How obvious is the difference?

[Struggler]

between 195/45/15 and 195/50/15,

i currently have 195/45/15 all round,
but need to replace the back tyres only,
and i notice, that my budget will go a LOT further buying 50s
(which is what valver came on standard)

question is, if i just buy 50's at the rear, ill still have 45s at the front (theyre yoko s-drives so i might as well use them!) until i need replace them, at which point ill get 50s

will it look silly/obvious??

 

[Pete.M]

http://tyres2u.co.uk/page.php/tyre_prices in case you dont know whats what.

The tyre profile will change the rolling radius of the tyre. Ideally you should keep it as close to standard as possible i.e. if you put bigger wheels on your car reduce the profile to keep the rolling radius the same. The changes you are talking will produce a minimal difference and therefore I wouldn't worry too much. Ensure you keep the same size of tyre on side though, that more important.

 

[f0xy]

50's are the 'standard' tyre for a Mk1 anyway, and as you say you can get better for the money in 50 profile!

 

[Struggler]

thanks guys,
i think ill go for the 50s,

will you notice any handling difference between 50 and 45?? (assuming the tyres are the same)

 

[f0xy]

Ive used both on track (in 15" form) and didn't really notice a difference to be honest. 45s maybe a bit stiffer as its a smaller sidewall but that does not really justify the extra cost they come with...

 

[Fred@BTM]

50's are the 'standard' tyre for a Mk1 anyway, and as you say you can get better for the money in 50 profile!

well technically the "standard" is 185/55, but 195/50's are way cheaper

 

[f0xy]

Yeah from the factory anyway, I meant generally these days..... 195/50's are the most cost effective

 

[Pete.M]

Shouldn't see a difference, or feel one in driving really. Your talking a very small change. Few mm overall.

As you can see here on the tyres you are proposing its a 10mm difference. thats just about within tolerances.

Edited as non of that came out as i had hoped... basically its 270mm dynamic on one and 280mm dynamic on another just google a rolling radius calculator and bash in the figures to see.​