The difference in tire diameter is 0.4" resulting in about a 1.5% speedometer error (less than 1 mph @60). I doubt most people could tell the difference in acceleration, but it is a fact none the less. You could always go with the 205-45-16 tire. It is not rated for a 6" rim but some people on this forum have installed these without a problem. The 205-50-16 is at the limit for a 6" rim. Installed it barely looks wider than the stock tire. You need a 7" rim to get that fat tire look.twilightprotege said:if you put that size tire on, just be aware that your speedo will be out and....wait for it....your car will be slower. ok maybe not in handling, but acceleration yes because you have bigger tires. a more appropriate fit if you want to increase tire size is 215/45/16 (falken azenis)...that is almost a perfect match, 217 wide would be perfect, so in that sence, your car will be ever so marginally quicker...but increased tire weight will kill that.
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I was wondering if anyone had tried that. I seem to recall that Miata autocrossers used to cram 215 Hoosiers on a 6" rim. It's not ideal but it does get a fat footprint down. Anyone else using the 215-45-15 Azenis on a 6" wheel?twilightprotege said:yes 215/45/16 is a little wide for our wheels, but just because falken says those tyres are for 7" whide rims doesnt mean they wont work...speak to [cruzer]. he has those falkens on and loves them. looks totally fine from the pics he took. i am going to get them as soon as my original ones run out
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I have 205/40/16 on my stock rims and its been over 6 months with no problem.quik said:twilightprotege
There's no way you can fit a 215/45 16 on our factory 6" wheels. 205/50/ 16 is pushing it!