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205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 2:33 pm
by SunlightSilver
I've got an 07 NC PRHT. Rx-8 Sway Bars installed-suspension otherwise stock. Factory Suspension package. Daily Driver, no auto-x, spirited driving when applicable. Occasional trips to the Dragon, mountains. Live in the southeast, no snow.

Presently running OEM 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sports 215/45/17. AMAZING tires...just wished they lasted longer.

Strongly considering the Pilot A/S 3 for the longer tread life.

205 A/S 3 weighs the same as 215 PSS.

215 A/S 3 weighs two pounds more than the 205 A/S 3.

Cost difference is negligible.

215's look better, but would they have any negative impact on performance/handling/feel due to the extra weight?

Thanks for the help!

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:53 pm
by Brian
Yep, the '0ld school' fat tire on the wheel look appeals to many of us, but just understand that's a choice of comfort over performance. If adding comfort is the goal, go for it. You don't really get the wider grip performance of the 215 unless you support it with a wider wheel, steering input will feel slightly sloppy compared to 205mm tires on the same 7 inch wide stock wheel. Thus, on my wife's 2012 PRHT (linked from front page of the site), we used 7.5 wide wheels instead of stock 7 inch wheels to support the 215/45/17 tires and that worked out great, noticeably more grip in the turns.

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:48 pm
by tmac
Great timing, I was just starting to think about tire and wheel combos! I know I want to go with 17 x 7.5 RPF1.

Brian, how would going with a lower speed rating (softer sidewall) affect ride/handling, assuming a 215 tire on the 7.5 wheel?

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:51 pm
by SunlightSilver
Just so I'm clear...

Best performance (steering response/acceleration/handling/etc.) with the OEM wheel will come from using the 205 tire? Correct?

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:24 pm
by VAMiataFan
Just put A/S 3's on my 07 PRHT and went with the 215 . Mine has suspension package so the larger size greatly improved the ride quality without, IMO, any give up in handling. However, the A/S 3 replaced 8 year old OEM Michelins so this may not be a valid comparison.
That said I really like the look of the A/S 3 with it's more aggressive tread and bit larger size.

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:52 am
by SunlightSilver
Well, I went with the 205's and I'm happy with the decision.

Car does feel more "sprightly" when accelerating in any gear.

Appearance wise, the 205 does not look much narrower...due to the tire shape/design. The tire does have the "rim guard". Tire does not appear quite as tall.

Handling wise, hard to make direct comparison as I changed tire model and size...but are more than happy with the grip for my type of driving.

Good looking tire. Now to see how long they will last...

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 12:09 pm
by CharlesM183
I was looking at replacing a set of Bridgestone S-04's with the A/S 3's. Would you still recommend them?

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 11:13 am
by monty11ez
I recommend them. I switched to the A/S 3s from Continental DWS; significantly better handling and ride. I also went with the 215s and the speedometer is perfect.

Re: 205 or 215 Tire for NC?

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 9:44 pm
by JohnP655
What about the 215/40-17"? Realizing it's shorter - isn't it worth consideration for certain (odd) people? (like me)

I mostly drive locally - so the speedo being off a couple % is no big deal to me. I would think it would give sharp turn in with more real contact patch vs 205 & a couple % faster acceleration too. As long as you're dodging the potholes seems it's a possibility.

Also have a 135i & I run 35 profile rear & 40 profile front without issue & I'm fine with the ride on those lower profile.

Curious as to other's thoughts on this before I buy a set of StarSpecs in this size for my stock wheels. :P Thanks, john