205/50 R16 substitute

Technical Area Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: __1.5 ND 2
  2. I’m based near: __South Devon
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Tyre sizes.

Hi, has anyone put 205/50 R16 tyres on an ND 1.5 instead of the standard 195/50 R16? The choices of 195/50 are quite limiting, a few more with 205/50. But does it cause a problem with rubbing with/without wheel spacers? How about speedo accuracy? I think 205/45 would be too low a profile for me - harder noisier ride?

I’m looking at premium tyres (Mich, Goodyear, Continental, etc.) not looking at doing any track days, just normal road use, ideally a quiet tyre, anybody got any experience of these?

Any advice much appreciated.

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As the 2l car runs 205 tyre and takes a 215 easily, I doubt you will have any issues at all.

Falken ZE310 is going to be your quietest tyre followed by Hankook Ventus Prime 4. The Conti Premium Contact 6 is also never a bad choice for comfort.

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You will impact the speedo reading by going for a taller tyre, but I’d wager the ND over-reads anyway.

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