Tire technology is at an all-time high and the quality of rims keeps getting better. Great tires can do wonders even for an average car. Just because a tire fits on a particular rim does not mean it is compatible. Tire sidewall strength, the rim lip and tire bead type (the seal between tire and rim) and load ratings are a few factors that affect compatibility.
Rims almost always survive the lifetime of a car. One the other hand, tires are subjected to friction occurring from constant contact with the road. This causes the tread on the outer perimeter of the tire to eventually wear away. When the tire tread becomes too shallow, the tire wears out and must be replaced. Front tires, especially on front wheel drive vehicles, have a tendency to wear out more quickly than rear tires. Routine maintenance should be done periodically to even out tire wear. This includes tire rotation (exchanging the front and rear tires with each other).
It is not enough if a car merely has a powerful engine, transmission, suspension and other accessories. A good rim and tire are paramount to a vehicle's performance.
