Forged Magnesium vs. Forged Aluminum Wheels
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Short answer: forged magnesium wheels are lighter than forged aluminum wheels of the same design, which sharpens acceleration, braking and steering. They cost more and need more care with their finish. For most street builds, forged aluminum is the better value; for track cars and no-compromise builds, magnesium is the top tier.
Why magnesium is lighter
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal used in cars. Its density is about 1.74 g/cm³, compared with about 2.70 g/cm³ for aluminum, so the raw metal is roughly a third lighter by volume.
A wheel doesn't save the full third, because magnesium alloys need some extra material in places to match aluminum's strength. How much lighter a finished wheel is depends on the design and size, but the saving is real, and it's rotating, unsprung weight, the most valuable weight to remove. More on that in Why Wheel Weight Matters.
Side-by-side comparison
| Forged aluminum | Forged magnesium | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light | Lightest |
| Typical alloy | 6061-T6 | Wrought magnesium alloys (e.g. AZ80, ZK60) |
| Vibration damping | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion resistance | Good with a quality finish | Depends heavily on the coating |
| Finish options | Very wide: powder, paint, brushed, polished, chrome | Narrower: coated finishes; no bare polished metal |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Street, show, trucks, most performance builds | Track cars, motorsport, weight-obsessed builds |
The real trade-offs
Cost
Magnesium costs more as a raw material and takes more care to forge, machine and coat. Expect a meaningful premium over the same design in aluminum.
Corrosion and finish care
Bare magnesium corrodes faster than aluminum, especially around road salt. That's why every forged magnesium wheel relies on a proper multi-layer protective coating. Once that coating is chipped down to bare metal, it needs touching up quickly. Avoid harsh acidic wheel cleaners and keep up with cleaning, as covered in our forged wheel care guide.
"Don't magnesium wheels burn?"
Solid wrought magnesium alloy is very hard to ignite. It needs sustained, extreme heat, far beyond normal driving or braking. Magnesium wheels have been used in motorsport for decades. Like any wheel, they should be inspected after hard impacts.
Who should choose magnesium?
- Track-day and time-attack cars where every pound of rotating mass shows up on the stopwatch.
- Lightweight sports cars where the weight saving is a large share of total unsprung weight.
- Owners who want the best available and will look after the finish.
If your car is a daily driver in a salty climate, or you want a polished or chrome look, forged aluminum is usually the smarter pick.
FAQ
How much do forged magnesium wheels cost?
Our forged magnesium wheels are quoted to your exact size, design and finish. Request a quote.
Do magnesium wheels need a different warranty?
Our standard warranty covers structure and finish. Racing and track use isn't covered, so ask us about your intended use when you order.
Can magnesium wheels be refinished?
Yes, but only by a shop experienced with magnesium. It needs specific prep and coatings, not a standard aluminum refinish.
Weighing aluminum against magnesium for your build? Tell us about your car and how you use it, and we'll tell you honestly which makes sense.