Tires: Go with 195/50/16 or 205/50/16

[Slow_Q]

Greetings to all! I've been lurking around this forum for a few years now, but have not posted much. Thanks to all for your comments.

Reading this thread (and various others related to tire sizes and the such), I am realizing I must be the only person (moron, idiot, pick your adjetive) to install Falken Azenis RT-615s 205/40R16s on my stock wheels.

(I got them used, but they had pretty good thread left, and they were cheap.)

Has anyone else done this? What are your thoughts (good/bad/neutral)?

I must say, I like them more than the OEM Dunlops. The ride quality is not too bad, although you get some tire noise and roughness. But they are pretty nice in the rain (better than the RT215s I've got on my Miata.) Although I am pretty sure they would suck eggs in any sort of snowy condition. But in the dry, they are sublime - tons of grip. And they do handle great when driving around cones - tons of grip all around.

Alas, their thread life is not very good - I've driven them for about 10k miles, and are almost ready to be replaced (they were used when I got them, after all.)

Oh, and I almost forgot, they look very funny - makes for ridculously empty-looking wheel wells.

I would not recommend them, but it was a good summer experiment for me. Them Falkens are fun.


So, I am thinking of getting P-Zero Nero M+S to replace them in the next few weeks. I am still undecided between the 205/45s and the 205/50s. The difference between these sizes and the OEM size is 1.7% either too small or too large. I'm starting to lean towards the 205/50s, as it seems the general consensus is that these work better with stock rims.


q

 

[totttalled]

Greetings to all! I've been lurking around this forum for a few years now, but have not posted much. Thanks to all for your comments.

Reading this thread (and various others related to tire sizes and the such), I am realizing I must be the only person (moron, idiot, pick your adjetive) to install Falken Azenis RT-615s 205/40R16s on my stock wheels.

(I got them used, but they had pretty good thread left, and they were cheap.)

Has anyone else done this? What are your thoughts (good/bad/neutral)?

I must say, I like them more than the OEM Dunlops. The ride quality is not too bad, although you get some tire noise and roughness. But they are pretty nice in the rain (better than the RT215s I've got on my Miata.) Although I am pretty sure they would suck eggs in any sort of snowy condition. But in the dry, they are sublime - tons of grip. And they do handle great when driving around cones - tons of grip all around.

Alas, their thread life is not very good - I've driven them for about 10k miles, and are almost ready to be replaced (they were used when I got them, after all.)

Oh, and I almost forgot, they look very funny - makes for ridculously empty-looking wheel wells.

I would not recommend them, but it was a good summer experiment for me. Them Falkens are fun.


So, I am thinking of getting P-Zero Nero M+S to replace them in the next few weeks. I am still undecided between the 205/45s and the 205/50s. The difference between these sizes and the OEM size is 1.7% either too small or too large. I'm starting to lean towards the 205/50s, as it seems the general consensus is that these work better with stock rims.


q

I really, really liked the Pirelli PZero Nero M/S in the 205/50/16. Filled out the wheel wheel nicely, without 'overdoing' it. I believe the 45 series tire is below the OE load rating, if you care for such things.

The tire is all season, but with a strong summer bias. In 35 degree weather, after the car was parked all night, it'd take about 5 freeway miles to smooth out the flat spots, and then rode great. My commute was 60 miles each way, up a 2500 foot canyon with granite wall on one side, and a 25-100 foot drop into a river on the other, and I felt completely safe at all times with this Pirelli rubber. Tires also rode surprisingly comfortably. Very good in rain. On Tire Rack, a few people complain about 'tramlining' on concrete roads, but I felt it only at 45-60 MPH. Push it to 65 or greater and it was gone. When the tread was finally gone, there was a nail in one of the rears that I'd not noticed. No leaks, no pressure loss! Would have got them again, but they were too much $$$, and I don't have that canyon job anymore.

Protege5 with Pirelli 205/50/16 on stock rims with Hunter balancing = HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

 

[Slow_Q]

I really, really liked the Pirelli PZero Nero M/S in the 205/50/16. Filled out the wheel wheel nicely, without 'overdoing' it. I believe the 45 series tire is below the OE load rating, if you care for such things.

[ ... ]

Protege5 with Pirelli 205/50/16 on stock rims with Hunter balancing = HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Thanks for the note. You've sold me on the 205/50 size. I'll be ordering them Neros sometime tonight.

Cheers,

enrique

 

[totttalled]

Thanks for the note. You've sold me on the 205/50 size. I'll be ordering them Neros sometime tonight.

Cheers,

enrique

(drinks)

 

[redpr5]

im lookin at gettin a set of 18x7 rims with 215/35/18s
how badly will that rub with a 1.5" drop f&r

 

[mountjonas]

depends on offset. +42 and lower you'll probably rub. +45 and up, you should be okay. no offense, but why is this in the thread talking about 195 vs 205 on 16 in. wheels?

 

[Mike R]

Greetings to all! I've been lurking around this forum for a few years now, but have not posted much. Thanks to all for your comments.

Reading this thread (and various others related to tire sizes and the such), I am realizing I must be the only person (moron, idiot, pick your adjetive) to install Falken Azenis RT-615s 205/40R16s on my stock wheels.

(I got them used, but they had pretty good thread left, and they were cheap.)

Has anyone else done this? What are your thoughts (good/bad/neutral)?

I must say, I like them more than the OEM Dunlops. The ride quality is not too bad, although you get some tire noise and roughness. But they are pretty nice in the rain (better than the RT215s I've got on my Miata.) Although I am pretty sure they would suck eggs in any sort of snowy condition. But in the dry, they are sublime - tons of grip. And they do handle great when driving around cones - tons of grip all around.

Alas, their thread life is not very good - I've driven them for about 10k miles, and are almost ready to be replaced (they were used when I got them, after all.)

Oh, and I almost forgot, they look very funny - makes for ridculously empty-looking wheel wells.

I would not recommend them, but it was a good summer experiment for me. Them Falkens are fun.


So, I am thinking of getting P-Zero Nero M+S to replace them in the next few weeks. I am still undecided between the 205/45s and the 205/50s. The difference between these sizes and the OEM size is 1.7% either too small or too large. I'm starting to lean towards the 205/50s, as it seems the general consensus is that these work better with stock rims.


q

I ran 205/55/16 RT-215 Azenis on th stockers and loved it. Great milage, handling, and the ride was so much better. Went to a 205/50/16 Kumho AST because I needed new tires and needed all seasons.

 

[Slow_Q]

(drinks)

So, I ended up buying the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S tires, sized 205/50R16 I've had them for 24 hours now, and so far so good.

First impressions:

These are very nice tires. They do ride much more smoothly and a bit quieter than the old Falken Azenis RT615s I had previously. Bumps and potholes do not feel as jarring. The steering wheel does not transmit road vibration as much as before while still providing a good amount of feedback. Turn-in is a bit slower (which is expected - taller aspect ratio) but still very good and sharp.

The car did feel taller, though - my first thought was "Man, I feel like I am driving a minivan" LOL. I suspect it's mostly a placebo effect, as the difference in ride height is probably about an inch (maybe less.) After a few miles the car did not feel that tall anymore.

I have not had a chance to ride them in the dry - it's been a constant deluge here in the Puget Sound area for the past week. I'm hoping I'll be as happy with them once the rain stops (sometime next April.)

But all around, these tires (and their taller aspect ratio) seem more reasonable than the previous set. They make the car seems nicer to drive on a day to day basis. I am happy to have bought them (although I will miss the Azenis on occasion, I'm sure.)

Thanks again to Totalled (and everyone else) for your comments.

Cheers,
enrique

 

[RatLabGuy]

Definitely placebo effect on the ride height.
Change in ride height would be ~0.8 inches.
205 40r16 = 22.45"
205 50r16 = 24.07"

Divide difference by 2 and you have it.
if you can tell a difference that small I'm very impressed, you could get more of an effect by changing your posture in seat, lol.
I'd think you'd notice the change in behavior related to the RPM-to-speed ratio much more, you had a 7% shift there.

FYI, yesterday I also bought the P-Zero Neros in the same size (205 50 R16). I am equally pleased so far (jsut drove to Mrytle Beach), especially since they replaced the original DunFlops.

 

[Slow_Q]

Definitely placebo effect on the ride height.
[ ... ]
I'd think you'd notice the change in behavior related to the RPM-to-speed ratio much more, you had a 7% shift there.

I agree. That strange feeling was probably due to the different gearing and the quieter ride.

Placebal self-delusion can be amusing at times, though...


cheers,
q

 

[BastardMike]

Noticable Change

I recently needed new rubber (56K Dunlops) and shopped for the OEM 195/50, finding limited options and a higher price tag than I wanted. Going with 205/50 increased my options greatly. I picked up BFG traction T/A's and I love them. Great cornering and they stick like glue. If I was to race, I'd be comfortable on these little spongy grippers. I'll probably run these to 100K.

 

[DaleNixon]

Bumping a pretty old thread here but it's time I ordered some new tires to replace the stock dunlops.

I'm thinking of going with the 195/50/16 Kumho Ecsta SPT at $70 apiece from discounttire.com.

At 205/50/16 and 205/45/16 the same tire jumps to $84.

I want anything I do to my car from here on out to improve HANDLING and PERFORMANCE. From what I understand in this thread, the 195's do offer better cornering/handling at the expense of ride comfort vs. 205's. Is this correct?

 

[ottawaP5]

I've had both on my P5. With 205, I found the car wasn't as connected to the road, and had less direct handling. The ride was much better though, bumps were not felt as harshly.

 

[DaleNixon]

"In Reference to: 195/50-16 Kumho Ecsta SPT tires

Thank you for placing your order with Discount Tire Direct.

We are currently out of stock on the tires that you ordered. According to Kumho the tires have been discontinued and will no longer be built.
Please contact me so we can discuss some options to get this order completed.
You can email us at esales/discounttire/us@discounttire.com.
You can also call us directly at 888-796-1686 and dial ext 1876 for Jeff or 1853 for Luke.

Thank you for choosing Discount Tire Direct and we look forward to hearing from you."

Uh... time to go 205/50 I guess.... Or maybe the Kumho Ecsta ASX in 195/50-16

 

[DaleNixon]

Alright so I ordered the Kumho Ecsta SPT in 205/50/16.

If I get a flat, can I still use my spare?

Also, will my car handle all floaty and disconnected now? Or maybe the SPT at 205/50 will be a big improvement over the stock dunlops at 195/50. Here's hoping!

 

[ottawaP5]

Alright so I ordered the Kumho Ecsta SPT in 205/50/16.

If I get a flat, can I still use my spare?

Also, will my car handle all floaty and disconnected now? Or maybe the SPT at 205/50 will be a big improvement over the stock dunlops at 195/50. Here's hoping!

The car will be a little less connected to the road, but the ride smoothness is worth the compromise in handling.

EDIT: you can still use your spare

 

[DaleNixon]

Thanks man!

 

[misbehave]

Alright so I ordered the Kumho Ecsta SPT in 205/50/16.

If I get a flat, can I still use my spare?

Also, will my car handle all floaty and disconnected now? Or maybe the SPT at 205/50 will be a big improvement over the stock dunlops at 195/50. Here's hoping!

I am using Ecsta ASX 205/60/16 on my P5 now.
Yes, the ride is smoother, more comfortable, and quiet.
But the handling really dropped. The car feel it's taller. You roll more when you are at the corner and hard to keep the best cornering line. I guess that have to do with the taller sidewall and more deform.
Also, the acceleration performance feel a bit sluggish with these bigger tires. And traction also not as good as having smaller size tires.

I will go back to stock size or 205/45 for sure when I need tires next time.

 

[DaleNixon]

Well discounttire called me and sold me their last set of Kumho Ecsta ASX 195/50/r16 for $290. Glad I got the stock size I guess!

 

[misbehave]

Well discounttire called me and sold me their last set of Kumho Ecsta ASX 195/50/r16 for $290. Glad I got the stock size I guess!

Good price!(2thumbs)