I'm always interested in why/how things work, but can't seem to find the logic/physics of staggered rims. Any takers? Also, what are our rims width?

 

I believe the staggered is just for looks... Though frankly, there is probably some sort of real reason that Daimler-Chrysler went with the staggered look (the R170 SLK's had 17" all the way around)

As for rim width, they are as follows:

Front: 18 x 7.5 ET35
Rear: 19 x 8.5 ET22

 

Larger rims equal more surface area so there are less actual miles (due to fewer complete rotations) on the back axle reducing wear and tear on the rear axle.

Just a little theory I cooked up in my brain Just repeating my crazy theory from the last time this question came up!

 

The concept Crossfire had 19 and 21 inch wheels. The Plymouth Prowler had 17's and 20's. It is an artistic statement. My 64 Ford Falcon will have 14's and 15's for the same reason. It looks good.

 

A few more cars that I believe have larger rims in the rear. The new corvette and the Delorean had larger back rims.

 

Yea the DeLorean Had 14's and 15's... but it has to be for other reasons then aesthetics. I believe Formula 1 racers have it... and I'm sure they didn't put it on them because they "look good".

 

The Delorean had smaller front rims to help offset oversteer caused by the rear-biased weight distribution. Like someone said, the smaller diameter and narrower wheels provide less contact between the tire and the pavement. And since the Delorean has such a rear weight bias, like 35/65, the smaller front wheels helped to offset that by providing less surface contact in the front and more in the back.

 

Also, (I was obsessed with the Delorean)... it's coming back to me... They put smaller rims up front so the car was easier to steer, given the fact it had no power steering. But our car does.

 

As jayonator pointed out about the Deloreans, the mid 70's Turbo Porsches used the wider rear tire principle to compensate for its tail happy antics.
2003 Mercedes SLK320's came with 205/55/16's on the front and 225/50/16's on the rear.
Actually Chrysler started the whole staggered tire "Street car" concept over 40 years ago with the AAR Cudas, and TA Challengers.
But it was 1964 when you could get skinny front tires mounted on light weight mag wheels, and huge fat rear tires mounted on deep dish steel wheels on their "Light Weight" Dodge and Plymouth Hemi Drag cars, right from the factory.
Oh yeah, and let's not forget Vipers have staggered tire sizes also.

 

Yep... no power steering. I never understood why. I always assumed it had something to do with the rear engine. But there are plenty of Porsche with rear engines and power steering.

Also the front bumper had to be a certain height for the USA. His way of fixing that problem was to raise the front suspension. Not having the car lowered to where it should be is part of the reason for the handling to. Alot of people now have lowered their DMC's and I am told it makes a bigger difference. Had a chance to drive a lowered DMC not to long ago but the weather was not cooperating.

They don't make good looking cars like that anymore! The DMC is a car that has looked great for 30+ years and will still look great and ahead of its time 30 more years from now. I am hoping the same will hold true for the Crossfire. I hardly drive mine anymore and saw a black one on the road. I did a double take thinking it was some fancy exotic sports car... then realized it was just a crossfire. They are so rare and different that they easily catch the eye.... even my eye and I own one!