Posted by Joe M. on May 20, 1999 at 14:29:14:
In Reply to: Re: Pirelli P7000 vs.Michelin MXX3... which would you buy? posted by daanesh on May 20, 1999 at 11:52:54:
The stock tire size was 215/50/15. According to the tire calculators/formulas/fitment charts, the stock size and the 205/45/16 are supposed to be within 2 tenths (shorter) of an inch of each other. This is not the case. If I take one stock wheel/tire and compare it with one of the 205/16 wheel/tire, the 205's look almost 1/2 inch shorter. This is with both tires unloaded and off the vehicle, and brand new Toyos vs. 75-80% worn stock tires. As these Toyos wear, they are only getting shorter. The 215/45/16 tires are supposed to have a diameter of 23.6 vs. 23.5 stock. I will also get back some width that I lost going with 205s'.
When I do upgrade the suspension, I don't want to lower the car to much. If anything it will be 1/2 - 3/4" inch lower,Max. I want my tires to fit the car, not lose major travel to make the car fit the tires.
Also, the Pirelli is the summer version, not the supersport. I will be getting snows mounted on the stock wheels for winter.
Thanks,
Joe