Optimum Tyre Size On Standard Speedlines?

[pete1986 2]

My front tyres are getting a bit on the bald side now. I have read alot of good things about yokohama paradas so im 90% decided on them but im unsure of what tyre size is best for handling.

 

I currently have 185/55/15 on all corners. Im thinking about getting a lower profile, maybe 50, for better acceleration and maybe slightly wider for more grip/traction in the winter. But would this ruin the handling of a 205? and what tyre size do you have?

 

Thanks in advance

Pete

[jonD6B 0]

I would imagine that most people are going to suggest 195/50/15 tyres for a number of reasons including cost, availability and choice. I don't think you're really going to notice much of a change tbh.

Still I have been wrong before (I think).

[welshpug 1,666]

185 55 15 is the optimum size, Peugeot wouldn't have chosen it if it wasnt

 

also, 195 50 is near as dammit the same height, so you'll gain nothing there, I find my car handles so much better with the correct size tyres.

[sutol 0]

I was looking at Colway (road legal) track day tyres but I believe they have just gone into receivership.

Pity that as they are good value for money in my book.

[Baz 421]

185/55's are expensive, 195/50's are a little better, a little wider and less sidewall flex if a lower profile.

[Dream Weaver 2]

Don't think I've ever had the right size tyres on a 205 as they are such odd sizes as std.

 

I currently have Pirelli 195/55/15, but they are old and cracked so I've just received 4 x Paradas at 195/50/15. At £35 delivered its a no brainer, and you really won't notice a difference, except maybe the speedo being very slightly out. On my current tyres, my speedo is 100% accurate to GPS at anything up to 100mph. I would prefer it to over-read, so hopefully the 50 prof Paradas will do that.

[205toby 0]

I've only ever had 195.50r15's on mine and I can't complain.. It grips well and the speedo is almost dead accurate (like 1% out).

Toby

[welshpug 1,666]

185/55's are expensive, 195/50's are a little better, a little wider and less sidewall flex if a lower profile.

 

 

even though the number is lower on the profile, due to the wider section they're actually within 1%, and the added tyre width actually increases the sidewall flex!!!

 

I didnt find the 185's expensive, less than 10% more.

[Emmy Seize 8]

185 55 15 is the optimum size, Peugeot wouldn't have chosen it if it wasnt

 

And that was more a specification given than a choice.

 

Very few cars were on this size back then.

 

I changed from 195 50 15 back to original size with every 205 I´ve bought so far.

[welshpug 1,666]

one notable car that had the same size tyre is the Clio Williams, all 3 versions, which incidentally all had very similar Speedline wheels fitted.

 

 

its still a size used nowadays on O.E wheels, the last gen Corsa has 185 55 15 fitted to the SXi models.

[taylorspug 7]

Dream Weaver where did you get your Paradas from, as thats quite a reasonable price!

[Dream Weaver 2]

Bought them on eBay from Rtec in Herts. Ordered them around lunch and they were here the next morning at 10am.

 

Came to £142 delivered, and they are being fitted on Tuesday for £20 all in.

 

welshpug - my tyres come to £40 each fitted, the equivalent tyres in 185/55/15 were £70 each just to buy them.

[Dream Weaver 2]

Link here Taylorspug - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/195-50-R15-Yokohama-...1QQcmdZViewItem

[pete1986 2]

I went for 195/50 paradas in the end, gotta say im very very impressed with them. Lost no traction in first or second in the wet the other day - full throttle. Cant really tell how much the tyre size has changed handling as my last tyres were sh!te to say the least. Although i have noticed the steering is a bit lighter, i would have thought it would get heavier with wider tyres

[taylorspug 7]

Link here Taylorspug - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/195-50-R15-Yokohama-...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Thankyou, much appreciated.

[djinuk 2]

i have 195 45, however i have put nankangs on the front, great in the dry.. but as soon as the wet comes i understeer badly