vitasport
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Registered: 3rd Apr 03
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The 15x6.5et45 drives so much better. Wish I would had know this before I spend over $1300 on 17’s. Now I have a question on tire size. OEM was 180/60 14 = 577mm dia.. and 195/50 15 = 576mm dia. which is very close to OEM spec. but I have read on other post that 195/45 15 = 556mm dia. will give much better performance. I understand a smaller dia. Will accelerate much faster but how about handling and every day driving condition? Anyone out there have any experience with the two tire set up? If so please give me your opinion. Thanks
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vitasport
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Registered: 3rd Apr 03
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i guess no one runs 15's any more. too small right  so if you had ran 15's in the past, your experience and opinion would be very helpful.
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Greasemonkey
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Registered: 17th Apr 02
Location: Drives a Tractor
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I ran 15's on my GSi then went to 17's handling was allot better before but i was more bothered about looks, now however i have got into performance, still got my 15's with brand new 195/45/15 tyres on might stick them on at the weekend he he + lowerd 60mm with 15's is real low
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Makarus
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Registered: 25th Jun 02
Location: Nottingham/Derbyshire Boarder.
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I run 15's, always have, never had bigger wheels.
15's should as you say give increased acceleration over 17's because of the rolling diameter, yet 17's give a greater speed at top end because of their size.
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vitasport
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Registered: 3rd Apr 03
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cool guy! thanks for your opinions. but my question was 195/45 or 195/50? i understand the 195/45 has better acceleration. but which has the better handling?
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Greasemonkey
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Registered: 17th Apr 02
Location: Drives a Tractor
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the 45 will handle better cos the side walls will flex less on cornering cos there is less area to flex, ride will be a little harsher though
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vitasport
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Registered: 3rd Apr 03
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cool greasemonkey, thanks for the advice
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Gambit
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Registered: 5th Jun 00
Location: Common Sense HQ
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your accleration will not improve, the 15 inch wheel is heavier than the standard 14 inch item
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vitasport
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Registered: 3rd Apr 03
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gambit? then why many of the guys here saids 195/45/15 is the best set up for performance? please tell me what is the best set up? couse i don't give a $h!t about looks. performance only!!!
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Makarus
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Registered: 25th Jun 02
Location: Nottingham/Derbyshire Boarder.
User status: Offline
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Well if you want performance and not style then chuck some 13's on with low profiles, but if you wanna keep some looks and performance then go for 15's with 195/45. The 45 profile will have bettter handling over the 50 profile as explained before, but harsher ride as already said.
The accelration should be better for 15's over 17's taking weight, rolling diameter etc into account.
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vitasport
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Registered: 3rd Apr 03
User status: Offline
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thanks! i'll go with the 195/45.
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TOMAS
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Registered: 7th Aug 02
Location: Nottinghamshire
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How can their be 20mm difference in diameter between a 45 and a 50 profile tyre when their is 5mm diffo in wall height? Im just about to buy 8x14's with 195/45 rubber. The tyres will be stretched widthways so the wall height will be reduced even further. Im expecting GREAT performance! I just sold my 17's and stuck steelies on my car, with my 1.2 16v smaller wheels make a BIG difference!
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Gambit
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Registered: 5th Jun 00
Location: Common Sense HQ
User status: Offline
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soooooo here we go.....
there is a 9.75mm difference in the tyre wall between 195/50 & 45 profile
tyre width is constant at 195mm
195/45 on std 14's will not fit, they need to be at least 6 inches wide
the smaller the tyre wall the less flex there is in it
ideally you want the most amount of traction which the lightest wheel. 15's with 195/45 are the best value for money width and weight wise
wide 14's are hard to come by, and therefore expensive
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