205/55 or 195/55 on 15x7?

[UpOn3]

still can't decide which tire size is best for my M42 with 15x7 wheels. Anyone have reasons why I should stick with the factory recommeded 205? Here's why I'm leaning toward 195.

Pro:
tighter sidewall/better steering response
slightly lower gearing
lower sidewall profile/better looking fit on wheels
lighter tires
ligther steering feel
don't need the extra grip for street esp since my M42 is lighter than most of the M20 cars.
few buck cheaper

Con:
Ugly fender gap
rougher ride quality
lower load rating
205/55 going obsolete, so may never be able to try

[mr ilia]

You forgot one more - inaccurate speedometer.

[MR 325]

195/55 looks silly. Friend of mine just did it on a 15x7 and it looks tiny.

Definitely go with the 205/55. The difference is well worth it.

[87e30]

There is always 205/50/15. 15x7 are hard to choose the right tire size for imo. I had 205/55/15 which just ballooned too much for me honestly. Depends on the make of the tire though. Definitely need a lowered car for the smaller profile size tire though

[Holland]

Definitely go with the 205/55. The difference is well worth it.

This. You won't regret it. 205/50 is too small imo.

[word is bond]

I mean - 205/55 is by the book. Correct speedo reading and everything. It's the suggested size for euroweaves in the manual.

[coldweatherblue]

just put 205/55 all around on my car and they're awesome

[87e30]

Should throw up some pics! Glad it worked out

[coldweatherblue]

Should throw up some pics! Glad it worked out

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=3736188&postcount=187

[Earendil]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...&postcount=187

Very nice! Is your car lowered at all? Or is that the stock height?

[chop_suey]

225/50/15 all the way

[coldweatherblue]

Very nice! Is your car lowered at all? Or is that the stock height?

thanks, it's got a 1.6 inch drop all around.

[macinnis]

This thread is pretty old but I have ran into the same problem. Which size has been chosen winner?
I've got a set of 15x7 BBS Mahle's on my way in the mail. I'm looking at tire-rack and I can get the Dunlop Direzza ZII in 195/55 or 205/50 but the only decent tire I can find in 205/55 is the Yokohama S drive.
What do you guys recommend? Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks

[Earendil]

I have many an opinion on the rubber, but it sounds like you've settled in the ZII, a great tire for its category and use. As for size, the 205/50 is perfect for a 15x7 wheel. I track that same tire and wheel size.

[fresh_TD]

225/50/15