Any benefits going from 205/45/17 to 215/45/17

[figo_rulz11]

As the title says? Been looking at prices between 205/45 and 215/45 its sometimes cheaper to buy the 215?

Is there really any difference in performance/wear/comfort etc by changing the width?


Thanks in advance

 

[ChrisEP3]

I was wondering this too so free bump

 

[jordbalboa]

Would have thought more grip, more surface area is in contact with the ground. I'm prob wrong.

 

[Stoo.]

You will have a slightly wider footprint, increasing grip

But you will also have a slightly taller sidewall, increasing comfort, but also increasing sidewall flex.

 

[devil84]

Or go for 215/40

 

[Lottie]

Or go for 215/40

Correct, will also keep the speedo more accurate.

 

[shaRpy]

the speedo wont be any different anyway because ur not changing the size of the tyre,ie its still a 17,if u change the profile,ie,from a 45 to a 40 the speedo might be slightly out,whatever the width of a tyre doesnt change the speedo reading.

 

[Loxy]

the speedo wont be any different anyway because ur not changing the size of the tyre,ie its still a 17,if u change the profile,ie,from a 45 to a 40 the speedo might be slightly out,whatever the width of a tyre doesnt change the speedo reading.

The width of the tyre does affect the speedo rating.

The profile is a percentage of the width, so if you have a 205/45/17 tyre it will have a smaller rolling radius than a 215/45/17 tyre.

This means the 215/45/17 will under-read on the speedo as it would be calibrated to the OEM size of 205/45/17.

 

[rjkoneill]

I would say that 215/40 would be a good move.
I run that and it has been totally fine. Tyre prices are a little cheaper in that size too in some cases.

Grip seemed much improved to me but my previous tyres were oem fit re040 which I thought were frankly terrible.

 

[ChrisEP3]

Difference between 215/40/R17 and oem size is -1.95% and -12mm diameter

Difference between 215/45/R17 and oem size is +1.46% and +9mm diameter

http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator.htm

Both seem to be an okay difference from original size

 

[JDMy0]

215's will protect the rim more

205's will make the rims look better.

 

[Danger200]

215's will protect the rim more

205's will make the rims look better.

What he said, is what I would've said :lol:

 

[figo_rulz11]

so its a case of personal preference then really!

215's protect rims

205's look better.

 

[Suits]

215's will protect the rim more

205's will make the rims look better.

Not for me JDMdude.

215 also look better for me, always liked a phatter tyre as opposed to a stretched band.

 

[D4N H]

Not for me JDMdude.

215 also look better for me, always liked a phatter tyre as opposed to a stretched band.

I agree. meaty tyres FTW

 

[xKev]

is 205 the 'standard' for an ep3?

 

[Danger200]

Not for me JDMdude.

215 also look better for me, always liked a phatter tyre as opposed to a stretched band.

Even then the 205 doesn't give that much of a stretched look lol, it's like a **** poor attempt at it.