It's that time again for me to get new tires. My kuhmo 712's 195/55 have lasted me a good 28k miles. My question was for those of you guys who have 205/50/15 instead of the 195/55/15. Is there a noticeable gain in performance with the 205's? Is there any setbacks of getting the 205's instead of the regular 195's? because I can get either sizes for $300 mounted/balanced but just don't know if I should get the 195's again or try out the 205's...Thanks for the help.

 

the gain in performance is more attributed to the tire class, not necessarily the size ( although its just simple physics, shorter sidewall, and wider tire= more surface area contacting the ground, and less "tire slide"= better response, accelerating and braking).

As far as tire type, I've said it before, and I'll say it again...You can't go wrong with Falken Azenis.

 

I love my 205/50/15 Azenis

Not all 205's will have the grip of the Azenis, but I do know that the Azenis grip very very well.

You do lose some quickness of turn-in and steering response with the wider tires, but nothing to make me not want to get them again.

I have 6.5 inch wide rims, you may want to consider 195's for stock rims, as I felt a little squirmy on 6.5 inch rims, but you may want to ask some guys that are riding with 205's on stock width rims.

JP

 

I prefer 205 because in michigan, we ahve snow and everything. but theyre still real helpful in rain, traction-wise

 

Personally I feel the 195's are a better match for stock rims. Now if you are running on a wider rim then 205's would be a better setup.

 

205/50/15 is the smallest diameter you can (easily) buy for a 15". It's actually smaller in diameter than 195/60/14. They also add some curbage protection.

 

I think many guys on the boards get 205 because they look wider

195 are stock and should perform better on the stock rims as they are meant to be the correct size for the stock rims.

 

i have 205/50's on my stock rims, i got them mainly for the added width and the slightly smaller sidewall.

 

205/50, wider is better IMO, less sidewall looks nicer as well

I wouldnt go for the Azenis'...they suck in serious rain and the treadwear is awful. Dont expect to get anywhere near 28k on Azenis'. Especially now that a few comprable tires are on the market (Kumho MX & Yoko AVS ES100). I would go with the ES100's personally.

 

I like my azenis.