Acceleration - wheel size.

[seismic22]

OKay so this may seem like a stupid question but if i was to fit 16" wheels to my 16v would i notice a drop in acceleration or would it be barely noticeable!?

Although im keen for the car to look nice im more interested in its performance than cosmetic appearance.

Cheers

[boneybradley]

you proberbly not notice any difference...I've gone from 15 to 18's on the rat and can't really notice

[Len]

The bigger diameter wheel the lower tyre ratio aspect you need

for a 15" its 50
16 = 45
17 = 40 and so on.

The idea is to keep the rolling radius the same so then you wont get any differences in speed etc.

[Wayne]

I would add that I noticed a small drop in mpg when I was running 17"s

[boneybradley]

The only thing i have noticed is the price of tryes!! (225/40x18 are ££££) oh and better grip but slightly harder ride!!

[seismic22]

Thanks guys! I dont know why i didnt think before about what len said.   

On another note, say i was to keep 15's would 215 45 rubber fit on the standard rims and would this combination help improve handling or would it make it worse because of the side wall being too vertical/straight?

Again as i said before im more interested in how it performs than how it looks.

Cheers

[Mikester]

i have the standard 15s with 195 50 and they are like tractors. 215 would rub all day long!!

[Wayne]

Thanks guys! I dont know why i didnt think before about what len said.   

On another note, say i was to keep 15's would 215 45 rubber fit on the standard rims and would this combination help improve handling or would it make it worse because of the side wall being too vertical/straight?

Again as i said before im more interested in how it performs than how it looks.

Cheers

I would stick with 195/50/15's all that 215/45's will do is throw your speedo out and rub the arches.

[thai-wronghorse]

195/50/15's are actually slightly undersized as they should be 205/50/15's as factory standard.
215/45/16 should be virtually the same as the standard overrall rolling radius and would barely affect the speedo readings what so ever.


This website is very useful with stuff like this: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[Wayne]

195/50/15's are actually slightly undersized as they should be 205/50/15's as factory standard.
215/45/16 should be virtually the same as the standard overrall rolling radius and would barely affect the speedo readings what so ever.


This website is very useful with stuff like this: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

205/50/15's were only factory fitted on later cars, 195/50/15 were standard on earlier cars, I switched from 205's to 195's with no problems.