should be an option for those of us who prefer the look and who don't want to shell out for 20" tires and/or need winter tires. 20" winter tires are real slim pickinsI personally think that the 20's are the perfect fit for the Challenger.
Couldn't agree more on having them as an option:thumbsup: I would really love to drive a Challenger with the 18's to see the ride comfort compared to the 20's I have on my car. I'm sure they are worlds comfier than mine.I can see a lot of people saying that. The proportions are right. But at the same time I don't think 18s look wrong. 18s should be an option for those of us who prefer the look and who don't want to shell out for 20" tires and/or need winter tires. 20" winter tires are real slim pickins