Are aluminum/magnesium wheels worth the money?

Question

Seems like a lot of cars have aluminum/magnesium wheels, but in normal driving do they really make a difference in how the car brakes, handles, or in fuel economy? Has anyone got any real stats on this? (not just opinions). Is their higher cost and maintenance justified, or are they just a fad thing to look cool.

Answer 1

Depends on what cool is worth to you. There is no operational difference.

Hey but bolt one on your boat and you'll never have to change anodes.

Answer 2

On a boat, wheels only count in the steering department.

Answer 3

isnt that alloy wheels????