195/55/15?

Max Archer

Member
:
'12 Mazda 2 Touring 5MT/'87 325IS 2DR 5MT
195s seem to be the best size for handling on our cars. It's only 1.5% larger but still enough that it has me wondering if there's any real effect on a car with as little power as we have. I figure 195/55 is probably a better bet for long-term economy than 195/50, and it'll fill the fender a bit better.

I'm worried that on our car, it'll feel noticeably slower with 195/55s. Has anybody actually noticed any effect on acceleration due to the change in tire size?
 
If it's any consolation, I had 225/50/16's on my 2 briefly, and it affected the crap out of the acceleration and gas mileage. Granted, the whole wheel setup weighed close to 50lbs...

Eidt: Fwiw, stock tires weigh 16lbs, 195/55/15 Dunlop Star Specs weigh 19lbs. I've seen as light as 17lbs so far
 
Last edited:
Star Specs are what I'm going to be running. Hopefully I can make up for the weight with lighter wheels.
 
The 55s have a different construction than the 50 series. The 50 series also handles better and it closer to stock.
 
I'm just concerned that the 195/50s will be too much smaller, and kill my MPG.

I wonder if maybe I should just get 205/50s, which are almost identical in diameter to our stock tires.
 
I have 205/50's on my 2 and have notice no adverse affects on acceleration or gas mileage. Just the sweet, sweet grip that my Kumho XS' provide.
 

New Threads and Articles

Back