help me understand how tire size will effect 11wrx - 235/45r17 to 215/60r16

mattesonb · 09-14-2012, 10:55 PM

I have an 11 WRX and i purchased a second set of wheels to use as a winter set up.

stock is the 235/45r17 on the 17x8 +53

the winter set up so far is either a 215/55r16 or 215/60r16 on the 2005 wrx rim(16x6.5 +55)

from the research i've done it looks like the 215/55r16 is the closest match to stock i can find at 0.3% slower on the speedometer from stock

but if there isn't any negative side effect i wouldn't mind a bit more ground clearance with the 215/60r16 that is 3.2% faster on the speedometer from stock

vs

My question is this,

should i stick with the 215/55r16 to stay as close to stock as possible, or is there any advantage/disadvantage to going with the 215/60r16?

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Patrick Olsen · 09-15-2012, 12:59 AM

Was there supposed to be a question in there?

In addition to your speedometer being off, the odometer will be off the same amount. The effective final drive ratio will change, so the car would theoretically accelerate a bit more slowly. (Whether you'd actually notice that or whether a 3% difference would even be measurable is debatable.) You'll gain roughly 10mm of ride height. Depending on a variety of factors, the difference in effective gearing, the different ride height, and the different weight of the wheel/tire combo could adversely impact mileage - hard to say without empirical data.

sc00by4life · 09-15-2012, 03:07 AM

the ride height change is so insignificant that you will not notice it, nor will it give you any more useable clearance.

id go with the 215/55 or even a 205/60.

mattesonb · 09-15-2012, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc00by4life

the ride height change is so insignificant that you will not notice it, nor will it give you any more useable clearance.

id go with the 215/55 or even a 205/60.

hmm i hadnt even considered the 205/60, they are a good deal cheaper than the 215/55.

ah! to many decision to make

09-14-2012, 10:55 PM	#1
mattesonb Scooby Specialist Member#: 139607 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: 2011 WRX DGM Wrapped Matte Black	help me understand how tire size will effect 11wrx - 235/45r17 to 215/60r16 I have an 11 WRX and i purchased a second set of wheels to use as a winter set up. stock is the 235/45r17 on the 17x8 +53 the winter set up so far is either a 215/55r16 or 215/60r16 on the 2005 wrx rim(16x6.5 +55) from the research i've done it looks like the 215/55r16 is the closest match to stock i can find at 0.3% slower on the speedometer from stock but if there isn't any negative side effect i wouldn't mind a bit more ground clearance with the 215/60r16 that is 3.2% faster on the speedometer from stock vs My question is this, should i stick with the 215/55r16 to stay as close to stock as possible, or is there any advantage/disadvantage to going with the 215/60r16? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by mattesonb; 09-15-2012 at 01:21 AM.

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09-15-2012, 12:59 AM	#2
Patrick Olsen NASIOC Supporter Member#: 120 Join Date: Jul 1999 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Where the Navy sends me... Vehicle: 1997 Legacy 2.5GT QuickSilver Metallic	Was there supposed to be a question in there? In addition to your speedometer being off, the odometer will be off the same amount. The effective final drive ratio will change, so the car would theoretically accelerate a bit more slowly. (Whether you'd actually notice that or whether a 3% difference would even be measurable is debatable.) You'll gain roughly 10mm of ride height. Depending on a variety of factors, the difference in effective gearing, the different ride height, and the different weight of the wheel/tire combo could adversely impact mileage - hard to say without empirical data.

09-15-2012, 03:07 AM	#3
sc00by4life Scooby Guru Member#: 97135 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bothell	the ride height change is so insignificant that you will not notice it, nor will it give you any more useable clearance. id go with the 215/55 or even a 205/60.