tyre size...AGAIN!

[diathermy]

Hi guys,

I know I have asked this before, but I have no clear answer!

I need a new tyre at the rear due to puncture. Am planning on replacing both rears and the fronts next month.

I have 205s on the rear which have to go!

But, I am considering 185/55 PE2s, but they are pricey. was also considering continental?

I see many people rum 195/50s. I assume this is because these tyres are cheaper.

Is it a big compromise. Will it drive much better and have more feel with the 185s?

Let me know, as I need to get the tyres next week!

[LEIGH-ANNE]

There is a on going 'arguement' about correct size of tyres lol

The original ones that came on williams' of course are the more expensive of the sizes you are mentioning.

I run 195/50 pradas on my 2 and 195/50 Proxes on my williams 1.

Both are reasonable in price and 'i' cant fault them...some obviously will.

Good in all weather...even snow imo.

185's are more expensive...but not really comprimising much tbh unless ur a bit anal lol

[Swervin_Mervin]

It's personal preference. I found more feel on the 195/50s. It feels a little more planted on these but if you want the tippy-toe deftness of the original ride and handling then go for the 185/55s.

[Wobba]

It's personal preference. I found more feel on the 195/50s. It feels a little more planted on these but if you want the tippy-toe deftness of the original ride and handling then go for the 185/55s.

That's pretty much it. I swapped to 195's and felt it had lost the tippy-toe'ness a bit but the F1's look fekkin awesome with coilovered widetrack goodness.

[Swervin_Mervin]

I always felt I could be more extreme with throwing it in a corner on the 195s, and hence lots more tripod action.

[rob-legend]

[white16valver]

lol


As above, I'm sure that the 10mm difference does actually have quite a big effect on the handling. The footprint of my 185/55s gets wider as they wear down, just because of the tread pattern, and the handling gets more and more 'sticky' and difficult to adjust mid corner. New ones make it feel light on its feet and you can 'play' more! :D

[talkingfish]

I noticed quite a big difference going from 195's to 185's... there was a lot more grip with 195's as people have mentioned but ride quality was also quite harsh...

I found switching to 185's the steering and overall "feel" of the car was much more alive but it was also more twitchy on the limit. Ride quality was also significantly improved. (Lift off oversteer is now quite easy - never got it with 195's...)

As people say, all down to preference really - the car does look better with 195's though... they ARE considerably cheaper too... BUT the original fitment was the 185.

[diathermy]

Thanks for the response ppl.

All in all, I think my heart is saying stick to the original. The car was issued with 185s so that is what i will get.

Probably end up getting the PE2s. I know its a lot of money, but i dont want to spend a little less and not be happy.

kwik fit are doing them for 80 each when purchased on line. not too bad.

Oh well, some extra shifts then!