Quote:
Originally Posted by tracer bullet
If they are the same diameter, and have the same width, the only way I see the contact patch stretching farther front to back is if 1) the back end is heavier or 2) the rear tire has a lower psi in it. Neither of which is an inherent property of the tire.
I'm not saying you're wrong, just not seeing it. Care to explain further?
Usually fatter rear tires shorten the front / rear contact patch length and can help limit sliding sideways, but are worse for actually putting power to the ground. The size of the contact patch is psi / weight dependent and the dimensions of the tire change the shape of the patch sideways vs front to back, but the overall size remains the same. Shorter in the front to back direction makes spinning the tires more likely, not less, when hitting the gas.
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This is absolutely spot on. And adding to that, 20's would have worse acceleration than 19's because the sidewall is going to be shorter, and therefore harder and less-compliant (with the same OD). You're also adding unsprung weight further from the hub with a 20" wheel, so acceleration would degrade even further.