Judging by the comments above it would not make any difference changing from 205/50R16 on my mk3 215/55R16
Is this correct?
No⌠your original tyres 205/50R16 have a theoretical external tyre diameter of 611.4mm
a 215/55R16 will have a theoretical external tyre diameter of 642.9mm which is 5.15% bigger
a 215/50R16 will have a theoretical external tyre diameter of 621.4mm which is 1.64% bigger
a 215/45R16 will have a theoretical external tyre diameter of 599.9mm which is 1.88% smaller
Not sure which tyres are available but I would be looking at the last two if you want to fit a bit of a wider tyre.
I guess itâs a personal choice, the 215 are obviously 10mm wider, a wider contact with the road. I guess under normal driving conditions the average driver wouldnât have a clue whatâs fitted and if they are better or safer. Itâs the brand of tyre that matters most here, pick the wrong one and it may not suit the MX-5 but thatâs a whole new debate, plenty of threads on that if you do a search.
Assuming you may want the wider 16" tyres now not 17" alloys?
Better check with our tyre expert on whatâs available in that size, he may chip in at some point.
