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As elSVT has said (twice!) unless you buy new wheels, the only ones on your list that even have the POSSIBILITY of fitting are the 225-45-16. Those might fit on your wheel, fitting on the car might be a different story. Take a look at the tire rack web site for detailed explanations on how all this works (link below, don't forget to check the links down the side of the page once you get there)
Quick calculation (rough idea- not accounting for manufacturers variations)
205-50-16:
Width across sidewalls = 205mm (8.07")
Wheel size- 16"
Diameter= 2[205(0.5)]+16(25.4)= 205+406.4= 611.4mm (24.07")
225-45-16:
Width across sidewalls= 225mm (8.86")
Wheel size- 16"
Diameter= 2[225(0.45)]+16(25.4)= 202.5+406.4= 608.9mm (23.97")
What is the intended purpose of your upgrade? Do you want a more comfortable ride, better handling, looks?
Saab chose 205-50-16 as what they considered to be the best all round comprimise for any possible use the car might see. It is likely however that you personally might be willing to make some tradeoffs (and don't kid yourself- there ARE tradeoffs) to gain better performance in a particular area. Don't forget you still have to fit them on your car! It is possible to go too wide and negatively affect the handling of your car even if they fit under the wheel wells.
Some advantages of lower profile tires are:
More responsive handling due to less sidewall flex
Larger contact patch as long as the tire fits the wheel properly
Wide tires look cooler than narrow tires
Some of the disadvantages are:
Low profile tires cost more money- depending on how far you go, it could be a LOT more money (compare the price of 205-50-16 to 225-35-18 and you'll quickly see what I mean)
Low profile tires tend to be more performance oriented with a softer tread compound, so those tires you just paid a premium for are going to wear out faster
The ride will be harsher.
There's greater chance of wheel damage as there's not as much cushion between the road and your wheel.
Higher fuel costs as a larger contact patch also means a greater rolling resistance (its probably insignifigant though)
Good luck on your tire shopping!
bRAD
posted by 64.229....
, Fri, 18 Jul 2003 18:59:00
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