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Re: Tire Sizes
Posted by David Prantl (more from David Prantl) on Mon, 13 Dec 1999 21:41:19
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

Here's a recent spreadsheet I did, applicable to SAAB 9000 models from '85 
to '92.

                                    speedo      speedo
              rim  overall          error (%)   error (%)
       aspect dia  diameter  circ.  from stock  from stock
width  ratio  (in) (mm)      (mm)   195/60/15   185/65/15

185    65     15   621.5     1952   -1.05%       0.00%
195    60     15   615       1932    0.00%       1.06%
195    65     15*  634.5     1993   -3.07%      -2.05%
205    60     15   627       1970   -1.91%      -0.88%
205    55     15   606.5     1905    1.40%       2.47%
215    55     15** 617.5     1940   -0.40%       0.65%

205    50     16   611.4     1921    0.59%       1.65%
205    55     16   631.9     1985   -2.67%      -1.65%
215    50     16** 621.4     1952   -1.03%       0.02%


*  contacts inner fender - rubber part

**  215 would be the widest fitment for a 15x6 9000 wheel, but I don't know 
about clearing the fender trim studs at this tire width.


Notes:

Factory speedo error on SAABs is probably between +2% and +5%

With a 205 width (and the stock offset for the car), I would guess that the 
maximum diameter would be 629mm before contact can occur.


Comments:

I rather like the 205/60/15 size.  The extra width protects the rim when you 
rub up against a curb.  The extra 12mm diameter pretty much cancels out most 
of the factory speedo error, so your speedo becomes WYSIWYG.  I don't think 
ride softness changes significantly over stock, and you probably won't 
notice the marginal increase in ground clearance.  I have experienced no 
interference whatsoever.  Prices are very reasonable in this size, and 
selection is plentiful.  My preferred high-performance-all-season 
(somewhat-snow-capable) tire in this size is the Yokohama AVS S4V (V-rated).

If you don't care about speedo optimism, and want better cornering and 
sportier ride the 205/55/15 is the size for you.  These cost 15-20% more 
than 205/60/15, and there's a much more limited selection.  My favorite tire 
here is the new Dunlop SP5000 (W-rated).

I would not step up to a 195/65/15 tire if I could help it, but this is an 
acceptable alternative if you're in a price pinch (Eastern Europe?).

Please keep in mind that like-size tires from different mfrs. are NOT the 
same actual size.  Variations of about 1/4' (6.3mm) in diameter should be 
expected.

David Prantl
david_prantlno39sdcx6spamx782hotmail.com
'84 900S, 210kMi, RIP
'86 9000T, 172kMi
'88 9000S, 136kMi
'89 900, 115kMi
'68 97 Sonett V4, 76kMi, #000467
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