is there much difference between 17" / 18" in regards to getting the power down/ handling on the coupe i want 18" really cos they look phat but if there gonna be shit for handling etc then will get 17"! im running standard atm but want to get upto bout 280bhp in nxt few months

I have 18's and they look fantastic fill the arches just right. The handling in my opinion is alot better with these on, less give in the side walls and makes the car very responsive when turning.
As for traction there alot worse then stock 16", in this weather i struggle to get power down in 2nd, if its wet can't even get power down in 3rd, where as my mates with stock 16's on only struggles abit in 2nd. (i do have more power then him though)

I am running around 280bhp too.

Ash

thanks ash

That is going to be dependant on what tyres you use.

18's are crashy - though this depend on the suspension setup as well. They do look good however.

I also had slight issues with rubbing on the side skirts of my car when I fitted 17's.

I would recommend Falken FK452 tyres with 18" wheels, much better than the Nankang NS2's I had before, in fact looking here they seem to get one of the highest ratings on the site and are much cheaper than Eagle F1 etc...

I think 215/35/18 is too narrow with them though, so I'll be trying 225/35/18 for a more vertical sidewall next time.

ive got falken 452's ive been really impressed with them, especially for what they cost