Stock rims tire options

[The Short Bus]

There's so many threads on tires with so many conflicting posts, one is easily confused. The question:

On stock rims, would a 205/45/16 or a 205/50/16 be better, and what are the pros and cons over the 195/50/16 size?

I'm looking at the Pirelli Pzero nero m+s, but they don't come in 195/50/16. Just wanted to make sure that the 205 option made sense. Thanks a bunch!

 

[njaremka]

205/45's are a smidge smaller - better acceleration, speedo reads a smidge higher than actual speed

205/50's - exact opposite

either one would be fine - i would go with the 45's

 

[delguini]

yup i have the 45's on my car. when cruising at 120km/h i'm actuall going about 115 or 116km/h (according to my gps unit)....

 

[mountjonas]

it's hard to see the tires, but here's mine with 205/50-16s. i liked the way they look as they were a little beefier than the stock 195s.

 

[DaleNixon]

Is that stock ride height?

 

[Salmon_Rob]

i have 205/45. i like it very much

 

[mountjonas]

Is that stock ride height?

pro-kit/blues

 

[Purrfectangel]

205/45/16's should fit nice and handle well, the only difference you'll see is in your mileage and corner handling.

With me I kept the 195/50/16 a) because I find that skinnier tires don't make it look heavy (in other words a tank lol) and b)if it's not lowered the hirer side wall balances out the wheel gap.

Whatever you choose you shouldn't have any fitment problems, I guess it just comes down to how you want it to look.

 

[Action Jackson]

Find out what the tread width (not section width i.e. 195 or 205) is for the tire you're interested in.

Then multiply that by .90 (90%) to get your ideal size.

or...

Follow the manufacturer's recommended rim width sizing for optimal fit.

I've got a 205/45/16 Hankook that is just barely wider than my other 195 tires, and definitely narrower than my 205/50/16 Fuzion ZRi.

I should've gone with a 215/45/16 Hankooks on my 7" rims instead.

This Yokohoma article helps out alot.

 

[Rusty Protege]

I got my car one year ago and I was happy that the tires were close to new, however, soon after realized they were 205-45s, so I was a little bummed (prefer stock sizes). Did a little research and determined that my speedo should read about +2.5 mph at highway speeds. Took my gps for a ride and found out it was off by 5 mph (75=70, Mazda speedo isn't so accurate), so was anxious to put the stock size on. I knew the speedo would still be off, so went with 205-50s. I was a little worried about lack of power (didn't want to have to shift out of 5th on the freeway) and found this wasn't so. Before I purchased rolled a tire out to the car in front of the 45 and there is quite a difference (+ 3/4" diameter). I'm pretty happy with the new size, looks better, rides better, speedo is right on and helped with the low gearing. The car did corner with the 45s, so the real solution is probably 17x7 wheels and 45 series tires.

 

[Salmon_Rob]

if you need tires, i will sell you my stock rims/tires

 

[hotrippr]

Best performance on stock? Not concerned with tread life. I got Potenzas a couple of yrs ago and hate em. I think they are 205/50/16 Z