195's or 205's???

[sabretooth]

Interesting point: The S-Drive is cheaper in the 205 compared to the 195. $10-$15 difference. How come?

Really? I was quoted otherwise. Anyway, I have 205/50/R15 S-Drives on my 15x7" rims. Very happy so far, but that's also going to be the new alignment also getting grins!

This is the second time I've gone for 205/50/R15s over 195/50/R15s - I just find that they look tons better. I personally think skinny tyres on wide rims looks really silly.

Interesting article regarding tyre contact patches, thanks!

[Jimmy]

Went to re-order the tyres today. Turns out that they only have two 195's in the country Next shipment is expected in a 1-2 months So, i went with my original order and got the 205's.

[tk421]

I don't think you actually get a larger contact patch with a 205/50 over a 195/50. There's not enough weight in an MX5 to do that. You just get a different shaped patch instead, plus a little bit of additional tyre weight, plus some additional sidewall height and flex.

This is true. Have a look at this site for a good explanation:
http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

(Actually page 2 http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg2.html deals with tyre width)

This has to be one of the most useful posts I have read on the entire forum all year. Nice one!!

You have just confirmed that 195 / 50 semi slicks on my factory 6 inch rims will suit just fine!

Cheers

Steve

[Mr Starlet]

I run 215 all around, feels pretty good in dry and wet. For spirited stuff I'll lower pressure abit to increase effective contact area, tyres takes a little longer to warm up but once they do they're great. I find the wider tyres helps with understeer/oversteer, but at the same time weighs alittle more and so alittle less zippy. I might try stretching out my next set as I run 7\" front and 8\" back rims.