How much of a noticeable difference will there be with a larger rim? Say, 16" or 17" instead of 15".

 

difference in accelaration, that is

 

It all depends on the overall diameter and the weight of the wheel/tire combo. You could have stock a 185/70/14 tire and get a 17" package with 205/40/17 tires and your overall gearing would not change. But, that 17" wheel tire combo is likely a lot heavier than the 14" combo so you have less acceleration and longer braking distance ( your stock brakes have to work harder to slow down that heavy rotating mass). There are plenty of good 16's and 17's out now that are under 15 lbs. each which is really good. Most are expensive.



I'm not sure what those Enkei's from Unique weigh but that looks like a good deal.

 

umm if your interested I have a set of 88 GTU wheels im getting rid of. They are in excelent shape and have newer tires.

 

Those stock 5 spoke wheels are pretty light. So are the S5 GTU wheels (UFO), about 9-13lbs without tires IMO.