205 to 195 tyres - difference in handling?

[M@tt_182]

I know there's a similar thread about this referring to track tyres however I'm asking about road.

Just changed wheels from 182 alloys on 205/45 to 172 cups on 195/45 and the car seems to handle totally different? The back end seems a little looser and in a way unstable, is this normal?

 

[Addicted]

If anything is predict it to be more stable due to more contact with the road?

Unfortunately I've only ever ran 205s so can't comment but mine feels planted!

 

[biojo]

First off have you got right pressure in tyres.

Ive had both sets using same alloys and wets 195s where prolly better, in dry 205. But always stook with 205s

 

[M@tt_182]

Yep pressures are all correct and tyres are pretty much new. It may be handling better but feels so different, could it also be down to the weight of the wheels?

 

[KevF182]

I'll guess what your experiencing is mostly down to the different offset of the wheels, small changes can affect the way it feels to drive.

It could also be that the tyres are newer? I find having lots of tread on the tyres (rears especially) makes the handling less precise in the dry. To me, newer tyres often make direction changes feel a bit "looser" until they wear down a bit.

I've had 205's and now run 195's on 182 alloys. Its very subjective but I think on balance the brand/model of tyre would make more of a difference than the size. But I would expect the change of offset you have made to be the main difference.

 

[DrR]

I found 205s seamed to follow contors of the road more, like lorry tracks on motorways etc.

Also lol at "stook"

 

[M@tt_182]

I've not really driven it hard with the 195's yet but time will tell I suppose.

 

[Jonny1*2]

I doubt you'll notice much difference unless the offset is much different. I run 195 888's on track and the turn in feels better, but that will be down to the rubber and the fact they are 15", not the size. I'd stick with the 205 as it also protects your rims

 

[Lal B3N]

What brand of tyres were you running in 205 and what are the 195s?

 

[M@tt_182]

205's were Hankook V12's on the front and Conti's on the rear, the 195's are Toyo T1R's all round.

 

[Lal B3N]

205's were Hankook V12's on the front and Conti's on the rear, the 195's are Toyo T1R's all round.

Some people will disagree no doubts. But the V12s are much better than T1R's, that could be why. All in my opinion of course, but having used both I found T1R's too soft and didn't have as much trust in them.

 

[M@tt_182]

Some people will disagree no doubts. But the V12s are much better than T1R's, that could be why. All in my opinion of course, but having used both I found T1R's too soft and didn't have as much trust in them.

I've not used Toyo's for year and used to use them on my 106, at the time they felt good but wear was a bit excessive. I might play around with the pressures a bit and see if I can sort them out. I think I prefer the look of the 195 tyre on the rim so going to try and make it work for me

 

[Lal B3N]

I've not used Toyo's for year and used to use them on my 106, at the time they felt good but wear was a bit excessive. I might play around with the pressures a bit and see if I can sort them out. I think I prefer the look of the 195 tyre on the rim so going to try and make it work for me

You'll find the right balance with 195's, when them tyres are finished with maybe try something grippier. But could just be tyre pressures as you say.

 

[Kingmilla]

I've just charged from 195 to 205's I prefere 195's

 

[Ph1 Tom]

I've just charged from 195 to 205's I prefere 195's

I've also changed from 195 to 205 and found the 205 a huge improvement...