Wheels/Tires: Effect of FE

[cwarnar]

This could be a massive noob question but I am looking at new tires in the next year and am wondering if I am going to be hurting my FE by up sizing the tires.

Current:

195/65/15

Prospective new tires:

205/55/16

Is it that going to make a major difference in my FE? Otherwise I will just upgrade the existing tires with the stock rim.

Thanks.

Curt

[DifferentPointofView]

hmm... huh.. depends really on the circumference of the new tire. But otherwise, yes it will effect your FE because it's wider, which equals more aero drag, and more rolling resistance.

[dremd]

Check out http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Would give Worse Fuel economy.
More Revs Per Mile
More Footprint (Rolling resistance

[cwarnar]

Originally Posted by dremd

Check out http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Would give Worse Fuel economy.
More Revs Per Mile
More Footprint (Rolling resistance

That's a great tool. Thanks.

[H4MM3R]

Here is another link>>> http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthrea...&highlight=185

[cwarnar]

Am I correct to to assume you want a lower number of revs per mile for better FE???

[tasdrouille]

205/55/16 should have the edge on the rolling resistance coefficient, but not by more than 0.001 (everything else but size being equal).
195/65/15 wins on the aero front due to it's reduced frontal area.

I'd go with 205/55/16 if you drive mostly city, 195/65/15 for highway.

[cwarnar]

Thanks, I decided not to buy larger wheels, so I am now looking at 205/60/15 (stock) and 195/65/15 which is what I have on right now.