16” tire sizes

[JSWhaler]

Come spring I’ll need new summer rubber. I’m debating on going down to a 16” wheel from the stock 17” wheels (mostly for comfort as New England roads aren’t too great). I’ve been researching and it seems that most people go with 205 45 16, but am wondering if I’d see any advantages or disadvantages with a 215 45 16. I’m asking as there seem to be a lot more choices in this size for a high performance summer tire.
I am at stock ride height with bolts ons and custom tuned, but stock turbo. Thanks

 

[FJ16]

It (used to be) the opposite - so many people went with 205/45/16 because there were many more choices in that size and nearly no one made a 215/45/16. If that has changed, then yes 215 is better and almost bang-on the same diameter as stock.

 

[JSWhaler]

Ok, I’m seeing tires in both sizes but less 215 vs 205 now.

 

[M-Sport fan]

IF someone/ANYONE made a UHP all season in a 215/45-16 they would be on my Dekagrams right now!

Likewise, if I had a set of 16" wheels which would be warm weather use ONLY, one of the 215/45-16, 200 tread wear gumballs would be on them (most likely the very wide tread width, Nankang NS-2Rs), if I was worried about rubbing at any ride height.

Even though they look way too 'lost' in the wheels wells, especially at factory ride height (not to mention the rougher ride), I may have to go to the 205/45-16s in one of the UHP all season choices, since the 205/50s I am using as daily driver tires on 16x8 Dekagrams do rub in some situations, even at factory ride height.

JSWhaler; Which width/offset do you plan on using?

 

[JSWhaler]

Been looking at some 16x7 wheels either 42mm or 40mm offset.

 

[green_henry]

These are 205/45-16s with Swift springs. I've been tempted to try 215 but I'm pretty sure it would rub and don't want to risk it.

 

[HardBoiledEgg]

205 45 AND I RUB ALL DAY

 

[faust]

215 45s (RT 660) here, and no problems. There's very light rubbing in front at full compression (autocross), just enough to knock off the chalk on my sidewalls. 42mm offset.

I think you're on the right track, btw -- the car feels much better to me just driving around on either size of 16", vs. the stock wheels & tire size.

 

[M-Sport fan]

205 45 AND I RUB ALL DAY

Just HOW 'slammed' are you??

 

[M-Sport fan]

215 45s (RT 660) here, and no problems. There's very light rubbing in front at full compression (autocross), just enough to knock off the chalk on my sidewalls. 42mm offset.

I think you're on the right track, btw -- the car feels much better to me just driving around on either size of 16", vs. the stock wheels & tire size.

What width wheels, and on what suspension?

 

[JSWhaler]

I was under the impression that either a 205 or 215 tire would not rub on a 40 or 42mm offset for a 16" wheel running stock suspension. No?

 

[HardBoiledEgg]

16X8 +35 RPF1 205/45 CONTI TIRES. RUBS OVER EVERY ENTRANCE, BAD

 

[green_henry]

16X8 +35 RPF1 205/45 CONTI TIRES. RUBS OVER EVERY ENTRANCE, BAD

My RPF1s are 16x7, 43 offset, w Hankook RS4s; no issues

 

[Thomas.Nipper]

225 50 16 indy 500 ... stock suspension only rubs a little. But I did have to roll fenders and cut some crap out.

 

[M-Sport fan]

225 50 16 indy 500 ... stock suspension only rubs a little. But I did have to roll fenders and cut some crap out.

I am shocked that those do not rub everywhere, ALL of the time, no matter how much cutting, pulling, etc., is done.

They are almost 25" tall, and have a 9.2" section width, albeit only a 7.7" actual tread width, but on 40 ET wheels!!

 

[Supapoopa]

Whoa, those are some meaty boi's! It looks like you are lowered in the side profile pic.

 

[Dpro]

205/45 16 Federal RS Pro’s no rub with 2’ negative camber front and rear on 16x8 40 offset Dekagrams. I am seriously thinking of ordering a set of RT660’s in 215/45 as I love them . So much grip it’s silly . Blow the RS Pro’s out of the water in the grip department.
I did do a little fender tab trimming for my Titans with 215/40’s 17’s though.

 

[Dpro]

These are 205/45-16s with Swift springs. I've been tempted to try 215 but I'm pretty sure it would rub and don't want to risk it.
View attachment 45372

hmm were did you find those I searched online and RS4’s in 205/45 16 are no longer available

 

[kevinatfms]

These are 205/45-16s with Swift springs. I've been tempted to try 215 but I'm pretty sure it would rub and don't want to risk it.
View attachment 45372

215/45R16 on Swift Spec-R springs and didnt rub at all.....

 

[green_henry]

hmm were did you find those I searched online and RS4’s in 205/45 16 are no longer available

I bought them from Tire Rack last March. I hope the Toyo R1Rs won't be the only choice going forward -- not that they're not good, just prefer to have options.