Topic: winter tire size alternative? 205/60R16 instead of 205/55R16

[john_ertw]

I'm looking at trying to save some money by trying different winter tire sizes.  This is for an 06 Mazda 3 GT with the 17" tire upgrade.

The car came with upgraded 205/50R17 tires, but the regular tire size for this car is the 205/55R16.  If I go with 205/60R16 the tires, the speedo to be 2.4% slow.  Is this too big of a difference?  Will the size difference be safe or is it too much?  Are there any other tire size options for this car?

[johngenx]

Let's see...

The 205/50-17 tires are 637mm tall.

The 205/55-16's are ~632mm tall. 

That's less 1/4 of an inch.  Pretty close.  The difference is less than 1%.

205*50% = 102.5mm sidewall height.  Multiply by 2 = 205mm
17" rim = 17*25.4mm/inch = 431.8mm
Total height = 636.8mm

205*55% = 112.75mm sidewall height.  Multiply by two = 225.50mm
16" rim = 16*25.4mm/inch = 406.4mm
Total height = 631.9mm

The alternative size you mentioned is...
205*60% = (123mm)*2 = 246mm
16" rim = 406.4mm
Total height = 652.4mm

That is not as close as the 205/55-16 option.  Though slightly shorter overall, I doubt you'd notice the .19" or 5mm difference.

[morty]

Within the acceptal arrange. We usually go with the 205/55/16 as it is the OE size and more options available.