Yes, yes it is. The tyre is at a higher pressure than the atmosphere so any hole will allow the air to equalize but the difference is how that air comes out:

Stab the sidewall (big hole, rapidly) air rushes out with a big bang.

Snip the stem, smaller hole, air rushes out slower but still very quick. Likely flat in under a minute. Different structure/strength that sidewall which is why it doesn't pop/explode.

If you get a puncture, the reason it doesn't leak as fast as snipping the stem (nor pop) - usually the nail/screw is still in the tyre, keeping it plugged somewhat, the distortion of the tyre under weight means this hole can open and close as the car rolls letting out a little at a time.

Source: have had punctures that take hrs to run flat, have watched tyre techs clip stems on an old tyres, seen videos of tyres being stabbed.

[–] SchmidtGenetics@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

https://youtu.be/0E-z3DTdpKU

See the slow leak a pebble provides?

[–] meathorse@lemmy.world -1 points 2 days ago

See the much faster leak really messing with the valve stem provides? This would be even faster if snipped rather than just removing the stem core

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbpz-JHFtO0

If you snip the stem off, the tyres will be flat very quickly, they will immediately notice this when pulling away unless they're completely clueless and ignore the car handling like shit