195/50R15 vs 205/50R15. Experiances?

**ScienceVR6** · 17-02-2008, 04:24 PM

I just bought some new tyres for the VR6, and i decided to drop a size, in chasing a better price (crap bigger tyres vs good smaller tyres) and settled on a 195/50 R15 Fulda Carat Attiro. The smaller diameter is noticable, both in driving and in the look of the car, and while they feel like they grip just as well as the 205, time will tell.
The car seems to respond better, having less sidwall to flex, but i wonder what it will be like as the tyres wear.

The only thing i don't like about this size, is that it shows just how high the car still sits, and how far inbourds the wheels sit. It needs spacers! or mabey just 7"+ rims.

how wide can i go on a 195/50 tyre?

**Mischa** · 17-02-2008, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by ScienceVR6

I just bought some new tyres for the VR6, and i decided to drop a size, in chasing a better price (crap bigger tyres vs good smaller tyres) and settled on a 195/50 R15 Fulda Carat Attiro. The smaller diameter is noticable, both in driving and in the look of the car, and while they feel like they grip just as well as the 205, time will tell.
The car seems to respond better, having less sidwall to flex, but i wonder what it will be like as the tyres wear.

The only thing i don't like about this size, is that it shows just how high the car still sits, and how far inbourds the wheels sit. It needs spacers! or mabey just 7"+ rims.

how wide can i go on a 195/50 tyre?

9" if you're game

**rayray086** · 17-02-2008, 04:38 PM

195/50 and 205/50 have very different load ratings, but I think the 195/50's load rating is still above the car's specs.

Like Mischa said, 9" if you're game

There have been quite a few foreign Mk2 owners using 195/45 on 9" in order to have them sit under the arches with minimal rubbing, but of course that's far from recommended. 195/45 and 195/50 are also used on 8" but there's quite a bit of stretch there. A 195 tyre would be recommended for a 6"-7" wide wheel I reckon.