Can a car accelerate faster with smaller wheels or bigger wheels? Or is it pretty much the same?

Tread width is the only thing that affects acceleration, also some tires have different rolling resistance due to rubber compounds.

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if you mean wheel diameter by "bigger wheels", then there is a difference.

given the same rolling diameter, a bigger-diameter wheel might have a higher rotational moment of inertia than a smaller-diameter wheel (assuming that the increase in metal mass offsets the decrease in rubber mass). And a higher moment of inertia means lower acceleration.

there are other reasons why you would like to go for larger-diameter wheels: more lateral stability from lower-profile tires and ability to house bigger brakes, among others.

I was always under the impression that
smaller diameter wheel and tire combo
than stock,will yield better response
in accelaration.

a smaller than stock rolling diameter of the driven wheels has the same effect as lowering the gearing of the car, which improves acceleration.

if the stock rolling diameter is preserved (i.e., by applying plus-x rules) then other factors come into play, like the rotational moment of inertia of the wheel-tire combo. Of course the total wheel-tire mass has also to be considered (less rubber but more metal), and more mass adversely affects acceleration. And if your tire is wider, then you also present a larger frontal area to the wind, affecting high-speed acceleration.

The thinner the width, thus less resistance on road, the faster it ought to go. But its marginal and not significant enough to produce an awe.

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

...don't forget to factor in wheel/tire weights into the equasion

ie- heavy wheels and tires vs. lighter weight wheel & tire (cast iron vs light alloy wheels etc.)

.... for those seeking low profile tires and larger diameter wheels to get better handling ...should note to ensure that all suspension and chassis components are 100%, otherwise 'better handling' may be a pipe dream and a plus 1 to plus 3 change may actually stress those worn suspension/chassis/steering/braking components more vs. stock and ultimately provide poorer vehicle performance

-fad

fad is correct in getting all the suspension components in tip-top-shape (links, bushings, etc.) before dealing with wheels & tires.

The suspension components are the FOUNDATION of your handling.

Also, beware of doing "plus 2" and greater wheel & tire changes.

Some aftermarket wheels are SIGNIFICANTLY heavier than stock/OE wheels which yields greater/heavier unsprung weight which means not as crisp handling and possibly acceleration.

Remember OEM does NOT equal OE wheels.
Check out the following thread and scroll-down for my posts:
Which Wheel to choose for 500E?

Best of luck,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E