Well my sol's old yokohama avs es100's have been on the wear bar for quite some time now, and very soon it will be time to replace them. I've got it narrowed down now to two choices. Either another set of yokos like ive got now in the same size (205/45R16) Or some Falken Azenis RT-615s in 215/45R16. http://www.discounttire.com/dt...ALHZA
I've got 16x7 inch rims, so I shouldnt have any problems running a 215 tire should I? I've read reviews for both, and Im really leaning towards the Falkens, just becuase people say they handle much better, and I would just like to try another set of tires. My only hope is they dont wear out faster than the yokes, but if the grip is exceptional I might not care. Any input on either tire, or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

The ES100 and the RT-615 are two totally different kinds of tires. The ES100 offers pretty good dry performance, excellent performance in rain, and lasts a long time (typically 25-35K miles, sometimes more). The RT-615 offers outstanding dry performance, but is so-so in the rain and doesn't last long at all (typically 10-12K miles). You say "My only hope is they dont wear out faster than the yokes", but they do; you will probably be replacing your tires 2-3 times as frequently with the RT-615 as with the ES100.

Other options worth considering include (a) the Kumho Ecsta SPT, which is similar to the ES100 in dry performance, better in the wet, lasts as long or longer, and is significantly less expensive (even before taking the $40 rebate into account), and (b) the Goodyear F1 GS-D3, which is significantly better than the SPT or ES100 in dry performance AND wet performance, and lasts almost as long, but is somewhat more expensive.

You have a del sol? Then the proper 16" size for your car is 205/40-16. The 205/45 and 215/45 are too large for your car.

The Yoko ES100 and Goodyear F1 GS-D3 are not available in 205/40-16. The Kumho Ecsta SPT is $62 after rebate from the Tire Rack , and the Falken Azenis RT-615 is $84 from Vulcan.

Personally, I would get the RT-615 if you care ONLY about dry performance. And I would get the Kumho SPT if you also care about wet performance and/or value (purchase price and treadlife).

 

Yes I understand that they are completely different tires, but I guess im just trying to decide what I want more.

Why are 205 45s or 215 45s too big for a sol? imo my yokos in 205 45 were great, but enlighten me.

 

Why are 205 45s or 215 45s too big for a sol? imo my yokos in 205 45 were great, but enlighten me.[/QUOTE]

the overall diameter of the 205/45r16 is much taller than stock which throws off you speedo and there is no gain in handling by going to that size.......that size belongs on like a 99-00 civic if memories serve's me correct......you are better off with the 205/40r16.....my personal experience with my yoko's is that i got 15000 miles out of my tires on my si....i got the same amount out of rt 615's

 

vtecsi00 is correct.

Most versions of the del sol came with 175/70-13 tires stock (I think the VTEC came with 185/60-14, which has about the same outer diameter). Here are the calculated outer diameters of these sizes and how they compare with stock:

175/70-13 22.65 inches stock
205/40-16 22.46 inches -0.8 percent
205/45-16 23.26 inches +2.7 percent
215/45-16 23.62 inches +4.3 percent

You really don't want to use oversized tires. As vtecsi00 noted, they really don't have any advantage (particularly since the tread width on the 205/45 is the same as the 205/40) and they will make your car accelerate slower. The 215/45 might rub on the fenders or wheel wells, also. They will throw off your speedometer and odometer by the percentages indicated here. And, as a bonus, the 205/40-16 is usually significantly less expensive.

205/45-16 and 215/45-16 are the right 16" sizes for Integras and the '97-00 Civics. 205/40-16 is the right 16" size for del sols, CRXs, and pre-'96 Civics.

 

agreed with both of the above. get the right size for you car!