Street vs Race wheels, difference?

[Earendil]

I know the title sounds like a stupid question, but let me add specifics.

I'm confused by the pricing of "Race" wheels vs "Street" wheels. To me, it would seem that racing wheels require strong light material. It would seem that street wheels just need to look good. Thus, I would assume that race wheels cost a lot more.

So why is it that I can surf over to Bimmerworld and pick up 15" LTW5 for $105 a pop, but wheels that aren't advertised as race wheels will cost $200-$500 per wheel?!

What factor am I missing here? Are really expensive street wheels really better than a wheel like the LTW5?
Is the LTW5 just a really cheap shitty wheel and "real" racing wheels actually do cost $2000 for a set?

Help a noob out?


As an aside, the question came up for me because I'm slowly turning my beat up E30 into a track worthy car. I'm looking into entry level 15" wheels suitable for track use. I had thought that picking up a used set of 15" wheels would be the way to go, but most sets are being sold for $300-$800. So I'm trying to figure out what it is I'm missing before I buy brand new race wheels for $400.

Thanks!

[daniel]

Hey Tyler :)

I'm no expert, but some race wheels are simply designed and styled allowing for a cheaper manufacturing process regardless of how strong or weak the wheels are.

aaaand that's about the extent of my knowledge. I've also noticed what you are talking about in the wheel market, and have just come to terms with the fact that cheap light wheels are simple and not necessarily great looking, but functional. Wheels that look sexy are more expensive, and wheels that are sexy AND light are silly expensive.

[einstein57]

Some retailers advertise their race wheels as being more likely to bend on a pot hole.

[Holland]

I noticed at Compomotive's website, you can get the MO5 under street wheels, and the MO5 under race wheels, the "race" wheels are a few bucks more.

[Earendil]

Some retailers advertise their race wheels as being more likely to bend on a pot hole.

Ooo, so perhaps I was wrong with my assumption that "race" wheels would be stronger, or at least strong in the traditional sense. The application for racing wheels leaves them with very few bumps. Lateral strength would be quite important, but perhaps they sacrifice the ability to take a vertical hit.

That is something to consider. Thanks!