Declanc

Should I go with a 205/55 or 225/50 tires on my 16 inch stock wheels? What's the advantages / disadvantages of one over the other? Are the 225/50 lower profile tires? Will the speedometer still give me correct MPH readings? Will they increase handling? Will they drive quitely or increase tire noise? Do they look sharper than the standard size? Thanks for your help. 98 A4 1.8TQS

Kris Hansen

How about 215/55? That is what I was thinking.

a phil

But you will only notice this on the track (where it does help). The 225s look better and give more protection to the rims. They do slightly lower gas mileage. And they cost more.

Declanc

Would I be correct to say wider, lower profile, slightly reduced gas mileage, MPH on speedo will be off by several percent. I won't be on a track so street looks, handling and noise are what are important.Comments please

a phil

I wouldn't bother. Go with the 225s.

JCJiffy

Wider yes. Lower profile no. Slightly reduced mileage yes. Speedo off by only 1.7% from 205/55-16.

Declanc

O.K. I'm, leaning toward the 225/50 but I don't understand how a wider tire decreases gas mileage. Can someone shed some light on this and is the efficiency loss significant? Gas is getting more expensive by the hour around here.

Thx

a phil

Remember, a tire contact patch (the piece of tire that actually touches the road) is about the size of the palm of your hand. ANY increase in this size will increase gas consumption. That's why it's so important to check your tire pressures often.

Declanc

Thanks Phil, I'm learning more every day and getting more and more hooked on Audi modifications. Any idea how sinificant the fuel consumption change would be with the 225's?

channelv

it was weird. my dunlop sp8000 225/50 cost less than the 205/55 (paid $92 each)