205 45-16 or 205 50-16 - Falken 512

[Humvee]

Hello everyone...been a long while since I posted.

The dunlops are done and I need some new tires for the P5. I want decent all-seasons and thinking Falken 512s on the stock rims. I just drive like a "regular" person, so performance is less of an issue than safety/ride quality.

1) Would you go with 205 45/-16 or 205 50/-16 and why?
2) Anyone who lives in the snow and has these tires...what do you think? Obviously they aren't as good as true winter tires, but I just want all-seasons.

All opinions welcomed.

thx.

 

[flat_black]

I went with 205/50R16's, and they work great, but a little too much sidewall flex for me, personally... Next time I'm getting 205/45R16's, as there's less sidewall to flex. For ride comfort, the 50's would be a little better, though.

I use winter tires/summer tires, though, so I can't answer your second question. =)

 

[MIT]

i am thinking to use ZE-512, either 205/50/16 or 205/45/16, but don't know if it can fit on the stock 16" rim since its width is only 6". Anyone knows?

 

[Douggie]

I just got these Falkens put on abt a mth ago. 205/50/16 on stock 16" wheels. Rides great. Went with the 50s because roads here suck.

Was debating between the Kumho ASXs and this. Both have good reviews for the money. I heard the Pirelli P-Nero Zeros m+s are good as well.

flat_black: I noticed a bit more "flex" as well, but it could just be because of the deeper treads on a new tire. That's why racers sometimes "shave" their tires.

Haven't snowed yet, so don't know how it does.

 

[flat_black]

Douggie: Yep! My ES100's only come with 7/32nd's stock, though, and I still get a little more than stock, but not much more. =)

 

[Humvee]

Ordered BF Goodrich 205/50/16 Traction T/A. Should have them on in a day or two.

Thanks for the help.

 

[blynzoo]

i am thinking to use ZE-512, either 205/50/16 or 205/45/16, but don't know if it can fit on the stock 16" rim since its width is only 6". Anyone knows?

You're fine. Some 215's will even fit.
I'm riding +2, 205/55/16 all-seasons for tread depth in the winter.

B

 

[mcstark]

205/50-16 would be a better fit strictly going by speedometer error. But that size is almost as tough to find as our stock size!

 

[Cloudland]

205/50/R16 means speedo 1.7% faster
205/45/R16 means speedo 1.7% slower

with stock rim, which is 6", it's safer to go with 205/50/R16, which (in most cases) has an approved rim width range from 5.5~7.5"

205/45/R16 has an approved rim width from 6.5~7.5"

i had 205/45/R16 on stock rims because i want a lower profile tyres than stock. given a second chance, i might choose 205/50/R16 or upgrade the wheel and get 205/45/R16

 

[MIT]

I have just put on 4 Falken ZE512 205/50/16, works like on rail!!! haha, try that out next time, you will like it.

 

[Cloudland]

ZE 512 looks quite similar to Bridgestone Potenza GIIIs, which i also heard good things.

Falken ZE 512

Bridgestone Potenza GIII

 

[Humvee]

Final verdict. Went with 205/50 16s BF Goodrich Traction T/As. A little noisier over some surfaces (sounds like a window is slightly open/wind whistle) but overall very happy with the tire. Car feels better on rough surfaces as well. Got 57000km on the stock dunlops. Insides were well worn, and I think a belt separated which was causing the steering wheel to wobble at all speeds.