---
title: What is a staggered wheel setup and how does it work?
description: A staggered wheel setup features wider (and sometimes larger diameter) rear wheels and tires compared to the fronts.
---
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# What is a staggered wheel setup and how does it work?
## A staggered setup runs wider rear wheels and tires than the fronts - increasing rear traction and giving RWD performance cars a more aggressive, planted stance.
A staggered wheel setup features wider (and sometimes larger diameter) rear wheels and tires compared to the fronts. This configuration is most common in rear-wheel drive sports and performance cars, where additional rear traction during acceleration is a priority.
**How does it work?**
By running a wider tire in the rear, the contact patch with the road increases significantly. This gives your RWD car more grip when applying power out of corners, reduces oversteer, and improves high-speed stability. The wider rubber in the back also contributes to the aggressive, planted stance that performance car builders chase.
Many factory RWD sports cars - including various BMW M cars, Corvettes, Mustangs, and Porsches - come from the factory with a staggered fitment for exactly this reason.
**Important caveat for AWD and FWD cars:** Staggered setups are generally not recommended for AWD vehicles. A significant size difference between front and rear can stress the drivetrain and potentially damage the transfer case. On FWD cars, there is little performance benefit.
Want to explore staggered fitment? Use the [Fitment Industries fitment tool](https://www.fitmentindustries.com/) or [talk to our sales team](https://www.fitmentindustries.com/contact-sales) before committing.
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