It depends on the overall diameter, sometimes larger wheels come with even lower profile tyres to maintain the same rolling diameter.
If the diameter is bigger then you're right that the ride should be smoother, but I wouldn't expect much difference.
Importantly, the brakes will seem less effective, as effectively the ground is exerting a greater torque on the brake. You may only notice this if you swap wheels on a car that you're used to though.
Gareth
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A good example of this is as follows.
Both me and my dad have Merc E-320 cdi's. When we ordered I chose the optional 17" alloys and my dad kept the standard 16" alloys. Both cars were fitted with air-matic suspension so both are very similar.
Driven on rough roads they are completely different. Mine feels every little rut whereas my dad's is smooth. On most roads the drive is virtually identical but hit rough roads and the 16" wheels with higher sidewalled tyres are a godsend.
The only advantage is that my alloys look stunning and his just look ok.
BTW my dad much prefers his set up.
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With less cushioning, I would expect the larger wheels to be more vulnerable to damage from potholes and kerbs. So where you live might be a consideration.
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I was assuming that bigger wheels meant lower profile tyres as a if you change the diameter of teh wheel then you're in all sorts of bother re getting wheel arches enlarged and speedos recalibrated
ie 185/65/14 has the same diameter (give or take) as 195/50/15
if these are a manufacturers option then the wheel diameter will (probably) remain unaffected (I would have thought)
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Bigger wheels do mean lower profile tyres hence the poorer ride as you have less cushioning.
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The answer is - Yes and No !
If you fitted larger rolling radius wheels/tyres the ride would improve but speedo accuracy, engine gearing, brake performance and wheel arch clearance would all be adversely affected.
If you fitted larger wheels, with lower profile tyres to maintain the rolling radius, the ride would suffer because of the tyre profile.
It's sometimetime possible to use a different tyre homologation for the vehicle to achieve an improved ride. For instance 195/60 x 15 can sometimes be replaced by 185/65 x 15 to give a ride improvement, but only where the manufacturer has homologated both sizes for that model.
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As has been pointed out, the rolling radius stays the same on munfacturer options. In the case of the scenic offered above the 17inch wheels come with lower profile tyres and the ride will suffer, tho handling will improve.
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