Fitting a 205/60 tyre instead of 205/55 - yay or nay? + thoughts on Firestone tyres

Jonny944CS · Sep 29, 2011

ORIGINAL: Outrun944
Sounds like from the manual I should have 215/60 on both front and rear! Which Mike suggests. Does that mean I should also stick to having 29psi in the front and 36psi in the rear?

215/60 "" according to my old books and brochures, 215's were an optional upgrade through dealers. Early cars were designed and developed on the classic 185/70/VR15 Pirelli Cinturato - fitted to most iconic late 70's / early 80's sports cars [8D]. The standard tyre (for 8v na cars) then moved to 195/65 form '85.5 through to '89.

Compared with a like-for-like 195/65 you can expect:
Marginally better:
- grip in hard turns (larger footprint)
- looks (purely subjective)
Marginally worse:
- ride (increased unsprung weight)
- fuel consumption (higher rolling ressistance)
- road noise (see above)
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195/65 "" I mention like-for-like, as unfortunately the number of cars on the road in 2011 using 215/60/VR15's has dropped dramatically, with a corresponding negative effect on choice and value. However, shed loads of cars have rolled off production lines, in the last 10 years, fitted with 195/65/R15's. Therefore you could argue that you stand a better chance of picking up a quality 195 premium tyre, if cost is a strong consideration.

For example: Continental Premium Contact 2 "" around £260 for 4 (plus vat and fitting) and OEM fitment for VW/Audi in a V-Rating. I run these and the grip (wet+dry) exceeds poor quality 215/60's.